Your Board of Directors

Contact Dennis Anderson
Phone: (507) 402-4133
Email: dennis.anderson@fmec.coop

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 his cooperative and help to keep rates affordable for members.  When not in the boardroom, Dennis is the Contract Electrical Inspector for Freeborn County. He’s also the supervisor for Hartland Township and serves as the Vice President of the Contract Electrical Association. He and his wife Joan have two grown, married children and five grandchildren, who he enjoys spending time with. Dennis has been involved in the electrical industry as an employee, business owner and inspector and he farmed for 28 years. He has enjoyed learning about the legislative process as it affects the Electric Industry.

Contact Jay Neitzell
Phone: (507) 383-1655
Email: jay.neitzell@fmec.coop

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

Jay resides west of Lerdahl. He is well-versed in the electric cooperative industry, having been a 32-year employee of the cooperative until his retirement in 2017. During his career, he was involved in the budget process and strategic planning and often worked directly with cooperative members in several capacities.  Jay believes his background strengthens his ability to understand and assist Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative members. 

Contact Steve Garbisch
Phone: (507) 440-2255
Email: steve.garbish@fmec.coop

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

Steve always admired his grandfather’s service to Freeborn-Mower Cooperative as a director from 1937-1974, so that lead him to become a director as well.  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 also served on the Brownsdale Volunteer Fire Dept. 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: richard.schaufler@fmec.coop 

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

Richard was encouraged by a board member to run for the open position.  Over the years, Richard has served on the church council, teacher negotiations, served as Membership Secretary for the Minnesota Ag Teachers organization, 45 years as FFA Advisor for four different chapters and currently 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 and cruising around, and entering some car shows.  He likes tending to the 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 seed, Federal seed corn, organic corn, soybeans and alfalfa.  

Richard likes the friendliness of the other board members and the employees of Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative. It is a coop that is progressive and not afraid to update their 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 and 13 grandchildren, who all live near by.  Richard and Karen enjoy being able to watch them grow. 

Contact Frank Fryer
Phone: (507) 440-6810
Email: frank.fryer@fmec.coop

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

Frank wanted to be a director because he has worked in the electrical industry for over 40 years and wanted to give back to the profession. (retired Electrical Engineer P.E.)  When not in the board room, Frank likes to work in his machine/welding shop and has converted a F150 truck to run on CNG & gas.  He also serves on the Board of Trustees for his church. Frank and his wife, Marie have three grown children and six grandchildren. Frank enjoys exercise classes and biking, and speaks "some" Spanish. Frank has installed a "Ground Loop Heat Pump - Geothermal" and enjoys learning more about grid reliability and renewables.

Contact Joe Pacovsky
Phone: (507) 473-3276
Email: joe.pacovsky@fmec.coop

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

Joe has a 36-year history in the electric utility field. He joined the Board of Directors because he wanted to share his electric utility knowledge and support the growing surrounding communities. If Joe is not wearing the director hat, he’s busy with his “natural” farm. He raises Dexter cattle, Mangalitsa hogs, bees, chickens and family pets. He also has an interest in Craftsman furniture and works alongside his wife maintaining their Bed and Breakfast. Joe is a retired Utility Manager and has a continued interest in the industry. He also serves on the Shellrock River Watershed District, Board of Managers. He and his wife, Katherine have three grown daughters, three sons-in-law and ten grandchildren. Joe has found the workings of the cooperative model of member-ownership to be most interesting. Members retain margins, as opposed to passing on the distant investors.

Contact Jack Korman
Phone: (507) 383-5212
Email: jack.korman@fmec.coop

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 prior to moving to a farm south of Alden in 1971, where he and wife Rita currently crop farm and live. Their two grandchildren and married daughter provide much joy. He has translated his financial and managerial skills to service on several other boards and leadership roles at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Alden Coop Elevator and Northern Country Coop (through and after merger). Jack was chairman for 17 years on the Alden-Conger School Board and was lead negotiator for labor contracts.  He was recognized in 1993 as Minnesota Outstanding School Board Member.

Contact Bill Trygstad
Phone: (507) 383-4417
Email: william.trygstad@fmec.coop 

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

Bill filled a newly created director position after the acquisition of new territory in 2015 that included 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 really enjoys family events, attending his grandchildren's activities, and also watching Minnesota sports events that include the Gophers, Twins, Vikings and Timberwolves and 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 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 dedicated staff of the cooperative. 

Contact Larry Irvine
Phone: (507) 402-7953
Email: larry.irvine@fmec.coop

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

With Larry’s interest in the cooperative model, his financial industry background and a passion to represent his community, he joined the board. Larry also serves on several other local boards; First Presbyterian Church, St. Johns’ Nursing Home and 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 ten grandchildren. Larry is proud of the passion, each and every team member of the cooperative display, along with their dedication to serve 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 FMCS board has been challenging, however extremely rewarding”.