Dedicated team. Decades of experience.
Our team has successfully completed hundreds of community energy projects ranging from feasibility studies to design, construction, upgrades, conversions, and expansions. Our most recognized system is the highly acclaimed nonprofit utility, District Energy St. Paul, which serves as an international model for community energy systems. We are the partner that can provide you with the peace-of-mind to launch your utility project.
Leadership
Luke Gaalswyk
President and Chief Executive Officer
Luke Gaalswyk
President and Chief Executive Officer
Luke Gaalswyk was named chief executive officer of Ever-Green Energy in January 2024. He joined Ever-Green in 2022 as president of the organization overseeing the company’s corporate services. Luke oversees all aspects of the business at Ever-Green.
Prior to joining Ever-Green, Luke served in leadership roles in power generation and district energy industries with Xcel Energy and NRG Thermal (now Cordia). Luke has nearly 20 years of experience in energy, operations, and engineering and is a veteran of the United States Air Force. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce and is a drill-status member of the Minnesota Air National Guard. He has a mechanical engineering degree from the United States Air Force Academy and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Dayton.
Andrew Kasid
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Andrew Kasid
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Andrew Kasid is the executive vice president and chief financial officer at Ever-Green Energy. He has been with District Energy St. Paul and its affiliate companies since 1990. He is responsible for financial management, project finance, financial strategic planning, financial analysis of business opportunities, forecasting and budgeting, financial risk management, energy rate setting and analysis, energy futures contracts, analysis of energy purchases, and investment analysis and management. He has an M.B.A. in Finance from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, a B.A. in Financial Economics from Gustavus Adolphus College and he has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.
Michael Ahern
Senior Vice President, Chief Development Officer
Michael Ahern
Senior Vice President, Chief Development Officer
Michael Ahern has 30 years of experience in leading development, engineering, construction, operations, and management of industrial and energy systems. This includes operational oversight of businesses in the industrial and energy fields, with a specific focus on district systems over the last ten years. At Ever-Green, he leads the development and advancement of mission-based campus and community energy and utility systems that achieve clients’ strategic goals.
Michael holds executive responsibility for the growth and management of Ever-Green Energy’s system development team, focusing on the development and advancement of energy and utility systems across the United States and Canada. He holds a BS in Business Finance from the University of Notre Dame, with an International Business Minor.
Michael Auger
Senior Vice President, Chief Business Officer
Michael Auger
Senior Vice President, Chief Business Officer
Michael Auger is the Senior Vice President and Chief Business Officer for Ever-Green Energy and its affiliate companies. As Chief Business Officer, Michael provides leadership in advancing systems and processes across Enterprise Services by providing oversight in the day-to-day operations and partnering with other departments to develop and execute Ever-Green Energy’s overall strategy to effectively achieve company goals. Michael also has experience in managing various energy, environmental, finance, employment, and other corporate legal matters. He is responsible for identifying and analyzing legal issues and drafting recommendations and assures legal compliance and guards against legal risks involving the organization. Michael manages Ever-Green’s policy and government relations work, and provides guidance on topics related to law, regulatory compliance, organizational structure, and contracting for all of Ever-Green’s operations and consulting projects.
Prior to joining Ever-Green in 2015, Michael served as legal counsel for energy service companies dealing with issues related to the sale, use and transportation of natural gas, electricity, and liquid fuels. Michael also spent time in private practice focusing on corporate, transactional, and bankruptcy law. Michael earned his JD from Rutgers School of Law and his undergraduate degree from the University of South Dakota receiving a BS in Political Science.
Michael Burns
Senior Vice President, Chief System Operations Officer
Michael Burns
Senior Vice President, Chief System Operations Officer
Michael Burns is the Chief System Operations Officer for Ever-Green Energy. Michael has worked for Ever-Green Energy and its affiliated companies since 1998. He leads the Operation and Maintenance Teams at Ever-Green Energy’s energy generation facilities. Burns has been instrumental in the implementation of St. Paul’s 33-MW, biomass-fired combined heat and power facility, development of the renewable fuel market for the CHP plant, and integration of this facility into the local energy delivery system. He has since been applying the Company’s expertise and practical solutions to each of Ever-Green’s operations under management as he leads the integration, formation of the on-site teams, and ongoing client relations. Under his leadership, these operations have achieved best-in-class reliability and an array of industry-leading best-practices. He has more than 30 years of engineering and leadership experience in all aspects of energy facility operations and project implementation, from large electric utility generating units to renewable energy and CHP installations. Michael has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and an MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.
Pam Sarne
Senior Vice President, Accounting
Pam Sarne
Senior Vice President, Accounting
An accomplished CPA with strong controllership, finance and accounting experience in both large and small companies focused in manufacturing and communication, including Hubbard Broadcasting, Pam is recognized for her hands-on management style. Pam’s strengths in the development and implementation of accounting policies, processes and controls are an asset to our growing organization. Experience with financial forecasting, budgeting and planning, software implementation, auditing and human resources experience allow Pam to bring great depth and breadth to Ever-Green’s financial team. She has effectively collaborated with all levels of management in preparation of annual budgets and identification of cost savings opportunities. Pam fills an essential role by overseeing all accounting activities related to Ever-Green’s ventures. She earned both BA and MBA degrees from the Carlson School at the University of Minnesota.
