2026 Official Ballot
DISTRICT 1 AT-LARGE
Three Year Term
DISTRICT 1 AT-LARGE
Brian Brown
Pequot Lakes, MN
brianbrown29@icloud.com
Major Activities/Organizations or other interest to public:
Parish
trustee of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (2 years); Parish Council
member at large of St. Patrick’s Church (4 years); Member of Facilities
Assessment Committee of the Basilica of St. Mary (2 years); Parent
volunteer in Columbia Heights and Edina Public schools (8 years)
I’m
running for the Crow Wing Power Board of Directors because I care
deeply about the well- being of our community and the future we’re
building together. Like many of you, I want a cooperative we can rely
on—one that keeps electricity affordable, invests wisely, and treats
every member with respect.
Service
has always been at the center of my life. As a parish trustee and
former Member-at-Large on my parish council, I’ve learned how to
listen, how to collaborate, and how to earn the trust of the people I
represent. My work on the Facilities Assessment Committee for the
Basilica of St. Mary taught me what it means to safeguard something
important for the next generation. And as a longtime volunteer in my
children’s schools, I’ve seen firsthand how strong communities are
built—one act of service at a time.
Professionally,
I bring more than 25 years of experience as a registered Professional
Engineer in electrical engineering. I understand the real challenges of
delivering reliable power to 40,000 members, and I know how much rising
electricity costs affect every household. I’m committed to using my
expertise to protect reliability and keep rates reasonable.
I’m
asking for your vote because I want to put my experience to work for
all of us. Please vote for me as Member at Large for District 1.
Thank you
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DISTRICT 1 AT-LARGE
Eric J. Larson
Crosby, MN
esmblarson@gmail.com
Major Activities/Organizations or other interest to public:
Member
of committee and sing in choir at Church. Volunteer at Pass the Bread
food shelf. Big fan of 9 year old granddaughter’s hockey team.
If
elected, I promise to represent the Cooperative and its members in an
honest, ethical and trustworthy manner in every decision I am involved
in making. I believe any projects or investments outside of normal
operations of CW Power should be fully disclosed to the Cooperative
members prior to any money being spent. One example of this is the
Manganese mining project.
I
worked at medical device and computer companies in the Twin Cities as a
Quality Engineer and Regulatory Affairs manager for my entire career. I
have been on many teams as a team leader and member. As team leader met
with FDA to discuss Medical Device Reporting proposal which was later
approved. Have authored many policies, procedures and validation
documents. I believe honesty, collaboration, compromise and
communication are very important for success.
I have a BA Physics (Hamline University) and BSEE (University of Minnesota).
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DISTRICT 1 AT-LARGE
Bryan McCulloch
Fifty Lakes, MN
cwpmcculloch@gmail.com
Major Activities/Organizations or other interest to public:
McCulloch
and Associates General Contracting/Rock Creek Excavation/Landscaping
1981-2012. Emily Cooperative Board of Directors (past president and
vice president) 29 years, past Fifty Lakes Council Member, past Boy
Scout Master (Troop 118), of Emily Outing Fifty Lakes & Crosslake,
church board member, Board of Directors CWP Credit Union & People’s
Security, and currently employed by Anderson Brother’s. Presently
serving district one at large for CWP Board of Directors and present
secretary.
My
main purpose for serving is laid out in the articles VI and article II
section 11 of the bylaws which states “I will support the constitution
and the bylaws of the United States of America, the constitution and
laws of the state of MN and the bylaws of CWP; I will faithfully
discharge, according to the best of my abilities and duties of my
offices, during such time as I am director of CWP; I will never
knowingly do or cause to be done any act or deed which would not be in
the best interest of the cooperative and members.” While serving CWP
director my fiduciary responsibility to the members, has always been my
highest goal. We are proud to have been able to return ? million in
capital credit checks of the years.
I
believe my background leadership and experience helps me make
significant contributions to CWP’s success and I take my board of
directors responsibility seriously. Please continue to let me serve you.
