| Posted in: News Releases
Vernell Roberts of Detroit Lakes, Minn. was elected to the position of chair of the board for Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) on Dec. 17, 2020, and will take over the role on Jan. 1, 2021. Steve Meyer of Brookings, S.D. was elected vice chair from South Dakota and his service will also begin on Jan. 1. The new assignments come as the result of the retirements of longtime board members Harold Schiebout and Don Johnston.
Roberts has had a career of 35+ years in public power and has been the General Manager of Detroit Lakes Public Utilities since 2012. His prior experience includes service to MRES member Wadena, Minn. Utilities Department, to the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association, and to the City of Loveland, Co., Light and Power. Roberts has served on the MRES board of directors since 2015 and also serves on the board of the Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency.
Meyer is the executive vice president and general manager of Brookings Municipal Utilities (BMU), a role he has held since 2006. Meyer joined BMU in 1986 as finance and accounting manager and was promoted to assistant general manager in 1995. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Meyer has served on the MRES board of directors since 2006.
At the Dec. 17 meeting of the MRES board, two new directors were also elected to fill seats vacated by Schiebout and Johnston. Murray Hulstein, utility manager of Sioux Center, Ia., Municipal Utilities will serve as a director representing Iowa members of MRES. John Prescott, city manager of the City of Vermillion, S.D. will serve as a director representing South Dakota members. These gentlemen will assume their new roles on Jan. 1, 2021.
“I’m excited about the future of Missouri River and its members,” said outgoing Chair Harold Schiebout. “This is a time of challenges, but also a time of great opportunities. With the abundant knowledge and experience of the new officers and board members, I know MRES will continue to be in good hands.”
“I want to thank the board for this opportunity and for their confidence in me,” Roberts said. “I look forward to working with former Chair Schiebout in his new position as chair emeritus.”