Katherine Verhasselt
Senior Vice President, Chief People and Communications Officer
Katherine Verhasselt
Senior Vice President, Chief People and Communications Officer
Katherine Verhasselt is the Senior Vice President, Chief People and Communications Officer, overseeing the human resources functions including recruitment and staffing, compensation, benefits, performance and talent management, employee engagement, internal communications, training and development, employee relations, and regulatory compliance. In this role, Katherine also oversees marketing and public relations.
She brings over 20 years of experience in communications and human resources in both the public and private sector.
Katherine’s background in communications is an asset in working with company leaders to translate business strategy and priorities into an integrated communications program, connecting key messages with the internal team.
Katherine holds a BA in journalism and advertising from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.
Tom Thomalla
Vice President, Information Systems
Tom Thomalla
Vice President, Information Systems
Tom Thomalla, Jr., CISSP, GICSP, is Vice President, Information Systems at Ever-Green Energy. He has over 20 years of experience in IT, building automation, industrial automation, and information security. Tom’s leadership has helped Ever-Green and its affiliate companies develop reliable IT infrastructure, bridge the gap between IT and operational technology, and prioritize cyber security. He holds a Bachelors of Applied Science in Information Technology Infrastructure from the University of Minnesota.
Jenae Batt
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Jenae Batt
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Jenae Batt works across utility operations to develop meaningful customer engagement and leads a variety of projects targeted to communicate the value of energy services, bolster customer loyalty, and support utility system growth. She provides a broad range of experience from change management to event planning and education. Prior to joining Ever-Green Energy, Jenae worked in communications and donor relations at the University of Minnesota Medical School. She holds a BA in English literature from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and a master’s degree in English literature from Boston College.
Steve Rambeck
Director of Business Development
Steve Rambeck
Director of Business Development
Steve Rambeck serves as the Director of Business Development for utilities managed by Ever-Green Energy, leading efforts to develop growth opportunities and enhance customer care for District Energy St. Paul, Duluth Energy Systems, CoolCo, and Energy Park Utility Company. Steve has a passion for enhancing the value proposition for customers in an efficient and effective manner while promoting the mission, vision and core values of Ever-Green Energy.
Prior to joining Ever-Green Energy in 2018, Steve worked at an energy service company focused on helping customers optimize natural gas and electricity procurement. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from North Dakota State University and a Masters of Business Administration in Finance from Hamline University.
Amy Stanton
Director of Environmental Health and Safety
Amy Stanton
Director of Environmental Health and Safety
Amy Stanton is the Director of Environmental Health and Safety. In this role, she oversees employee safety, health, environmental compliance, and sustainability.
Prior to joining Ever-Green, Amy was an Environmental Health and Safety Manager for nVent and Steel Dynamics, Inc; and an Environmental Health and Safety Specialist for Ever-Green Energy. She has over 10 years’ experience working with safety and the environment.
Amy holds a degree in Applied Ecology and Environmental Science from Michigan Technological University.
Board of Directors
Bonnie Holub
Chairperson
Bonnie Holub
Chairperson
Dr. Holub is the founder and CEO of ArcLight, Inc., a small company focusing on data analytics, data visualization, and big data. She also holds the Honeywell Endowed Chair in Global Technology Management in the Graduate Programs in Software, School of Engineering, University of St. Thomas, Saint Paul, MN. Dr. Holub is founder and former CEO of Adventium Labs/Adventium Enterprises, a non-profit research and development lab, focusing on the development of advanced software applications for complex systems, with a particular emphasis on automated reasoning, human-system interaction, and supporting architectures. Dr. Holub earned her doctorate degree in Computer Science/Artificial Intelligence from the University of Minnesota. She has served as Board Chair for the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce and on several community non-profit boards, in addition to her volunteer service at community events.
Heidi Conrad
Board Member
Heidi Conrad
Board Member
Heidi Conrad holds the position of Chief Financial Officer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Medicine and Public Health. Conrad has been in her current position since October 2022 and brought over 19 years of senior financial experience in health systems and hospitals. Her prior experience includes her role as Vice President and Chief Financial Partner at Regions Hospital and Vice President, Finance, Planning and Improvement at HealthPartners Medical Group. Along with this, she gained experience at PWC, Children’s Minnesota and Thomson Reuters. Conrad has a BBA in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MBA from Hamline University. She is currently serving as Chairperson of District Energy St. Paul’s Board of Directors.
Rao Konidena
Board Member
Rao Konidena
Board Member
Rao Konidena has nearly two decades of experience in manufacturing, consulting, and grid operator environments. Most recently Konidena was with Midcontinent ISO (MISO) as Principal Advisor for Policy Studies working on energy storage and distributed energy resources. Konidena has worked in several roles in core transmission planning areas of resource adequacy, economic planning, business management, and policy functions.