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DISTRICT 1 AT-LARGE
Mark R. Ness
Pequot Lakes, MN
markness50@aol.com
Major Activities/Organizations or other interest to public:
Previously:
I was Commander MN Air National Guard; Chairman of the Board, MN Air
National Guard Museum; Northwest Airlines Crew Resource Manager;
Adjunct Professor College of St Thomas teaching courses pertaining to
“Masterful Leadership” emphasizing character/morality element and the
transparent leader; Captain/Instructor/ Examiner Pilot Northwest
Airlines; Master of Public Administration (MPA Degree) Hamline
University, St Paul, MN.
I
would look forward to serving on the Crow Wing Power Board of Directors
as a consumer and as one who has a connection to the area I currently
live. Being a native of Crow Wing County provides me with connections
to long term friends and neighbors who provide grass roots input and
advice resulting from local experience. I have learned to listen and
manage expectations and produce relevant answers. My hope has always
been to contribute to a focused, positive, wellorganized and fully
devoted team. Listening first and producing results that match the
needs expressed by the community, the consumers and the employees. It
would certainly be rewarding to work with and develop the kind of team
that is totally committed; outwardly focused; and generously sensitive
to adverse community concerns that show an appearance of
selfmotivations or corporate insensitivity. I believe my background as
stated is very compatible to the environment that is pursued within the
Crow Wing Power energy cooperative. Improvements can always be made,
and good ideas can be gleaned from the community we serve. I look
forward to solving difficult issues with a competent team of
professionals that understand the meaning of teamwork, listening, and
producing with unselfish and grateful attitudes toward customer,
community, and environment.
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DISTRICT 1 AT-LARGE
Jackson M. Purfeerst
Crosslake, MN
jmppp10@gmail.com
Major Activities/Organizations or other interest to public:
I
currently serve as Mayor of Crosslake and previously served two years
on the Crosslake City Council. I am a trustee on the Crow Wing Power
Board, president of my local lake association, and leader of the
Minnesota Mayors Coalition, representing more than 270 mayors
statewide. I also volunteer with the Crosslake Food Shelf and work
alongside residents and civic partners to strengthen local
decision-making and community trust, with a steady, transparent
approach to leadership and community partnership.
My
involvement with Crow Wing Power began in 2018, when I won the
cooperative’s essay contest and was selected to represent Crow Wing
Power on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Youth Tour
in Washington, D.C. That experience—alongside more than 2,400 students
from across the country—gave me a firsthand understanding of how
electric cooperatives serve their members, strengthen communities, and
advocate nationally on energy issues.
In
2022, I was honored to return to Washington, D.C., as a Youth Tour
alumni facilitator, once again representing Crow Wing Power and helping
guide the next generation of cooperative leaders. In 2020, I was
elected to serve on the Operation Round Up Board,
where I currently serve as Treasurer and Secretary. In this role, I
work alongside fellow board members to uphold transparency,
accountability, and responsible stewardship of member-donated funds by
ensuring contributions are directed through established review
processes to vetted nonprofit organizations that benefit our
communities. I am completing my final term on this board.
As
mayor and in my cooperative service, I lead with transparency, open
communication, and a commitment to building trust. As our cooperative
continues to grow, we must do so thoughtfully and responsibly. I am
committed to being a steady, member-focused voice on the board—bringing
practical leadership, sound judgment, and a steady hand.
DISTRICT 2B
Three Year Term
DISTRICT 2B
Harlan V. Johnson
Breezy Point, MN
harlan@hvjagency.com
Major Activities/Organizations or other interest to public:
Member
Log Church, Crosslake, Member and twice President of Central Lakes
Rotary, Member and twice President NAIFA-MN Paul Bunyan Chapter -
Brainerd, BOD NAIBIP-MN, MN Comprehensive Health Assoc., Founding
Member BCBSM Ad Hoc Advisory Council, Member MNsure Health Industry
Advisory Council, Chair Ambassadors North Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber,
Crosslake Future Funding & Development Committee, Rotary Liasson to
Pequot Lakes High School INTERACT CLUB, Graduate Life Underwriters
Training Council (LUTCF), Participant 12 years Agent’s Day on the hill
MN Legislature
I
spent summers since 1954 on South Bay of Crosslake, and year round
resident of same since 1973, and have witnessed the legacy of Crow Wing
Power and Light Employees fulfilling their mission of maintaining the
power transmission, delivery, and restoration of the same after weather
related events. I watched our Cooperative power utility proudly pursue,
and proliferate the power grid in our districts. I look forward
learning more, and serving my fellow Cooperative Members! My children
all attended public school in Pine River, and Pequot Lakes, and most
have chosen to stay and work in the area. In my spare time I’ve built a
nice little cadre of barefoot waterskiers over the years in Crosslake
and Itasca County. I don’t ‘Walk on water’, ...but I come as close as
possible, as often as possible, and cherish sharing the experience with
others!
