Director Candidate Bios

Cecil “Bud” Hensel

Personal Details:

I am married to Sharon (Schreiner) Hensel, born in Detroit Lakes, raised in Frazee, MN. We have four adult children and four grandchildren. We have lived in rural Frazee since 1993. I was born in Wallace, ID. I grew up in Spokane, WA and then returned to Wolf Lake, MN.

Schooling/Education:

I attended Frazee High School. I received a BS degree in Physics from NDSU, then commissioned into the Air Force. In 1993, I joined the North Dakota Air National Guard (NDANG). In 1995, I became a commercial pilot for United Airlines. While a member of the NDANG, I served as Flight Commander, Operation Squadron Commander, Director of Air Operation for the State, Air Chief of Staff for the State, Member of the National Guard Bureau Strategic Planning Committee, and Assistant Adjutant General for Air.

Committee Involvement:

I am a member of Sacred Heart Parish and have served on the pastoral council as chairman. I am a member of Knights of Columbus Council 12581 and currently the Grand Knight.

Why I want to be an LREC Director:

Since joining LREC, I have been interested in the management and distribution of our energy. I would like to support my community and co-op by being on the board.

Les Christensen

Personal Details:

I live on Dead Lake 10 miles east of Frazee.

Schooling/Education:

I graduated FHS 1974; MSUM BS Business Administration 1980; Queen’s University Master of Business Administration 1987; and the U.S. Army War College Master of Strategic Studies 2008.

I was an enlisted soldier from 1974-1977. Upon Army Reserve commissioning, I was an Infantry Officer from 1980-1991, and then a Finance Officer / Comptroller from 1991-2007 retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. I was also a Department of the Army Civilian (DAC) 1995-2017. My career culminated as the Resource Management Officer at Fort Irwin, California, where I managed a $120,000,000 annual budget. With over 35+ years associated with the Army, I have lived or worked on five continents and have visited a sixth. I have no intention of visiting Antarctica!

Committee Involvement:

After serving my COUNTRY, I now want to serve my COMMUNITY.

Why I want to be an LREC Director:

I am interested in helping LREC continue its expansion of renewable energy.

Patrick Meyers

Personal Details:

I am 37 years old. I am a resident of Dunn Township, where I own and operate my own farm. My wife, Emily and I have two daughters. I grew up on the family farm in Galesburg, N.D. with my parents and three brothers.

Schooling/Education:

I graduated from high school in Hunter, N.D. and Le Cordon Bleu in Mendota Heights, MN. In addition to operating my farm, I assist with my wife’s family resort, Fair Hills, on Pelican Lake.

Why I want to be an LREC Director:

I am running for the District 5 board seat because I want to see LREC Members continue to receive the level of service they enjoy today. I am a team player and an independent thinker. I understand the value of all businesses large and small, and the contributions they make to our economy. Affordable power is a key component to their success. I would appreciate your vote in the upcoming June election.

Ron Bratlie

Personal Details:

I am married to Gina, with two grown children. We have been LREC members at our Lake Eunice residence since 1986.

Education/Work Experience:

Bachelors–MSC (MN), Masters–EMU (MI), EDD.–USD (SD). CEO/CFO–43 years of school districts from 230 to 13,000 students with $100M operating and $250M construction budgets. President/Owner–administration, business, construction consulting corporation for 13 years. Initiated, supervised design and construction of first LEED certified building in Minnesota. Recognition awards include: US Energy Association’s Public Service (President Bush presiding); US EPA Indoor Air Quality Excellence; Centerpoint Energy’s Lifetime Energy Conservation Partner; Johnson Control’s Great Northwest Solutions Leadership; Elk River’s Energy City Excellence; Minnesota Superintendent of Excellence.

Committee and Community Involvement:

Past President: Lake Eunice Lake Association, Detroit Lakes Eagles, Elk River Rotary, Minnesota Educational Facilities Management Professionals, District 23 Superintendents; Chair, Lakes Area Literacy Council. Police Reserve Officer, Elk River Police Department.

Why I want to be a LREC Director:

Utilizing my energy experiences, I would like to work with, and support, the CEO and board members to provide leadership maintaining reasonable rates, reliability, exploration of conservation measures, and alternative renewable energy opportunities.

Sid Wisness

Personal Details:

My wife and I have lived outside of Battle Lake since 1997. I was born and raised in the Underwood area on a dairy farm. We have four grown children and nine grandchildren.

Schooling/Education:

I graduated from Underwood H.S. and South Dakota State University with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. My work experience was a total of 36 years with Ottertail Power, Chaska Public Utilities, Dakota Electric Assoc., and as a Factory Rep Agent working in the engineering and management areas. I also spent two years in the U.S. Army.

Committee Involvement:

I am currently active in the community as a school bus driver and involved in church activities in various leadership and volunteering roles. I am also a member of Sons of Norway.

Why I want to be an LREC Director:

Having served on the LREC Board of Directors for four three-year terms, I am equipped, knowledgeable, and desire to complete my final three-year term representing District 8 members/consumers in the decision making process and business of LREC.