Executive/Leader

Brian R. Zelenak

218-***-**** § ********@*******-*******.***

PROFILE Dynamic Servant Leader with over 15 years of executive and leadership experience, driving strategic initiatives that enhance team performance and operational efficiency within cooperative environments. Expert in fostering financial stability and developing partnerships that propel revenue growth while managing costs effectively. Proven ability to navigate complex organizational challenges, cultivate a culture of accountability, and align stakeholders towards common goals. Creates meaningful impact by building, supporting and mentoring individuals and teams to realize their purpose and achieve their full potential.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Sept 2023 – Apr 2024 Interim and Permanent President and CEO, Beauregard Electric Cooperative

Directed daily operation for 130 employee cooperative, serving 44,000 members, $168M in sales and $400M in assets.

Implemented Governance training for Board and employees and developed budget to increase financial stability of cooperative.

Addressed significant culture and relationship issues between the board members and employees.

Represented BECI on Board of Directors at newly formed wholesale generation and transmission cooperative jointly owned by 5 electric cooperatives of which Beauregard Electric represented 38% ownership.

Nov 2018 – Mar 2023 President and CEO, St. Croix Electric Cooperative

Managed daily operations for 30-employee electric cooperative serving 12,000 members and $24M in sales.

Developed strategies to enhance electric sales, improve member services and reliability, and create efficiencies through process changes and technology adoption, while stabilizing electric rates.

Achieved record financial margins and invested in technology and systems expansions.

Developed and implemented margin management plan during volatile period.

Streamline processes, reducing utility pole setup time by two-thirds and simplify ying rate structures.

Initiated asset mapping and proactive maintenance projects to minimize outages and improve service reliability.

Sponsored strategic investments in distribution system infrastructure to enhance cooperatives service territory in competitive areas.

Streamlined hundreds of Board Polices into a couple dozen, an Employee Handbook, a Rates and Tariffs Book, and a Service Rules and Regulations book.

Aug 2016 - Nov 2018 General Manager, Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative

Managed daily operation of full union, 45-employee cooperative with $25M in sales.

Developed and executed Long-Range Plan leading to enhance reliability, member engagement, and financial health.

Established partnership with local telecom for fiber broadband service, securing multiple state grants and achieving 60% take rate on first buildout.

Ensured compliance with laws and regulations, fulfilling all contractual obligations.

Oversaw financial resource management, rate recommendations, and competitive HR practices.

2012-2016Manager of Regulatory Affairs, Xcel Energy – NSP-MN

Transitioned to Nuclear Policy Development role as part of a succession plan.

Oversaw preparation, validation and submittal of Fukushima related licensing activities.

Inherited NERC Compliance Team and successfully oversaw multiple NERC audits.

Negotiated NERC Settlement Agreement including successful completion of all compliance activities resulting in no financial penalties/violations.

2006-2012 Manager of Regulatory Administration, Xcel Energy – NSP-MN

Served as primary liaison for State regulators and utility companies in Wisconsin and Michigan

Led multi-year state relicensing for Prairie Island and Monticello Nuclear Power Plants.

Obtained the State Certificates of Need supporting life extension of nuclear plants, dry cask storage, new renewable energy projects (wind farms), and purchased power agreements.

Drafted and provided testimony for public, regulatory and legislative hearings, and coordinated stakeholder outreach plans.

Gained regulatory approval to redistribute >$200M in DOE settlement funds from nuclear waste storage lawsuits with five state commissions.

1999-2006 Manager of Regulatory Policy, Xcel Energy – NSP-WI

Opened Madison Office for NSP-WI, enhancing regulatory and legislative relationships.

Served as primary liaison for State regulators and utility companies in Wisconsin and Michigan.

Developed and presented policy positions on energy issues to stakeholders.

Coordinated industry positions in key regulatory proceedings including MISO cost recovery and Service Rules.

Testified on multiple energy issues in front of Wisconsin’s Senate and Assembly Energy and Utility Committees – Deregulation, Public Benefits, MISO.

Developed Farm Rewiring program to address Stray Voltage concerns that became State model for all utilities.

Other Experience

1995-1999 Senior Planning Analyst, NSP-WI

1994-1995 Planning Analyst, NSP-WI

1989-1994 Senior Associate, Electric Power Software, Inc.

Developed and presented policy positions to senior management.

Supported energy conservation and sales promotion budgets with written and oral testimony.

Negotiated compromise Integrated Resource Plan.

Prepared detailed reports to senior management for decisions.

Collaborated on cross-functional teams to optimize resource allocation.

Supervised market research including segmentation studies and customer satisfaction surveys.

Created Corporate Business Plan and established Key Performance Indicators for employee incentive plans.

Directed development of integrated resource planning software evaluating supply and demand-side options for utilities.

Conceptualized and oversaw development of rate comparison software to determine most appropriate rate options available to C&I customers.

Provided energy consulting services for integrated resource planning.

Education

University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI

Supervisory Management Certificate Program

Moorhead State University, Moorhead, MN

Bachelor of Science in Energy Management, Minor in Business Administration

Board Participation

Board Member: American Peat Technology, 2015-Present

Board Member: 1803, 2023-2024

Board Member: St. Croix Economic Development Corporation 2019-2023

President and Board Member: Wisconsin Manager’s Association, 2021-2022

Board Member: Aitkin County Growth, 2015-2018

Board Member: Camp St. Croix YMCA Camp, 2009-2015

Board Member: Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley, 2007-2013

Board Member: Nuclear Waste Strategy Coalition, 2007-2013

Board Member: Minnesota Renewable Development Fund, 2007-2012

Vice Chair and Board Member: Very Special Arts, Wisconsin, 2004-2011

Board Member: Energy Center of Wisconsin, 2003 - 2006

Board Member: Michigan Electric and Gas Association, 2003-2006

Vice Chair and Board Member: Wisconsin Public Utility Institute, 2002-2006

Selected Community Leadership

Graduate: Leadership Hudson (2009)

Graduate: Leadership Greater Madison (2003)

Advisory Committee Member: High School of the Future, Hudson, WI, 2009-2010

Secretary, Economic Development Expedition: Red River Valley to People’s Republic of China, 1989

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