2026 Annual Meeting Information April 15, 2026 - 10 a.m.
Meeting Details
The annual meeting for Nobles Cooperative Electric members will be held at Nobles Cooperative Electric’s office at 1505 20th Street, Slayton, Minnesota, on Wednesday, April 15, at 10 a.m. to take action on the following matters:
- Approval of the 2025 Annual Meeting Minutes
- Business and Fiscal Reports, which will be provided to the membership prior to the annual meeting
- President and CEO’s Report
- Announcement of the results of director and nominating committee elections
- All other business which may come before the meeting, or any adjournment, or adjournments thereof
Cindy M. Hokeness, Secretary
February 19, 2026
Details Regarding the 2026 Voting Process
Efforts were made to secure director candidates for Districts 4 and 6, as well as nominating committee members for Districts 3, 5, and 7. Unfortunately, not all districts have presented more than one candidate.
The District 6 Director and Nominating Committee members for Districts 3 and 7 will be elected by acclamation, as no additional candidates have emerged in those districts.
You have the opportunity to vote for the District 4 Director and the District 5 Nominating Committee member via mail-in ballot. Please select one candidate in each category, regardless of which district you live in.
All director elections continue to be conducted by mail-in ballot only. Mail voting gives every member an equal, convenient opportunity to participate — whether or not they are able to attend the Annual Meeting in person — and helps ensure the voting process remains fair and accessible for members across our entire service territory.
Your ballot will be mailed to you.
Director Candidates
Justin Feikema - Director Candidate
Tell us a little about yourself:
I was born and raised on a farm in the Lismore area and I now reside in Leota. I served 5 years honorably in the United States Marine Corps and worked for Lockheed Martin in the F-22 program. I have worked in the wind industry and also for a small town as their Maintenance Operator. I have two grown children and enjoy going to the lake and Buttermaker baseball.
Occupation and responsibilities:
I have been employed for over 10 years at Rock County Rural Water as a water operator. I help manage, maintain, and monitor water treatment and distribution systems to ensure safe drinking water for farmers, towns, and rural residents.
Community involvement/service:
I am involved in my local church in Luverne.
Leadership positions:
United States Marine Corps.
What are the primary issues facing the electric industry and Nobles Cooperative Electric?
I think rising demand and short supply are the primary issues facing the electric industry. While facing rising demand and increasing costs, NCE must balance these challenges with its ongoing commitment to providing affordable electric service and excellent customer service.
Why I want to serve on the Nobles Cooperative Electric Board of Directors
I am eager to serve on the Board of Directors because I believe I can bring strong leadership and valuable utility industry experience to the organization. I am willing to say “no” when necessary and will always ask “why” to ensure thoughtful deicing making. Above all, I am committed to helping navigate the challenges facing our industry while prioritizing what is best for our members.
Mark Van Dam - Director Candidate
I have lived my entire life in the Leota area and currently reside four miles southwest of town with my wife, Paula. Together, we have raised three children, all of whom are now grown. Family and community have always been central to my life, shaping both my personal and professional journey.
I am a graduate of Southwest Minnesota Christian High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Dordt University. My education provided a strong foundation for entrepreneurship and business management, values that continue to influence my work today.
My wife and I are the owners and operators of Katie’s Closet and More in Edgerton.
Occupation:
I have worked for Monogram Foods for 36 years and currently serve as Director of Strategic Sourcing, responsible for sourcing all protein ingredients used across the company’s 10 manufacturing plants throughout the United States. Monogram Foods is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, and I am based at the Chandler, Minnesota plant.
Throughout my career at Monogram having held roles in Operations, Warehousing, Demand Planning, and Procurement.
Community Involvement/Leadership:
I am actively involved in my local community and have dedicated many years to serving through business, education, and church leadership. I am a member of the Edgerton Chamber of Commerce.
I have served on the Southwest Minnesota Christian School board, including a term as President of the board.
I am an active member of Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Edgerton and currently serve as President of the church council. Over the years, I have served as Cadet counselor, high school catechism teacher, Deacon, and Elder.