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DISTRICT 2B
Don Lindgren
Pequot Lakes, MN
lindgrenpiano@gmail.com
763-360-7707
Major Activities/Organizations or other interest to public:
Judy
& I are from Minnesota having lived most recently in Paynesville
and Akeley. We lived in Forida from 2019 – 2023. During that time, I
was on the finance steering committee for our HOA at The Place at
Corkscrew. We moved to Breezy Point in November 2023.
I
have been retired since 2012. I feel my background and experience
during my working career will bring a level of knowledge that will help
steer Crow Wing Power Cooperative into the future. I have BS Civil
Engineering from the University of North Dakota, 1974. I have obtained
both a Professional Engineer designation (P.E.) as well as a Chartered
Property Casualty Underwriter designation (CPCU).
I
have over 35 years of experience managing property risk for Fortune 500
clients with large commercial portfolios. I was the Minneapolis branch
manager for Protection Mutual Insurance Company and led the sales and
underwriting for our policyholders which generated over $10 million in
annual revenue. Among my key accounts were ALLETE, Great River Energy,
Otter Tail Power Company, Montana-Dakota Utilities, Black Hills
Corporation & NorthWestern Energy. I am very familiar with the
utility business. Also note “Mutual” in the name. The company was owned
by the policyholders – exactly like our Cooperative business model. I
was instilled with a focus that everything you do is for the benefit of
the customer.
From
1980 – 1987 I was Manager, Property Insurance for Dayton Hudson
Corporation (now Target). I procured property insurance for all of
their stores and directed their loss control programs.
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DISTRICT 2B
Michael McDaid
Pelican Lake, MN
michaelfmcdaid@gmail.com
Major Activities/Organizations or other interest to public:
I
currently serve as Supervisor of Pelican Township, Secretary of the
Lakes and Rivers Alliance (LARA) Board focused on lake management, and
as a board member of the Pelican Lake Association. These roles reflect
my long-standing commitment to community stewardship, governance, and
environmental responsibility. Professionally, I am a retired IBM
executive and a former partner with Ernst & Young, bringing
extensive leadership, strategic, and fiduciary experience to public and
nonprofit boards.
I
am seeking election to the Board of Directors because I believe
strongly in the cooperative model and the important role an energy
cooperative plays in strengthening its members and the broader
community. Reliable, affordable, and forward-looking energy services
are essential to both economic vitality and quality of life,
particularly in rural communities. I currently serve as Supervisor of
Pelican Township, Secretary of the Lakes and Rivers Alliance (LARA)
Board for lake and watershed management, and as a board member of the
Pelican Lake Association. These roles have deepened my experience in
public governance, collaborative decision-making, and balancing diverse
stakeholder interests while keeping long-term stewardship at the
forefront.
Professionally,
I am a retired executive from IBM and a former partner with Ernst &
Young. My career provided extensive experience in strategic planning,
financial system reengineering, risk management, and supply chain
enhancement—skills that directly translate to effective board service.
I am comfortable evaluating complex issues, asking thoughtful
questions, and supporting decisions that are in the best interests of
the organization and its members. If elected, I will bring an
independent, informed, and collaborative perspective to the Board,
grounded in integrity and accountability. I am motivated to serve
because I value strong local institutions and want to help ensure the
Cooperative remains member-focused, financially sound, and
well-positioned for the future.
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DISTRICT 2B
John Quinlivan
Pequot Lakes
john@gordon-james.com
Major Activities/Organizations or other interest to public:
In
2016, I started Orono Cares www.oronocares.org to help families in need
during the holidays. Rotary. Chamber of Commerce, and the Economic
Development Board.
