The KEM Electric Board consists of 7 member elected directors. Directors are elected at the annual meeting to serve 3 year terms and meet once a month.

KEM Electric Cooperative's Directors serve as liaisons between fellow members and the co-op executive staff, providing guidance and oversight on co-op operations. Directors provide the vital service of voicing the membership's needs and upholding the cooperative value of democratic member control.

Board meetings are held the 4th Tuesday of every month unless re-scheduled otherwise.

To obtain information on attending a board meeting please contact KEM at chill@iea.coop, or call 1-800-472-2673 or 1-701-254-4666.

To place an item on the agenda, please contact Board Chairman Victor "Chuck" Wald or Co-General Manager/Chief Executive Officer Donald Franklund at one of the above numbers at least one week in advance. Members may obtain a copy of approved board minutes by completing and returning the "Request for Information or Data" form:

Request Meeting Minutes

  • Carmen Essig: January, 2016 to Present

  • Milton Brandner: April, 2008 to January, 2016

  • Adolph Feyereisen: October, 2002 to March, 2008*

  • Milton Brandner: July, 1999 to October, 2002

  • Glen Perman: October, 1995 to June, 1999

  • Adolph Feyereisen: August, 1993 to October, 1995

  • Joe G. Glatt: July, 1984 to August, 1993

  • Roland Becker: July, 1980 to June, 1984

  • Herbert O. Wiest: October, 1974 to July, 1980

  • Andrew Weigel: February, 1969 to October, 1974

  • Joseph Vetter: June, 1954 to February, 1969

  • Fred J. Ohlhauser: August, 1951 to June, 1954

*Statewide Vice President  (1995-1999)
*Statewide President (1999-2008) 

John Beck

John Beck

District 1

District 1 is situated within Emmons County. It includes the towns of Hazelton, Braddock, and Temvik. This district holds 613 miles of line, 490 members, and 2 substation yards. The substations in this district are Hazelton and Sunburst. John Beck has served on KEM Electric's Board of Directors since 2012. He was most recently re-elected in 2021. He is the Vice Chairman.

Carter Vander Wal

Carter

District 2

District 2 is situated within Emmons County. It includes the towns of Linton, Strasburg, Hague, Westfield, and Hull. This district holds 576 miles of line, 514 members, and 2 substation yards. The substations in this district are Linton and Krassna. Carter Vander Wal has served on KEM Electric's Board of Directors since 2006. He was most recently re-elected in 2021. He is the Secretary/Treasurer.

Neil Meidinger

Neil

District 3

District 3 is situated within McIntosh County. It includes the towns of Zeeland, Venturia, Wishek, and Ashley. This district holds 608 miles of line, 447 members, and 3 substation yards. The substations in this district are Ashley, Zeeland, and Danzig. Neil Meidinger has served on KEM Electric's Board of Directors since 2016. He was most recently re-elected in 2019.

Victor Wald

Chuck

District 4

District 4 is situated within Logan County. It includes the towns of Lehr, Napoleon, and Kintyre. This district holds 579 miles of line, 335 members, and 2 substation yards. The substations in this district are Napoleon and Sukut. Victor Wald has served on KEM Electric's Board of Directors since 2010. He was most recently re-elected in 2021. He is the Chairman.

Dean Dewald

Dean

District 5

District 5 is situated within Kidder County. It includes the towns of Steele, Dawson, Tappen, and Crystal Springs. This district holds 558 miles of line, 419 members, and 2 substation yards. The substations in this district are Steele and Tappen. Dean Dewald has served on KEM Electric's Board of Directors since 2002. He was most recently re-elected in 2021.

Carmen Essig

Carmen Essig

District at Large

The Board of Directors includes two at large positions. The Directors represent the service area as a whole. Carmen Essig has served on KEM Electric's Board of Directors since 1999. He was most recently re-elected in 2021.

Dean Hummel

Dean

District at Large

The Board of Directors includes two at large positions. The at large directors represent the service area as a whole. Dean Hummel has served on KEM Electric's Board of Directors since 2004. He was most recently re-elected in 2019.

District Map

map