2026 Annual Meeting

Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) members came together on April 14 at the Delta by Marriott in Fargo for the cooperative’s 88th Annual Meeting, an evening centered on connection, community, and a shared commitment to The Cooperative Way.

More than 500 members and guests attended, enjoying time to connect before the business portion of the meeting began.

Vice President of Member and Energy Services Chad Brousseau welcomed attendees and reflected on the importance of the annual meeting.

“The annual meeting is one of the clearest expressions of what makes the cooperative model different,” he said. “Everything we do is centered on serving our members.”

Board Chair Glenn Mitzel called the meeting to order and highlighted a year defined by growth, momentum, and preparation for the future. He emphasized the board’s continued focus on safety, reliability, affordability, and responsible planning.

“This is The Cooperative Way,” Mitzel said. “Putting members first and making decisions that serve the long-term interests of our communities.”

Director elections were held for four positions. Members elected:
• Stacey Ackerman, District 4
• Tom Seymour, District 5
• Terry Kraft, District 6
• Glenn Mitzel, District At-Large

All were elected by unanimous ballot.

President and CEO Paul Matthys shared updates on the cooperative’s strong performance and the evolving energy landscape. He highlighted continued growth across the system and the importance of balancing new opportunities with the responsibility to protect existing members.

“Our focus remains clear,” Matthys said. “Providing safe, reliable, and affordable energy while preparing for the future.”

Meeting presentations also highlighted ongoing investments in safety and reliability, including in-house locating services and a new public safety outreach role, both aimed at protecting employees, contractors, infrastructure, and the communities CCEC serves.

Financial updates reflected a strong and stable position, with continued efforts to manage rising power costs while maintaining affordability for members.

The meeting concluded with a drawing for door prizes, with 10 members receiving $100 local business gift cards.

As the evening wrapped up, Mitzel thanked members for their engagement and continued support. “Your participation is what keeps this cooperative strong,” he said.

A special thank you goes to the Delta by Marriott, Mobile Pro, and all who helped bring the event to life.

Most importantly, thank you to the members who continue to shape the future of Cass County Electric Cooperative. That is The Cooperative Way.

Cass County Electric Cooperative’s board of directors continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of your cooperative. Elected by fellow members to serve three-year terms, directors must live in the district they represent, ensuring local leadership and a strong connection to the communities they serve. In addition to district representation, one director serves in an at-large role, representing all members across CCEC’s service area.

Once elected, directors take on two primary responsibilities: setting policy and providing financial oversight. Working alongside CCEC’s CEO and leadership team, they help guide long-term strategy and establish priorities that support a reliable, forward-looking electric system. This work requires an understanding of both the broader energy landscape and the day-to-day operations of the cooperative. Directors also fulfill an important fiduciary role by reviewing financial performance, assessing risk, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Additional responsibilities of the board include:
• Serving as the voice of the membership.
• Hiring and evaluating the CEO.
• Authorizing and reviewing independent financial audits.

To carry out these responsibilities effectively, CCEC directors remain committed to ongoing education. Through training in governance, utility operations, and oversight, they continue to strengthen the knowledge needed to lead with confidence. Each director is also expected to earn their Certified Cooperative Director credential during their first term, reflecting a commitment to professional growth and strong governance.

As stewards of the cooperative model, your directors are elected by you and serve with your best interests in mind. They take that responsibility seriously, upholding the democratic principles that make CCEC unique. While other utilities may be driven by shareholders, CCEC remains focused on its members. Your board is proud to carry that mission forward, guided by accountability, integrity, and a commitment to the communities we serve.