Get to know Board Director Chuck Brookshaw

Chuck Brookshaw, Webster, has served on Polk-Burnett's board of directors for 20 years, from 1999-2007 and 2012 to present. When he took a few years off to focus on his construction business in 2008, he was encouraged by people in his district to come back. This spring, he was re-elected for another three-year term by co-op members in District 8.

Chuck was a charter member of Polk-Burnett’s Operation Round Up board when it was established in 1998, and from there, he was appointed to fill a vacancy on the electric co-op board in 1999.

“In the early years, our work was fairly straight forward,” said Chuck. “We purchased power from Dairyland Power Cooperative and maintained the distribution lines to provide our members with safe, reliable electricity. Today, our work is much more challenging. The energy industry and running a business has changed a lot since I was first elected to the board.”

One significant difference he said, is the transition from coal to clean power.

Today's co-op directors need to be educated and knowledgeable to make well-informed decisions for our local members and community. Their work is increasingly complex; they are responsible for policies, rates and system investments. Chuck is certified as a Credentialed Cooperative Director by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Chuck said one constant during his time on the board is co-op people. “Polk-Burnett directors and employees are dedicated to doing what’s right, and I am grateful to be a part of that.”

Chuck and his wife Judy have lived in the Town of Oakland for more than 30 years. They have two grown children and love spending time with their five grandchildren ages 1 to 5. Chuck is a building contractor; he has owned a home construction and remodeling business in Burnett County for more than 25 years. He also serves on the board for Devils Lake Association.

Learn more about your co-op board of directors.