Our board and leadership team are comprised of industry experts and passionate advocates for renewable energy. Each member brings unique expertise and commitment to advancing clean energy across South Dakota.
Sodak Renewables - President
Gary R. Fish
Owner and Founder,
Park View Energy
Gary Fish is an experienced energy executive and the owner and founder of Parkview Energy Partners LLC, an asset management firm focused on clean energy. A founding shareholder and former CFO of RENEW Energy Inc., one of the largest independent wind turbine service companies in the U.S., Gary also serves on the Board of Directors for Sioux Valley Energy. He is a partner in COAXIS Energy Company. With a CPA background and nearly 40 years in the energy sector, he has held numerous leadership roles, including 15 years at Black Hills Corporation.
Sodak Renewables - Executive Director
Rodger Horr
Executive Director,
SoDak Renewables
Horr brings more than 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, and renewable energy advocacy. His background includes leadership roles in wind energy, government affairs, and marketing strategy. Horr has demonstrated a passion for forging meaningful relationships and advancing sustainable energy initiatives throughout his career.
Sodak Renewables - Vice President
Chris Studer
Chief Member and Public Relations Officer, East River Electric Power Cooperative
Since 2013, Chris has led East River Electric's Member Services Division, handling communications, marketing, and government relations. With a background in media and government affairs, he has been integral to the South Dakota Wind Energy Association’s development and continues to support wind energy as part of a diverse energy mix.
Sodak Renewables - Treasurer
Yannick Laroche
Production Manager,
Marmen Energy
Yannick joined Marmen in 2006 and relocated to South Dakota in 2013 to help establish Marmen Energy’s wind tower manufacturing facility. With a background in engineering and management, Yannick has been pivotal in developing the wind energy sector in the region.
Sodak Renewables - Secretary
Paul Mantz
Manager of National Accounts and Economic Development
Northwestern Energy
Paul Mantz is the manager of national accounts and economic development at NorthWestern Energy. In this role, he is responsible for managing the company’s economic development efforts as well as being the account manager for large commercial and industrial customers in South Dakota and Nebraska. Paul also has a background working on energy policy for the federal government.
Sodak Renewables - At Large
Neil Anderson
Vice President of Strategic Development,
POET
Neil Anderson is the Vice President of Strategic Development at POET, where he has served for over 18 years in leadership roles spanning engineering, operations, and business development. In his prior role as Vice President of Operations, he led the team responsible for the operation of POET’s ethanol biorefining facilities. In his current role, he identifies and advances strategic opportunities aligned with POET’s mission and vision for a sustainable future. Neil brings a deep operational and strategic background to his work supporting South Dakota’s renewable energy industry.
Terry Wolf
VP of Power Supply and Operations,
Missouri River Energy Services
Terry oversees Missouri River’s power supply and operations, representing the organization in utility groups and advocating for sustainable energy practices. His career spans over 20 years in engineering and management within the energy sector.
Steve Hansen
Director,
H-D Electric Cooperative
With over three decades of service, Steve has guided H-D Electric Cooperative in providing safe, reliable electrical services. Representing South Dakota’s cooperatives on the SDREA board, Steve advocates for the integration of renewables into the state’s energy portfolio.
Nick has been with Dakota Riggers since 1999, providing equipment for the renewable, construction, and utilities sectors. He has served on various advisory boards and remains committed to supporting safe, effective solutions for industry clients.
Jack Roback
Director of Business Development - BioFuels
Antora
Jack is the Director of Business Development for Biofuels at Antora Energy. With a diverse background domestically and abroad across bp, and Chevron Phillips, he has been a part of the full breadth of today’s and tomorrow’s energy mix. He brings this expertise to Antora to implement thermal battery solutions that work across the industrial sector and will help make businesses successful for many decades to come.
Jack earned an MBA from the Northwestern Kellogg School of Management and holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University.
Justin Pickar
Senior Director of Origination,
Geronimo Power
With a background in development and public relations, Justin has helped drive Geronimo Powers' mission to advance sustainable energy solutions, leveraging partnerships and expertise in renewable energy.
Kory Hammerbeck
General Manager,
Rushmore Electric
Kory Hammerbeck has a strong connection to cooperative principles and has held multiple roles within Rushmore Electric since 2000. As Operations Manager, he oversees the cooperative’s systems and services, drawing from years of experience in systems analysis and technical management.
Mark Mauersberger
VP of Utility Development,
Solar Stone Partners LLC
Mark has developed over 1,500 MW of renewable energy projects across the Midwest and Plains states. He brings hands-on experience in delivering community benefits through sustainable projects.
Lee DeLange
Chief Administrative Officer,
GenPro Energy Solutions
Lee has been in the in the energy industry since 1993 beginning his career with Rapid City-based Black Hills Energy. Lee jointed GenPro Energy, a solar EPC company, in 2016 as their Chief Operating Officer.
Henry Rubin
Director, Regulatory & Political Affairs,
NextEra Energy Resources
Henry Rubin is Director of Regulatory and Political Affairs at NextEra Energy Resources, where he supports the company by leading engagement with elected officials in the Governor’s office, state legislature, and public utilities commission.
BJ Hansen
Director,
Northern Electric Cooperative
Hansen and his family farm and ranch near Turton. He is involved with Spink County 4-H and served as a director for the South Dakota Charolais Breeders Association (SDCBA) for seven years. During his time with SDCBA he was named the national junior advisor of the year in 2015. Hansen is also a lifelong member of the Brentford UCC church and is the chairman of its board. He is looking forward to serving on the Northern Electric Board of Directors.
