Dolan to lead Wild Rice Electric

Kristin Dolan is the new CEO of Wild Rice Electric Cooperative in Mahnomen, Minn. Dolan’s duties began in late October following the retirement of Steve Haaven, who served in the cooperative’s top position for the past 33 years.

Dolan brings more than two decades of experience working for electric cooperative members. Her rural roots extend back to her family farm in southwest Minnesota, where her grandfather, father and uncle have all served on the local electric cooperative’s board of directors.

“The cooperative business model is the most rewarding to work in,” Dolan said. “We have a common purpose in serving our members and it is very enjoyable to share in that connection. It’s been rewarding to share this with my family as well.”

Dolan is a graduate of Southwest Minnesota State University and her professional background includes finance, member services and leadership roles. Most recently, she served as CEO of Runestone Electric Association in Alexandria, Minn., for nearly five years. She has also worked as manager of finance and member services at Meeker Cooperative Light and Power in Litchfield, Minn., and as special project analyst for Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association in Rockford, Minn.

During her career, Dolan has taken on leadership roles in numerous organizations and committees. She currently serves on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) Legislative Committee and has served as secretary and chair of the STAR Energy Services board and as secretary on the Heartland Security Services board. She has also completed NRECA’s Robert I. Kabat Management Internship Program.

In her new role at Wild Rice Electric, Dolan’s focus will be on implementing technology advancements, replacing the cooperative’s aging plant, preserving reliability and keeping rates affordable. But what’s stood out the most in her first month on the job is the cooperative’s people.

“The employees are amazing,” Dolan said. “They work hard and care greatly for our members. I look forward to working on our strategic initiatives together.”

Dolan said the membership can expect their new CEO to be someone who will be responsive to their needs.

“We will listen to our members and provide support where we can for their energy needs,” Dolan said. “The member is our priority and we will provide excellent customer service and fair and equitable decision-making.”

Away from work, Dolan resides in the Detroit Lakes area and is a mom to four kids, the youngest of whom is a sophomore in high school. In her spare time, she enjoys being with family, traveling, hiking, reading and riding motorcycle.

Main image: Wild Rice Electric CEO Kristin Dolan poses for a photo during an introductory visit to Minnkota headquarters in Grand Forks. (Minnkota/Michael Hoeft)