Get to know Board Director Tom Swenson

Tom Swenson, Webster, has served on Polk-Burnett's board of directors for 18 years since 2006.

"It's rewarding to be a board director for such a well-run organization as Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative. Our management team is smart and forward thinking, and our employees are very responsible to the members. When a member calls or comes in the door, they get answers," he said.

Tom is optimistic about the future of the energy industry, and believes Polk-Burnett is well prepared to meet the challenges with talented people and innovative technologies.

"I believe we'll see creative new rate structures and load management programs that reward members for shifting energy use away from times of peak demand on the electric grid," he said. "And I look forward to the new solar array coming to Burnett County in 2025."

General Manager Steve Stroshane introduced the new solar project to members at the 86th Annual Meeting in June. The array will help offset high summer demand in our area and provides a stable cost of power for the next 25 years.

Tom and his wife Linnea have three daughters and two grandsons. Linnea is a retired Webster teacher and continues to be active in community programs that support early childhood education and literacy. Tom retired in 2018 from a 42-year career in land surveying in Burnett County. He enjoys gardening, raising chickens and working in his orchard.

Tom was re-elected to the co-op board in 2024. Learn more about your co-op board of directors.