Matt O’Shea, Stearns Electric Inc.

Current job title: Chief Executive Officer

Previous position:

Vice President of Engineering and Operations with Stearns Electric

When did you start at Stearns Electric?

October 2015

When did you start in your current position?

December 2022

What did you do in your previous position and what will you miss most?

I directed the cooperative’s operations division, which included the engineering, operations and information technology departments. With my engineering background, I will miss the detailed involvement and technical conversations surrounding planning, design and construction of the electric distribution system. What are you looking forward to the most in your new position?

I have always felt that Stearns Electric is a premier energy provider in Central Minnesota.

As CEO, I am honored to lead the cooperative through exciting, challenging and certainly changing times in the energy industry. It is essential that we continue to prioritize safety and affordability, delivering reliable electric service while also maintaining the financial strength of the cooperative. As the energy industry changes, we will continue to build on the solid foundation the cooperative has had since 1937, and will continue to develop and implement solutions and programs to meet long-term energy needs for our Central Minnesota families, businesses, and communities.

Age: 44

Where did you grow up?

Benson, Minnesota

What are your hobbies?

Spending time with family, especially my wife, Rhianna, and our three children. We are an active family. I especially enjoy hiking, biking, boating, and playing, coaching or attending sporting events.

Fun fact about yourself: Over the last several years my family and I have picked up mountain biking. I enjoy exploring new bike parks and trails and doing my very best to keep up with my kids.

We’ve installed a quarter of all renewables in America, making us the country’s leader in building renewable energy — a distinction made possible by the integrity, grit and expertise of our employees and clients.

Cleaner air, healthier lives and a brighter, greener future starts with us.

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