Steve Kolbeck
Principal Manager,
Xcel Energy
Steve serves as Vice President on the Board of Directors for the Sioux Falls Development Foundation as the chairman of the Real Estate Committee and co-chair of the Talent and Workforce Committee. Kolbeck serves on the Forward Sioux Falls Board of Directors as a member of the Joint Venture Management Committee.
Damon Sehr
Market President,
Sunrise Banks
Damon Sehr is the Market President for South Dakota at Sunrise Banks, a values‑based community bank and certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Based in Sioux Falls, Damon leads commercial and business banking efforts across the state, with a focus on mission‑driven lending, community development finance, and partnerships that support renewable energy, economic resilience, and long‑term sustainability
Tyler Masat
VP of Operations,
VIKOR Teleconstruction
Tyler is the head of the renewable energy divisions, leading teams that work in wind farm and solar construction. Prior to working in the renewable energy sector, he worked in manufacturing supporting the electric utilities.
Dean Bibles
Former Land Manager,
Bureau of Land Management
Dean’s career in land management and renewable energy began with the Bureau of Land Management. Recognized for his leadership, he has contributed to national conservation efforts and continues to support sustainable practices.
Tony Ahrndt
Branch Leader,
BDI
Tony serves as Branch Leader at BDI (Bearing Distributors Inc.), bringing 30 years of expertise in industrial distribution to the role. BDI, headquartered in Cleveland, OH and with branches throughout the USA and Globally, supports critical industrial applications specializing in bearings, mechanical components, fluid power and industrial supplies. BDI partners with Timken to serve the wind energy sector, helping advance renewable energy solutions through reliable component distribution and technical expertise.
Jesse Fonkert serves as President & CEO of South Dakota Trade, the state’s premier international trade organization. In this role as chief diplomat, he leads efforts to expand global market access for South Dakota’s agricultural producers and businesses while strengthening international partnerships that advance the state’s economic interests.
Prior to South Dakota Trade, Jesse served as Deputy Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, where he acted as both Chief Operations Officer and Chief Strategy Officer. His leadership helped drive statewide economic development priorities under Governors Kristi Noem and Larry Rhoden resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars of capital investment in the state and national recognition for South Dakota.
Jesse is widely recognized for revitalizing regional economic development efforts in southeast South Dakota. As President & CEO of the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance from 2020 to 2023, he led a successful merger of regional organizations, supported over $80 million in capital investments, and initiated critical infrastructure efforts, including wastewater regionalization and industrial park expansion.
In 2023, Jesse was honored with the Governor’s Excellence in Economic Development Award, recognizing his long-standing commitment to advancing South Dakota’s communities. A connector at heart, he is known for building effective public-private partnerships and fostering consensus to deliver long-term results.
A Hartford resident, Jesse earned his B.A. in Business Administration and Government/International Affairs from Augustana University (SD). He is a graduate of Leadership South Dakota, Leadership Sioux Falls, and the Heartland Economic Development Course. Most importantly, Jesse enjoys walking through life with wife Kelsey. He is blessed with two beautiful girls and a Boykin Spaniel.
Dr. Jeff Bonar
Chief Executive Officer,
CapCO2Solutions
Dr. Jeffrey Bonar is CEO of CapCO2 Solutions and a veteran of complex commercial tech development at IBM and startups. He leads a cross-functional team that includes early pioneers of the ethanol industry, chemical engineering expertise, and experts in rural and agricultural economic growth.
Sarah Kreyer
VP of HR & Marketing,
TAKKION
Sarah Kreyer is Head of Marketing at TAKKION, a leading integrated service provider supporting renewable energy projects nationwide. She leads brand strategy, communications, and demand generation initiatives that strengthen TAKKION’s presence across the renewable energy sector. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication with a specialty in Advertising from South Dakota State University.
Steven Shaw
Chief Operations Manager,
Net Zero Energy
Throughout my career, I’ve worn many hats—Founder, COO, and Director—but the common thread is a passion for building things from the ground up. My background blends the technical rigor of heavy construction management with the creative agility of media production and brand development.
Having successfully expanded businesses from Canada into major US markets, I understand the nuances of international compliance, regional sales strategy, and stakeholder management. I am as comfortable discussing cost-control on a job site as I am leading creative direction for a national marketing campaign. I believe that sustainable growth comes from a mix of disciplined operations and relentless innovation.
Jacob Bunde
Planning Executive,
Hausmann Construction
As a Planning Executive for Hausmann, Jacob has nearly 20 years of experience spanning architecture, healthcare, and large-scale infrastructure. His understanding of the complexities surrounding public-sector projects and critical systems brings a thoughtful, strategic approach to planning and execution. Prior to this role, he served as Director of Facility Development at Avera, where he led planning and construction efforts for healthcare facilities across the region. Over the course of his career, he has contributed to more than $2 billion in projects totaling over 3.4 million square feet.
Molly Stevens
Associate,
Mickelson & Company
Molly is an associate at Mickelson & Company where she facilitates tax credit monetization transactions for renewable energy developers across the country. She has bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Computer Information Systems and an MBA from Augustana University and has previous experience in economic development, audit, and procurement.
