Jongeling appointed to Heartland Energy Board of Directors

At their monthly meeting in June, the Heartland Energy Board of Directors appointed Jerry Jongeling to serve as director for Subdivision 4, which consists of Lincoln County and Split Rock Township of Minnehaha County.

Jongeling brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the energy needs and challenges faced by Heartland Energy customers. He serves as light, power and traffic superintendent for the city of Sioux Falls, a Heartland Energy customer.

“Jerry’s appointment will further serve to strengthen the collaboration between Heartland Energy and our customers, ensuring that customer perspectives are well-represented at the highest levels of decision-making,” said Heartland Energy CEO Russell Olson.

Jongeling joined the city of Sioux Falls in 2014 as light and power superintendent. Four years later, he led a merger between the light and power division and the traffic division, adding traffic superintendent to his title.

He has been a member of Heartland Energy’s Customer Connections Committee (CCC) since 2016, spending the last several years as chair. The CCC was established to provide customers with a formal channel to offer their perspectives and feedback on services and operations.

He is also active in the community as well as the electric industry. He serves as vice president of the South Dakota Municipal Electric Association’s Board of Trustees, is vice president of the Lincoln County Planning and Zoning Commission and is a member of the South Dakota Electric Council Board of Trustees, among others.

“Heartland Energy is a great organization and to be part of its future is an amazing opportunity,” Jongeling said. “The decisions the board makes can impact the municipalities Heartland Energy serves and I want to help be part of their growth and success. When a community wins, everyone wins.”

Jongeling received his associate degree in electrical construction and maintenance from Mitchell Technical College in Mitchell, SD. From there, he spent thirteen years with an electrical contractor serving in multiple capacities including as an electrician and manager of the service department. He is also part owner of a successful home building business and owns an electrical contracting business.

Jongeling resides with his wife in rural Lincoln County and has two children. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time at the lake, hunting and being with his family.

Subdivision 4 was previously represented by Lee Ann Wheeler, who resigned her position earlier this year.