Lynn Thompson Named 2024 ACE Award Recipient
November 1, 2024—Former Eau Claire Energy Cooperative (ECEC) President and CEO Lynn Thompson has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Ally of Cooperative Electrification Award (ACE), WECA’s highest honor. The ACE Award is presented each year as recognition of outstanding contributions to Wisconsin’s electric cooperatives.
Thompson was nominated for his ingenuity and professionalism as CEO, including his exemplary mentorship, community leadership, and financial expertise. He championed many causes during his time at the cooperative and was a leader in broadband expansion, beneficial electrification, and renewable energy. For example, in 2015, under his leadership, Eau Claire Energy installed MemberSolar, a community solar project that was the largest utility-owned solar array in the state at that time.
Thompson graduated from Albert Lea High School in Albert Lea, Minnesota, and earned a master’s degree in accounting from the University of North Dakota. He worked as a public accountant before starting his cooperative career as office manager at ECEC in 1991. He was appointed chief executive officer in 2009 and held that position until his retirement in 2022.
Thompson’s nomination was enthusiastically supported by many co-op leaders and the ECEC board who wrote, “Lynn not only worked hard to ensure the success for ECEC’s members, but he also had a broader perspective focusing on ensuring success within his community. He played a vital role in advocating for economic development, beneficial electrification, and the deployment of broadband to unserved and underserved areas. Lynn demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the employees and membership, and the community at ECEC during his 31 years of service at Eau Claire Energy Cooperative. The Board of Directors valued his leadership and professionalism at ECEC and for his many contributions. We are proud and honored to support Lynn’s nomination for the ACE award.”
Barron Electric Linemen Awarded Inaugural WECA Cooperative Hero Award
L to R: Tyler Rosmos, John Offord, Aaron Holten
November 1, 2024—Barron Electric Cooperative lineworkers Aaron Holten and Tyler Romsos are the recipients of the inaugural Cooperative Hero Award, which recognizes individuals who demonstrate exemplary character in a life-saving effort either on or off the job.
On June 10, 2024, Holten and Romsos were working to replace a meter socket at the home of John Offord in Barron when Romsos heard a loud bang come from a nearby shed. Inside they found Offord lying on the floor, disoriented, with a cut on his head. The linemen called 911 and used their first aid and safety training to tend to Offord as they waited for first responders. Using his phone, they were also able to contact his wife, who was not home at the time.
Rob Richard Named WECA President and CEO
October 25, 2024—WECA Board Chair Dan Hillberry announced that the board has named Rob Richard as the statewide’s next president and CEO. Richard has been serving in a dual role as interim president and CEO, and vice president of government relations and external affairs since August. He also serves as the executive director of the Federated Youth Foundation.
According to Hillberry, “Rob has demonstrated his ability to be an exceptional leader with the knowledge and dedication necessary to lead our statewide as it continues to work on behalf of Wisconsin electric cooperatives and their members. While we knew we had an extremely strong candidate in-house, as a board, recognizing the critical importance of this position, we felt it was necessary to do our due diligence and conduct a nationwide search. After reviewing more than 100 applications, many of which were also from highly qualified candidates, we decided Richard was the best choice. With him at the helm, we are assured a streamlined transition and a continuity of operations, which is important as we set a high standard for the efficiency, productivity, and professionalism among our statewide staff.”
In accepting the position, Richard said, “I am humbled and honored by the confidence of the board and its decision to grant me this opportunity. I am thankful for the guidance of a great mentor, Steve Freese, who taught me what it means to be an exceptional leader, and I look forward to the journey during this transformational time in our industry.”
The board also directed Richard to fill the now-vacant government affairs position at WECA.
Richard grew up in southwestern Wisconsin and earned a degree from UWPlatteville. His experience includes time as a legislative staffer working in the office of Steve Freese when he served as a representative in the Wisconsin State Assembly, as well as the offices of Representative Mark Gottlieb and Senator Scott Fitzgerald. He also worked in government affairs at the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and at Circus World Museum. He joined WECA in January of 2019.
Richard succeeds Steve Freese, who passed away August 28, 2024 following a hard-fought battle with cancer.
Congratulations Rob!
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CO-OP DIFFERENCE
HONORING THOSE WHO HAVE SERVEDAND WECN CELEBRATES 1,000 ISSUES
– Rob Richard, WECA President & CEO
I’m incredibly fortunate that I have been surrounded by family and friends my entire life who have helped shape my worldview when it comes to understanding and appreciating the role of military service. My grandfather flew more than a dozen missions in World War II’s European theater as a B-24 navigator. I had uncles who served in Korea and Vietnam. I have friends who saw action in the first Gulf War and a brother-in-law who flew F-16 combat missions in the Global War on Terror.
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
The Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News serves as the voice of the state’s rural electric cooperatives.Founded in 1940, the publication focuses on statewide issues that affect electric cooperatives, promoting the general welfare of Wisconsin’s electric cooperatives, their member-owners, and the areas they serve.
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