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Meet Your Board

For almost 90 years, Connexus Energy has been owned and governed by members like you. Democratically elected by members, the Connexus Energy Board of Directors establishes rates, sets the cooperative’s goals and strategic direction, provides financial oversight, ensures compliance with local, state, and federal law, and acts as the policy-making body of Connexus.

The cooperative’s articles of incorporation and bylaws provide the framework for governance and conducting business, in compliance with state statute and as adopted by the membership, with information on membership, voting, Cash Back, and more.

For general inquiries about the board, contact Krista Benjamin, 763.323.2600.

Current board of directors

Connexus Energy is governed by eight directors with two directors representing each of the four director districts. Director terms are three years and begin immediately following the annual meeting. Learn more about the board’s roles and responsibilities and the director election and annual meeting.

To contact a director regarding board-related matters, click on their name. If you do not know which director represents you, consult the director district map below.

District 1

Mark Ethen   Sam_Villella.jpg

Mark Ethen

Vice Chair
Blaine

 

Sam Villella

Director
Blaine

 

District 2

Rick Braastad   Mike Thews

Rick Braastad

Director
Ham Lake

 

Mike Thews

Assistant Secretary/Treasurer
Coon Rapids

 

District 3

Fran Bator   Shelly-Peterson_BDI_8852.jpg

Fran Bator

Chair
East Bethel

 

Shelly Peterson

Secretary/Treasurer
Nowthen

 

District 4

Joe Gruenes   Angie Ronayne

Joe Gruenes

Director
Clear Lake

 

Angie Ronayne

Director
Big Lake

 

Director district map

The Connexus service territory is divided into four director districts, each with two director seats. Districts are designed as stipulated in Article III, Section 2a in the cooperative’s bylaws.

Type your address into the map’s search bar to find your district.

Board meetings

The Connexus Energy Board of Directors holds its regular monthly meeting at Connexus headquarters on the third Thursday of every month, except for April when the cooperative holds its annual meeting. Unless otherwise noted, meetings begin at 8:30 a.m.

Minnesota Statute 308A.327 specifies several categories by which cooperative boards may close a meeting or portion of a meeting. Meetings noted as Executive Session are closed to protect the cooperative’s competitive or financial position and employee confidentiality.  

Board meeting agendas and minutes are available by logging into your Connexus account and selecting Board Meeting under your profile picture.

2024 regular and special board meetings

  • January 18
  • February 15
  • March 21
  • May 16
  • June 13
  • July 18
  • August 15
  • September 10 - Executive Session (personnel)
  • September 19
  • September 26 - Executive Session (personnel)
  • October 8 - Executive Session (personnel)
  • October 17
  • November 15 - Executive Session (personnel)
  • November 21
  • December 13 – Executive Session (proprietary)
  • December 19

Meeting dates are subject to change by the board of directors based on scheduling circumstances.

How to attend a board meeting

Per Board Policy 1.16, members interested in attending a board meeting must contact the CEO's Office or call 763.323.2600, at least one week prior to the meeting.

Members who wish to speak regarding cooperative business shall submit a request at least two weeks prior to the meeting for consideration by the Board executive committee. If approved, the member will be notified. Any written or demonstrative materials for the meeting must be submitted two days prior to the meeting.

your most powerful membership®

These four words focus on the most important component of our cooperative: our members. In a cooperative, everything we do is for the benefit of our membership. This vision provides daily inspiration to build powerful partnerships with our members.

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Contact Connexus Energy

Get in touch with Connexus Energy. Call, email, stop in, or fill a form with your questions and feedback.