SWCE 2022 board of director nominees

District 2

Geraldine G. Lienke, incumbent, and her husband, Dave, reside in rural Janesville. Gerri has lived in Waseca County her entire life and their parents have also lived in Waseca County their entire life with all being served by Steele-Waseca Cooperative Electric (SWCE). Gerri’s father-in-law remembers getting electricity for the first time and shared his story in the co-op’s 75th anniversary book. “Just as we are faced today with many changes, I’m sure he went thru the same thoughts of ‘how do you think that’s going to work?’” wrote Gerri. “Same today with wind & solar generation & electric cars. Will it work for the good of the people? Today, just as years past, we need to have faith that all will create a better life for our kids & grandkids.” As for the qualities she brings to the board, Gerri highlighted her work with Crystal Valley, being a good listener and open minded for all concerns brought to her attention. “I will do my best to stay educated by taking classes offered, keeping an open mind as new ideas are brought before us and try to leave the world in good or better conditions as we found it. I will also try to answer any questions & my door is always open.”

District 4

Dennis C. Ringhofer, incumbent, has been a board director for SWCE since 2004. “I live in Steele County, in Somerset Township with my better half, Becca, on my family farm,” wrote Dennis. “We raise corn, soybeans and hay.” Between Dennis and Becca, they have 4 children and 10 grandchildren. Dennis is an independent insurance agent for Ringhofer Insurance agency for 34 years and currently serves as vice president of the Owatonna Mutual Fire Insurance Company. “For SWCE, I have completed the Credentialed Cooperative Director Program and hold the Board Leadership Program Certificate,” wrote Dennis. “I consider it an honor to be on the Board of Directors for SWCE to see that the needs are met for the farms, residential and industrial as professional as possible. I am very proud to say I am a member and director of SWCE, where we are member owned. There will be lots of changes in the next few years and I would like to be involved with those changes.” 

District 6

Michael T. Herman, resides in rural Owatonna in Havana Township with his wife, Diana Lobo. Michael grew up on a farm outside of Mountain Lake, Minnesota. He joined the Marines and spent 21 years on active duty. In 2006, they moved to Northfield and in 2014 moved to their farm on Rose St. Michael is the CEO for Driessen Water, which has 26 locations in six states and 295 employees. As for the qualities he would bring to the board, Michael stated, “As a CEO and past military experience I believe my leadership, stewardship and team building traits would be a benefit.” Among the boards he serves on includes the Owatonna Chamber of Commerce and Minnesota Plumbing Board. “I have always felt that as a person I need and desire to be actively involved in my community and to serve wherever I can.” Michael cited his past experience on the Steele-Waseca Nominating Committee and have seen what the board of directors do and how it represents those in the co-op.

District 6

Gary W. Wilson, incumbent, and his wife, Diane, have retired from farming, but live on their farm in Havana Township. Both are lifelong residents of Steele County, except for four years Gary served in the U.S. Air Force. The couple has two married sons and seven grandchildren, all living in the area. In their leisure, both enjoy searching for antiques and driving their ’59 Chevy Impala around the countryside. Gary currently serves as the SWCE board president, and previously served as secretary/treasurer. Additional board responsibilities include representing Steele-Waseca on the Great River Energy board of directors. He has successfully completed the Credentialed Cooperative Director program and holds the Board Leadership Program Certificate. Gary recently received the Director Gold Certificate to signify advanced training in cooperative leadership. He is a former supervisor on the Steele County Soil and Water Conservation District board, served on the Havana Township board, and the Steele County Planning and Zoning Commission. “It is a privilege to serve on the Steele-Waseca board of directors,” stated Gary, “and I feel my leadership and experience will help maintain the high standard of quality service that the members deserve and have come to expect.”