Contact Dennis Anderson, Vice-Chair
Phone: (507) 402-4133
Email: [email protected]

Bio: Represents the northwest part of Albert Lea, Freeborn, Hartland, Manchester and Clarks Grove areas.

Dennis wanted to be a director to learn more about FMEC and help keep rates affordable for members. Dennis is a Retired Contract Electrical Inspector for Freeborn County. He’s a supervisor for Hartland Township and served as the Vice President of the Contract Electrical Association. He and his wife Joan have two grown, married children and five grandchildren with whom he enjoys spending time. Dennis has been involved in the electrical industry as an employee, business owner, and inspector and has farmed for 28 years. He has enjoyed learning about the legislative process affecting the electric industry.

Contact John Penkava
Phone: (507) 438-3373
Email: [email protected]

Bio: Represents Lerdal, Hollandale, Geneva, Maple Island, Corning, Moscow and Oakland areas.

John M. Penkava, a 30-year member of Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative, is a retired electrician with 33 years of experience in residential, commercial, and agricultural projects. He lives on a farm in Moscow Township, where he farms, restores tractors, and helps others. ​ Penkava aims to contribute to FMEC board discussions, advocate for solar farm expansion with proper planning, ensure safety, promote renewable energy, and keep rates low. ​

Contact Steve Garbisch, Treasurer
Phone: (507) 440-2255
Email: [email protected]

Bio: Represents areas northwest of Austin, Sargeant, Brownsdale, Nicolville and Dexter.

Steve always admired his grandfather’s service to Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative as a director from 1937 to 1974, which also led him to become a director. Steve works part-time for a local door company and farms around his home farm. He also works for another local farm family. He enjoys spending time traveling, hunting, and clay target shooting. Steve has one grown, married son and a granddaughter. He’s been involved with church council and served on the Brownsdale Volunteer Fire Department for many years. Steve has enjoyed his years with the board and is very impressed with the employees and management who work hard to make this a top-notch organization.

Contact Richard Schaufler
Phone: (507) 251-1936
Email: [email protected] 

Bio: Represents areas near and including, Elkton, Grand Meadow, Adams, Taopi and LeRoy.

Richard was encouraged by a board member to run for an open position. Over the years, Richard has served on the church council and teacher negotiations, as Membership Secretary for the Minnesota Ag Teachers Organization, and 45 years as an FFA Advisor for four different chapters. He is a Supervisor/Chairman for Clayton Township in Mower County. Being involved with organizations on a different level makes you more aware of how they function and what needs to be done.  

Richard enjoys his classic Ford cars, cruising around, and entering car shows. He likes tending to his vegetable garden and caring for the yard. Richard has quite a collection of old iron objects for the yard and his office. He has many old farm signs, seed bags, and many farm toys. He also sells Dairyland seeds, soybeans, and alfalfa.  

Richard likes the friendliness of the other board members and Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative employees. He feels FMEC is a progressive co-op unafraid to update its headquarters and keep up the company infrastructure.  

Richard is married to Karen, and they recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They have four grown children, fourteen grandchildren, and one great-grandson who all live locally. Richard and Karen enjoy being able to watch them grow. 

Contact Frank Fryer, Secretary
Phone: (507) 440-6810
Email: [email protected]

Bio: Represents areas east of Hayward, Gordonsville, Myrtle, London, Lyle, Rose Creek and Johnsburg.

I have proudly served on the FMEC board representing District #5 since 2014, currently, holding the position of Board Secretary. With over 40 years of experience in the electrical industry, I dedicated much of my career to Hormel Foods as a Professional Electrical Engineer (P.E.), during which time I was awarded five US patents.

My passion for continuous learning led me to study Spanish for over five years, although I remain humble in my proficiency. My enthusiasm for innovation is evident in my personal projects - I have built and currently operate a Ground Loop Heat Pump System (Geothermal), and I am currently designing a Solar Positioning System with Battery Storage.

One of my primary concerns in the electrical industry is "Grid Reliability" and the declining "Base Load" capability of various power sources. I believe addressing these issues is crucial for the future of our energy systems.

On a personal note, my wife, Marie, and I are proud parents of three grown children and grandparents to six wonderful grandchildren. I enjoy staying active by participating in group exercise classes at the Y, as well as running and biking.

Contact Matt Maras
Phone: (507) 473-3276
Email: m[email protected]

Bio: Represents Hayward, Glenville and west of Gordonsville areas.

Matt is currently the President of a successful local financial cooperative, United Employees Credit Union, and has been for the past 29 years. He is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Mankato State University with a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics.

Matt grew up on a farm in southwest Minnesota and knows the value of hard work to become successful. He has a comprehensive background in retirement fund administration, human resources, accounting, investing, lending, and financial analysis.

Matt has lived in this district for 40 years and previously represented FMEC's District 6. He describes himself as very approachable and possessing strong social and leadership skills.

Matt has served on many boards of civic organizations in our area.

He is married with three grown children and spends his time snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, gardening, and, of course, time with the grandkids.

Contact Jack Korman, Chair
Phone: (507) 383-5212
Email: [email protected]

Bio: Represents the areas in and around Alden, Conger, Twin Lakes, and Emmons.  

With energy resources in the national spotlight, Jack finds it challenging, exciting, and satisfying to be involved in decision processes on a local level for FMEC. He earned a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree from U of M. He worked for the Department of Natural Resources in the Bureau of Engineering before moving to a farm south of Alden in 1971, where he and his wife Rita currently crop farm and live. Their two grandchildren and married daughter provide them with much joy. He has translated his financial and managerial skills to service on several other boards and leadership roles at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Alden Co-op Elevator, and Northern Country Co-op (through and after a merger). Jack was chairman for 17 years on the Alden-Conger School Board and was the lead negotiator for labor contracts.  He was recognized in 1993 as a Minnesota Outstanding School Board Member.

Contact Bill Trygstad
Phone: (507) 383-4417
Email: [email protected] 

Bio: Represents the south part of the city of Albert Lea.

Bill filled a newly created director position after FMEC acquired new service territory in 2015, including the City of Albert Lea. He has B.S. and M.S. degrees in Civil Engineering from South Dakota State University and retired in early 2021 after a 47-year career as a licensed consulting civil engineer. Bill enjoys family events, attending his grandchildren's activities, and watching Minnesota sports events, including the Gophers, Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves, and the Loons. Bill is also a member of the Exchange Club of Albert Lea and St. Theodore's Catholic Church. In the past, he served on the church parish council and was a member of the Moose Club.  Bill and his wife Beth have three grown married children and eight grandchildren. Bill has enjoyed learning about the overall organization of Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative, the governance and fiduciary duties of a director, and working with the cooperative's dedicated staff. 

Contact Larry Irvine
Phone: (507) 402-7953
Email: [email protected]

Bio: Represents the northern part of the city of Albert Lea.

Larry filled a newly created director position after FMEC acquired new service territory in 2015, including the City of Albert Lea.

His interest in the cooperative model, financial industry background, and passion for representing his community led him to become a board member. Larry also serves on several local boards, such as First Presbyterian Church, St. Johns’ Nursing Home, and the Freeborn County Fair Board. Larry retired from a financial company after 36 years of employment. He enjoys fishing in Canada, vacationing with his wife in Florida, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Larry and his wife Janice have four grown children and thirteen grandchildren. Larry is proud of the passion every team member of the cooperative displays, along with their dedication to serving members. Larry has attained a greater understanding of the cooperative business model and the complexity of the electric industry. “The opportunity to serve on the FMEC board has been challenging but extremely rewarding.”