As a cooperative, Polk-Burnett is owned and democratically controlled by its members and governed by a board of directors elected from the membership. The directors represent the best interests of all members when making policy decisions for the co-op.
Ed Gullickson, Board President
Board responsibilities include annual budgeting and purchasing decisions, system improvements, rate studies and rights-of-way procedures. Polk-Burnett has nine directors, representing nine districts, who serve three-year terms and attend monthly meetings, generally the fourth Monday of each month. Director terms expire in June and an election is held each May via mail and electronic ballot for eligible voters in three districts.
Traynor, Owens and Metro re-elected to co-op board, June 2019
Edward O. Gullickson, President (District 3)
Director since 2008
715-268-2574
Lives in: Amery
Occupation: Electrical engineering and contracting, custom wood door manufacturing
Community: Chairman, Town of Garfield
Education: UW-Stout
Co-op Membership: Home and business
Cynthia A. Thorman (District 1)
Director since 2005
715-755-2692
Lives in: Osceola
Occupation: Accounting and journalism, KARE-11 TV, current Delta flight attendant
Community: Osceola Historical Society, Osceola Main Street Program
Education: Northwestern College, UW-River Falls
Co-op Membership: Home
Wilfred Owens (District 6)
Director since 2016
715-653-2663
Lives in: Frederic
Occupation: Owner/operator of Owens Farms, Inc.
Community: American Jersey Cattle Association, Wisconsin Jersey Breeders, County 4-H Leaders Federation
Education: UW-River Falls
Co-op Membership: Home and business
Michael X. Morris, Vice President (District 2)
Director since 2008
715-825-3237
Lives in: Luck
Occupation: Math teacher and coach, Unity School, retired
Community: Finance chairman, Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church, Balsam Lake
Education: UW-River Falls
Co-op Membership: Home and cabin
Joseph P. Metro (District 4)
Director since 2016
717-514-9624
Lives in: Balsam Lake
Occupation: Retired facilities management/ construction director
Community: Former Mid American Bank advisory board, citizen advisory board Three Mile Island electrical generation facility
Education: US Navy, Bloomburg University
Co-op Membership: Home
Jerry Okonek (District 7)
Director since 2018
715-635-7501
Lives in: Spooner
Occupation: Owner, OK Construction
Community: Advisor Tiger Manufacturing-Webster School, advisory board of WITC's wood tech program, Scott Fire Department (retired fire chief)
Education: WITC-Rice Lake
Co-op Membership: Home and business
Charles A. Brookshaw, Secretary/Treasurer (District 8)
Director from 1999-2007, 2012
715-866-4119
Lives in: Webster
Occupation: General contractor, residential construction and remodeling
Community: Devils Lake Association Board
Education: UW-Eau Claire
Co-op Membership: Home, business and cabin
Jeffrey R. Traynor (District 5)
Director since 2015
715-857-6110
Lives In: Balsam Lake
Occupation: Business owner
Community: President, Balsam Lake Rod and Gun Club
Education: Baldwin High School
Co-op Membership: Home and businesses
Thomas E. Swenson (District 9)
Director since 2006
715-866-8445
Lives in: Webster
Occupation: Retired surveyor and owner of Swenson Land Surveying
Community: Former board director for Diversified Services
Education: University of Alaska, Fairbanks
Co-op Membership: Home