Concerns for the electrical industry and NCE:
Keeping NCE up to date with current infrastructure, responding to major outages brought on by extreme weather events.
Why I want to serve on the Board:
I would like to support NCE to continue to provide reliable/affordable electricity to their communities.
Timothy Bickett
Tell us a little about yourself:
My wife Stacy and I make our home near Worthington. WE have three grown children. We keep busy when not at work camping and traveling.
Occupation and responsibilities:
Owner Crown AG Risk Solutions
Community involvement/service:
Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle leader
International missions trip participant
Nobles Cooperative Electric- Director
Leadership positions:
Vice president Nobles Cooperative Electric
What are the primary issues facing the electric industry and Nobles Cooperative Electric:
Balancing the demand for electricity and moving toward the mandated carbon free goals and the rising costs of materials required to maintain our distribution system.
Why I want to serve on the Nobles Cooperative Electric Board of Directors:
To bring my skills and knowledge to bear on the long term future of our cooperative.
* will be re-elected by acclamation
Nominating Committee Candidates
Lyle Kramer
Tell us a little about yourself:
My wife (of 41 years) and I live on the family farm south of Fulda. We moved out to the homestead in 2014. Before that we lived in Fulda
Occupation and responsibilities:
I work at Bedford Industries in Worthington, MN. I am the Warehouse Superviser. I also have farmed the home farm since 1982.
Community involvement/service:
I am an EMT for the Fulda Community Ambulance Association (32 years).
I ref both Volleyball and Basketball for area school in the Minnesota State High School League (32 years).
Leadership positions:
I have served on church boards in the past. I have served as the assistant director for the ambulance (FCAA). I have served on the Nomination committee since 2016.
(elected by acclamation)
CHad Schultz
Tell us a little about yourself:
Born and raised on a farm south of Rushmore. I attended school in Ellsworth, and after high school I worked several different trade jobs throughout the community. I currently stay busy running my own construction business. I am married to my wife Tracy, together we have three children and four granddaughters who we greatly enjoy!
I am active in my church where I have been an Elder and on many committees. I am also an elected city council member for the City of Ellsworth. I enjoy hunting, riding motorcycle, side by sides and spending time with my wife and family.
Occupation and responsibilities:
Owner of Chad Schultz Construction where I do a variety of projects, big and small, from start to finish.
Community involvement/service:
As an active member of the city council I work closely with the rest of the council to make important decisions to keep our city running smoothly and effectively.
I am also a member of Zion Presbyterian Church in Ellsworth where I was an Elder and on many other committees.
Leadersip positions:
Elder at Zion Presbyterian Church
Elected Ellsworth City Council Member: Oversee sewer and water for the city.
(incumbent candidate)
Duane Tiesler
Tell us a little about yourself:
Born and raised here in Nobles County. I’ve lived here in this area most of my life. Moved back 5 years ago to be near family and get out of the big city (St. Louis, MO). I have most of my family in this area, as well as the home farm I share with my family.
Occupation and responsibilities:
Retired OTR driver. Still working part-time.
Community involvement/service:
I was a police officer for about a year in a small town in Kansas in the late 70’s. Played guitar with a couple bands in the 70’s and 80’s. WE did a lot of wedding dances and weekend stuff in this area.
Leadersip positions:
OTR driving. Police officer. Driver trainer. Played guitar with a band.
Matthew Funk
Tell us a little about yourself:
My name is Matt Funk. I live with my wife, Stephanie, and our 3 kids in Fulda. I graduated from Fulda High School in 2014. I graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in Agronomy in 2018.
Occupation and responsibilities:
I work for Ag Plus Coop in Slayton as an Agronomist. I also farm with my dad on our family farm and raising corn and soybeans. Additionally, I have a small swine operation.
Community involvement/service:
NCE Nomination Committee member
Leadership positions:
I do not currently hold any leadership positions
(elected by acclamation)
Have questions?
Your Cooperative team is here to assist with your membership and service questions.