Most
important, I am a big supporter of Cooperatives, because the level of
service is first class, and we’ve been a customer of CWP since 1997. I
would like to think my educational and business background could be
very beneficial to CWP. My experience serving on an Economic
Development Board and the Housing First Minnesota Board will also be
beneficial to CWP. I believe the future is bright for CWP, and I would
like to be a part of that future.
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DISTRICT 2B
Todd Anthony Roggenkamp
Breezy Point, MN
mnminker@tds.net
Major Activities/Organizations or other interest to public:
I am currently the Mayor of the City of Breezy Point. I am serving my second non-consecutive term for the city.
I
would like to serve the members of Crow Wing Power district 2B, because
I believe my educational background and leadership skills in my 25+
year career in education/management, work in volunteer organizations,
and currently as the Mayor of Breezy Point will serve the members of
the district well. If elected as the Director to serve District 2B, the
members should know I will always look at what is best for the
membership as a whole with regards to how they receive their energy
from Crow Wing Power.
While
at times, tough decisions will need to be made regarding how to best
serve and support members in this ever-changing environment of energy
use my efforts will stay committed to our members having their energy
needs met in the most practical and economical way. As your director, I
will be committed to making sure as board we work to have your co-op,
continue to provide efficient operations and remain sustainable for the
future. Things such as infrastructure, evolving regulations,
technological transitions, and demographic shifts in our community will
all play critical roles in determining this as we move forward together.
As
someone who was born, raised, and now resides in this area having
raised a family here, I understand the importance of Crow Wing Power
continuing to build on a long history of providing great services and
affordable energy to its members and ask for you to support me as the
next director of district 2B.
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DISTRICT 2B
Eric Spandl
Crosslake, MN
espandl@comcast.net
Major Activities/Organizations or otherinterest to public:
Heartland
Credit Union- BoD, Secretary; NCWSS- BoD, Secretary/Treasurer, Finance
Committee Chair, Site Selection, Local Arrangements; WSSA- Finance
Committee; MCCA (ex-officio) BoD, Chair, Publicity Committee
My
background includes significant experience in volunteer work with 501C3
and other organizations, ranging from committees through chair roles.
As an employee of Land O’Lakes, a member drive cooperative, for 29
years, I have a legacy understanding of existing to serve
members. Coupled with that is a strong science background (Ph.D.) that
brings an added perspective- the ability to look at the system from a
technical lens, and advocate for innovations that will deliver value
for members. Energy is the cornerstone of our economy, impacting our
daily lives. And, we need to account for growth of existing uses and
plan for the future growth. As a member owned cooperative, it is
critical that the business engages with members and aligns with their
needs. So, what are some of the key needs? Reliable, sustainable, and
affordable energy.
My
extensive communications background in writing, training, technical
support, and business development can help foster connectivity with
members, partners and external organizations. Plus, my experience
includes national advocacy efforts working through professional and
trade associations and included fly-ins to DC advocating for
agricultural issues. Experience with diverse financials from scientific
societies to the credit union, construction management and building
operations, coupled with editing and review of Bylaws and MOPs adds
another level of diversity to my qualifications.
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DISTRICT 2B
Casey Traxler
Pequot Lakes, MN
traxstar@me.com
Major Activities/Organizations or other interest to public:
My
involvement extends beyond periodic participation—I serve as a
continuous mentoring presence and guiding member within Veteran
organizations. This sustained commitment has enabled me to: Mentor
fellow veterans through transition challenges and career development.
Lead fundraising initiatives to generate resources that directly
improve veterans’ quality of life. Contribute to organizational
expansion efforts that broaden the reach and effectiveness of veteran
support services. Provide strategic guidance informed by both military
experience and long-term community engagement.
I
have been deeply involved with veteran organizations since retiring
from the Army in the mid-2000s, serving in leadership, mentoring, and
volunteer capacities. My roles have included team leadership positions
where I contributed to organizational expansion and strategic
initiatives. I continuously mentor fellow veterans and have led
fundraising efforts that directly support improving veterans’ lives.
