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  • CEO’s Report: At the table with our nation’s leaders

    • CEO’s Report: At the table with our nation’s leaders

    March 4, 2025

    Heartland Energy engages with key decision-makers at APPA Legislative Rally

    South Dakota’s leadership includes some of the most powerful voices in Washington, D.C. 

    Former Governor Kristi Noem now serves as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Senator John Thune is the U.S. Senate Majority Leader. Senator Mike Rounds holds key positions on Appropriations, Banking, and Armed Services, while also chairing the subcommittee on Cybersecurity. Congressman Dusty Johnson is recognized as one of the top five influencers in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    Despite being a small public power entity, Heartland Energy has a direct line to this powerhouse lineup of leadership.

    Heartland CEO Russell Olson with South Dakota Congressional delegation. From left to right, Representative Dusty Johnson, Senator Mike Rounds, Olson, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune.

    Last week, during the American Public Power Association’s Legislative Rally in Washington, D.C., our team met one-on-one with these key leaders to discuss issues critical to public power and the communities we serve across South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska.

    We were honored to be Secretary Noem’s first official guests at DHS. She is aware of our concerns regarding physical and cyber infrastructure and expressed strong support for our ongoing partnership with Dakota State University’s cybersecurity mission.

    We also had dedicated time with Senator Thune, Senator Rounds, and Congressman Johnson. At the heart of each discussion was Heartland’s unwavering commitment to delivering reliable energy to our customers while ensuring protection against cyber threats.

    Olson and Heartland Board of Directors with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. From left to right: Roger Fritz, Jerry Jongeling, Donna Fawbush, Suze Frentz, Olson, Secretary Noem, Pat Anderson, Vern hill, Larry Nielson, Bill Lewellen and Jeff Heinemeyer.
    Heartland board and staff with Senator Mike Rounds. Back row, left to right: Senator Rounds, Heartland CFO Mike Malone, Director Fritz, Bockorny Group Director of Legislative Affairs Blair Larkins, Heartland Director Jongeling, Director Heinemeyer, Heartland COO Nate Jones, Director Lewellen, Director Anderson. Foreground, left to right: Olson and Director Fawbush.

    At Heartland Energy, advocacy for our customers means making sure the policies shaping our industry align with the needs of our communities.

    As a member of APPA’s Board of Directors, I have the opportunity to help shape national public power policy while ensuring the unique needs of our region are represented.

    Our time in Washington reinforced the importance of staying engaged, building relationships, and ensuring public power—and our region—are heard at the highest levels. That access is invaluable, giving us a voice where decisions are made.

    We at Heartland Energy are fortunate to be at the table with these power leaders in Washington, D.C.

    Two former South Dakota Senate Majority Leaders and the new U.S. Senate Majority Leader. From left to right, Senator Rounds, Olson, and Majority Leader Thune.