| Posted in: News Releases
Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) is pleased to announce that Chris Olson has accepted the position of Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the organization, effective March 7, 2022. He will replace Senior Vice President and CFO Merlin Sawyer who has completed over 35 years of service to MRES and will retire May 6, 2022.
Olson served as Finance Manager at ALP Utilities in Alexandria, Minnesota, for over 10 years and also as Assistant General Manager for more than three of those years. At ALP, Olson managed the utility’s financial and billing functions, including budgets, general ledger accounting, bonding, investments and cash activities. He spearheaded the preparation of presentations to bond rating agencies, including Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Ratings, successfully achieving upgraded bond ratings for ALP. Olson also attained two multimillion-dollar revenue bond issues for undergrounding the ALP electric distribution system.
ALP Utilities is a long-time member of MRES and as such, Chris is well acquainted with the MRES staff and organization. He is also a past board member of the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association.
“We are very fortunate to have Chris joining the MRES team,” said Tom Heller, MRES president and CEO. “His broad knowledge of the electric industry and expertise in utility finances will provide great value to MRES and its members. We are excited for the opportunity to work with him.”
Chris is originally from Thief River Falls, Minnesota and received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Moorhead (Minnesota) State University. He is married to wife Christine. His interests include running, hiking and other outdoor activities.