This nearly two-decade commitment demonstrates sustained community
engagement and leadership experience directly applicable to board
governance.
As
a proud Crow Wing Power member, I am eager to leverage this experience
to help strengthen the services and offerings of an already stellar
cooperative. My background in organizational growth, strategic
planning, and community service positions me to contribute meaningfully
to the co-op’s continued success and member value.
DISTRICT 3A
Three Year Term
DISTRICT 3A
Loren Beilke
Baxter, MN
loren.beilke@gmail.com
Major Activities/Organizations or other interest to public:
My
family has lived the Brainerd Lakes area for over 25 years. Our family
has grown up here and complete school and now has families of their
own. I’ve been a member of the Brainerd Lakes Rotary for over 26 years.
I have served many years as the president of our lake association and
am still active in looking out for our White Sand Lake. We are also
members of many area outdoor activity groups.
I
am running for the Crow Wing Power Cooperative Board of Directors
because I believe strongly in the value of local leadership,
responsible stewardship, and the cooperative principles that keep our
communities strong. As a long time member of Crow Wing Power, I
understand the importance of reliable service, fair rates, and
transparent decision making, and I am committed to representing our
members with integrity and common sense leadership.
My
priorities begin with maintaining a resilient and dependable electrical
system. Reliable power is essential for homes, farms, and businesses
across our region, and continued investment in modern infrastructure is
critical to reducing outages and ensuring long term stability. I will
support thoughtful planning that prioritizes system reliability while
protecting members from unnecessary costs.
As
energy technologies evolve, Crow Wing Power must take a balanced and
practical approach to the future. I believe in exploring opportunities
that strengthen reliability, maintain affordability, and prepare our
grid for the demands of tomorrow—without placing undue financial burden
on members. Most importantly, a cooperative belongs to its members. I
will work to ensure your voice is heard and that board decisions
reflect the needs and values of the people we serve.
I
started my career as an engineer and served in many roles including
corporate president and then as a small business owner. I think that my
experiences and skills give me more to contribute. I would be honored
to earn your support.
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DISTRICT 3A
Michael E Strange
Brainerd, MN
strange475@gmail.com
Major Activities/Organizations or other interest to public:
Being
involved in ministry for several years, I have conducted board
meetings, drafted budgets and have been involved in community outreach.
This
would be a wonderful opportunity to invest in, give back and to serve
Crow Wing County area which has provided for my wife and I for the past
15 + years. And, I believe in the cooperative business model where the
member-owners have a voice in how the cooperative operates. My goal
would be to ensure that the Crow Wing Power cooperative continues to
strive to fulfil its mission.
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DISTRICT 3A
Dwight Thiesse
Brainerd, MN 56401
cwpthiesse@gmail.com
Major Activities/Organizations or other interest to public:
Board
member, Crow Wing County Historical Society, Crow Wing Power Credit
Union, People’s Security; Past board member, Pierz Coop; member Crow
Wing County Farm Bureau; served in the U.S. Army; American Legion
member; and member of Park United Methodist Church.
I
am a lifetime resident of rural Brainerd. My wife, Linda, and I raised
two sons. My brother, Loren, and I operate a farm south of Brainerd.
The main challenge I’ve experienced as a Crow Wing Power Director has
been to keep electricity affordable and reliable for our fellow members.
As
state and federal regulation and mandates can place financial burdens
on electric utilities, I am proud of management and staff for their
ability to maintain a well run Cooperative, and keeping costs down,
while providing excellent reliability and service. Individually and
through state and national cooperative associations, the board tries to
communicate our concerns about legislation to our elected officials. I
would encourage you, as co-op member to do the same.
It’s
been a pleasure to see the good work that Operation Round-Up has done
for our region, since it’s inception in 1996, about $5 million has been
donated to charitable projects and programs. Thank you to those that
make it happen.
Because
it has a vision and “team” concept of staff, employees and directors,
Crow Wing Power has been very successful in operating a very strong
cooperative.
I
was given the privilege and responsibility to serve you, which I take
very seriously. I would appreciation your continued support, to carry
on the good work that is being done.
