About SMMPA
Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA) is a not-for-profit joint-action agency formed in 1977 during a time of increasing demand for electricity. Member utilities united through joint action and rallied behind their shared purpose of securing a long-term energy solution. By using the collective strength of SMMPA, the Agency was able to invest in a long-term source of reliable and affordable power – Sherco 3.
Today, joint action remains a timeless solution for managing the challenges of a complex and dynamic industry. We’re diversifying our energy mix by adding clean burning natural-gas generation and renewable sources like the wind and solar. We’re strengthening the electric grid that delivers energy to homes, businesses and industry. And we’re helping customers find ways to understand, manage and reduce their energy use.
Through joint action, the combined strength of SMMPA’s
members leads to more effective and efficient solutions.
SMMPA has less than 50 employees who support their members in the following areas: Operations, Finance & Accounting, and Agency & Government Relations. Within our staff, more than 20 employees have bachelor's degrees, six employees hold master's degrees, six are professional engineers, three are certified public accountants, and three are certified energy managers.
Since many SMMPA employees have been in the industry at least 15 years, the Agency is able to rely on a wealth of professional experience and expertise. Member utilities regularly express their appreciation for the skill of the team members and quality of service they receive from the Agency.
Our Vision
Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency will be a national leader in energy services and joint action innovation.
Our Mission
To unite and support public power communities to safely provide economical and reliable wholesale energy and other services in an environmentally responsible manner
SMMPA Values
We are dedicated to our member communities and take responsibility for the efficient, cost effective and reliable delivery of electricity and services in an environmentally responsible manner. In doing so, we are committed to the following values.
Integrity
We conduct ourselves according to high ethical standards and adhere to principles of honesty, trust, accountability and fairness.
Team Work
We derive strength through joint action and cooperation. We respect, support and care about one another.
Innovative
We strive to be forward thinking, action–oriented and creative.
Workplace
We promote a safe, healthy and productive workplace, a learning environment and an enjoyable atmosphere.
Our Board of Directors
SMMPA is governed by a seven-member board of directors who are elected by and from the ranks of our 17 member representatives. The Board, as a group, acts to adopt rules and regulations, consistent with the Agency Agreement and Bylaws, for the management, administration and regulation of SMMPA’s affairs.
President
Bruce reimers
New Prague Utilities Commission
Board Member
Mark Nibaur
Austin Utilities
Vice President
Pete Moulton
Saint Peter Municipal Utilities
Board Member
Scott jensen
Lake City Public Utilities
Secretary
Roger Warehime
Owatonna Public Utilities
Board Member
tim McCollough
Rochester Public Utilities
Treasurer
Jim BAKKEN
Preston Public Utilities
Our Leadership Team
Dave Geschwind
Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer
(view bio)
Mr. Geschwind is SMMPA’s Executive Director & CEO. Dave joined the Agency in 1998 as Director of Planning, Contracts and Marketing. Over the years with the Agency he assumed broader responsibility, and in 2011, he was promoted from Chief Operating Officer to Executive Director & CEO. Prior to joining SMMPA, Dave spent ten years in Kansas City with the engineering firm of Burns & McDonnell.
Dave is a registered professional engineer and has a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Kansas.
Jeremy Sutton
Director of Operations & Chief Operating Officer
(view bio)
Mr. Sutton is SMMPA’s Director of Operations & Chief Operating Officer.
He has over twenty years in the utility industry, most recently serving as the Chief Energy Supply Officer/ Director of Power Resources at Rochester Public Utilities. During that time, he served a variety of positions including plant operations, system operations, compliance, energy marketing, contract development and administration, fuel hedging/purchasing, resource planning, power plant project development and construction, and state/local policy matters.
Mr. Sutton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and is a Marine Corps Veteran.
Joe Hoffman
Director of Agency & Government Relations & Chief External Affairs Officer (view bio)
Mr. Hoffman is SMMPA’s Director of Agency and Government Relations & Chief External Affairs Officer. He joined SMMPA in 2022 with a primary responsibility of developing and managing relationships with members, legislators, legislative leadership, regulators and governmental agency staff. In addition, he oversees communications, demand-side management initiatives, agency administrative functions and non-operations center computer systems.
Mr. Hoffman has 17 years of experience in municipal utility management. Prior to joining SMMPA, he served as City Administrator and Utility General Manager for the City of Preston, MN.
Mr. Hoffman served as a member of the SMMPA Board of Directors from 2012-2022 and as Board President from 2018-2020.
Prior to his employment with the City of Preston, Mr. Hoffman was the Executive Director of the Southeastern Minnesota Development Corporation.
Mr. Hoffman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration from Winona State University (MN).
Beth Fondell
Director of Finance and Accounting & Chief Financial Officer
(view bio)
Ms. Fondell is SMMPA’s Director of Finance and Accounting & Chief Financial Officer, and she joined the Agency in 2020. Ms. Fondell directs and oversees treasury functions, debt management, cash management and banking, investments, wholesale power rates and rate planning, financial planning and forecasting, budget and control, accounting, risk management, and the Agency’s human resources functions.
Prior to joining SMMPA, Ms. Fondell served as CFO and Director of Financial and Administrative Services at Owatonna Public Utilities (OPU) since 2011. In addition to overseeing all financial operations for the utility, she led the project to successfully replace the organization’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
Prior to joining OPU, Ms. Fondell served as served as Vice President of Finance and Facilities at Riverland Community College in Austin, MN and as a Regional Audit Coordinator for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.
Ms. Fondell holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Business Administration from Minnesota State University – Mankato and is a Certified Public Accountant.
