Former McKenzie Electric Cooperative employee recognized for cooperative leadership
The North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC) recognized Steve Lautenschlager, former contract manager of McKenzie Electric Cooperative, with the Cooperative Leadership Award at its annual meeting Feb. 13. The award recognizes service to enhance the prestige of electric cooperatives, exceptional leadership and unusual devotion to duty.
“Throughout his 40-year career at McKenzie Electric Cooperative, Steve demonstrated impeccable leadership and focus in meeting the needs of the co-op through dynamic times. Always willing to lend a helping hand, he made a lasting impact on the co-op’s ability to provide safe and reliable power to its members – now and in the future. It’s an honor to present him with this award,” says NDAREC Executive Vice President and General Manager Josh Kramer.
Lautenschlager began his career with McKenzie Electric in 1982. Starting as a line apprentice, he worked his way to the position of operations manager, and later, contract manager. His cooperative service provided him with a wealth of experience, and as he grew in his career, he became a mentor to many young lineworkers. His passion for line work was evident as he led his team in maintaining and operating the system and constructing new facilities.
With the development of fracking, demand for electricity exploded in McKenzie Electric’s territory. Over the last decade of his career, Lautenschlager led hundreds of contractors, managed millions of dollars in inventory and built transmission and distribution lines across some of the roughest countryside in North Dakota. Often the first to show up and the last to go home, Lautenschlager drove by miles of new or proposed line locations to ensure what he was responsible for building was not only going to meet the needs of the cooperative today, but well into the future.
“Steve is a true leader and role model for the cooperative way of life,” says McKenzie Electric General Manager Matt Hanson. “He would always help a neighboring cooperative, meet with the members at the end of the line or help a fellow co-worker. No matter the circumstance, he always put the cooperative and its members first.”
Every year, NDAREC recognizes individuals for their generous contributions to North Dakota’s electric cooperatives and the communities they serve. An eight-member committee of the NDAREC board of directors selects award recipients from nominations submitted by NDAREC’s members, which include 17 electric distribution cooperatives and five generation and transmission cooperatives.
NDAREC is the statewide trade association for 17 electric distribution cooperatives and five generation and transmission cooperatives operating in North Dakota. The distribution cooperatives provide electricity to nearly 250,000 North Dakotans. NDAREC services include legislative advocacy, lineworker safety training, professional development, cooperative business development and communication services, including publication of the North Dakota Living magazine.