Konidena holds a BS in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from Bangalore University, an MSEE in Electrical Engineering from University of Texas at Arlington with a thesis on economic analysis of photovoltaics and fuel cells. Konidena also holds an MBA from Carlson School of Management, with minor in International Business.
Konidena volunteers as engineering mentor for middle school students participating in the Future City Competition, which focuses on improving students’ STEM skills. Konidena is Co-President of the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce – Minnesota and on the board of Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA).
Channon Lemon
Board Member
Channon Lemon
Board Member
Channon has been driving innovation, spearheading organizational change, and leading economic development and new business development initiatives for over two decades. An accomplished business executive delivering profitable growth in challenging, competitive, and regulated environments, Channon has a diverse background in numerous industries and functional roles. Channon is a visionary who believes energy innovation is critical to the success of business and a tremendous growth opportunity for companies which can lead the way in deploying next generation energy solutions. She also believes energy innovation will change communities, how they are designed and connected, how multi-use and individual residences are built (or retrofitted) and how each of us live and “power up” on a daily basis.
Channon is the founder of Intent Energy, where she provides advisory executive leadership for new and expanding initiatives and organizations. She served as the Vice President of Economic Development for the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, where she was responsible for charting the strategic vision for the economic vibrancy of businesses in the East Metro with an emphasis on the Central Business District of Saint Paul. Her diverse experience includes work in Chicago, IL, where she served as a consultant leading transformation at a privately held company in the role of Chief Operating Officer. In Dayton, Ohio, Channon served as the Vice President of Enterprise Vendor Management for CareSource, one of the largest Medicaid managed care companies in the country. Also, while in Dayton, Channon developed and launched a regional supply chain initiative which created an agenda focused on helping local business develop strategies for growth and expansion by doing more business “at home.”
Channon has an MBA in marketing from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, and a Bachelor of Business Administration in insurance from Howard University in Washington, DC.
Mark Rancone
Board Member
Mark Rancone
Board Member
A Saint Paul resident, Mark Rancone is vice president of Roseville Properties Management Co., where he oversees the management of more than 2 million square feet of mixed-use commercial and industrial real estate. Rancone represented the interests of our district cooling customers on the District Cooling board from 1993 to 2004 before moving to the District Energy board. Rancone sat on the board of Greater St. Paul BOMA for six years, was an original member of the Rice Park Committee and served on the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce’s Light Rail, Business Development and Shepard Road Advisory committees.
Kris Taylor
Board Member
Kris Taylor
Board Member
Kris Taylor serves as the Vice President of Global Community Impact and President of the Ecolab Foundation, with responsibility for the development and execution of the company’s community-based programs. Under her direction, Ecolab has been recognized for its commitment to the community in The Civic 50, led by the National Conference on Citizenship and Points of Light. Taylor was named United Hospital Foundation Trustee of the Year in 2013, as well as receiving a Women in Business Award by the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal in 2012 and a HERBIE Award by the St. Paul Area of Commerce in 2011. Taylor joined the District Energy board in 2014 as a City of Saint Paul appointee, adding to her current service on the Conference Board, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, the United Hospital Foundation, and St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce. She graduated from Southwest State University with a B.S. in Business Administration.
David Ybarra
Board Member
David Ybarra
Board Member
David Ybarra is President of the Minnesota Pipe Trades Association, an umbrella organization representing more than 9000 men and women working in piping related industries throughout Minnesota, where he serves as an advocate for 11 Local Unions. Previous to his current position, Ybarra was Business Manager of the Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Council, which allowed him the opportunity to work on many successful construction projects, including TCF Bank Stadium, Target Field, and the reconstruction of the 35W Bridge. He was appointed to serve as a commissioner at Target Field in June, 2016, and continues in that capacity. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Directors at Union Bank and Trust. In his leisure time, Ybarra enjoys playing golf and spending time with his family.
John Pournoor
Board Member
John Pournoor
Board Member
John Pournoor is the CEO and founder of Government Analytica, a boutique government and public affairs consultancy. Government Analytica is a pioneering convergence of government relations, public affairs, with the new field of “public value analytics.” It serves associations, nonprofits, and both private and public sector clients. John helped build the international government affairs function of 3M in over 30 countries with new processes, tools, and analytics approaches. His portfolio of novel analytics tools fast-tracks client advocacy efforts and policy outcomes creating public value and improving lives. Over his 35-year career, he has applied his expertise and innovations to practical applications in government affairs, public policy, and government relations, contributing to advancing each field in sectors like infrastructure, energy, transportation, and health care. John is a Policy Fellow of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at University of Minnesota. He has been appointed by US Secretary of Commerce to the Minnesota District Export Council. He also represents midwestern US states on the National Association of District Export Councils. John earned his BS, MS/PhD in engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and University of Washington, Seattle, and his MBA from the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. He holds several patents. John worked for Intel, Chevron, Boeing, and Dupont, before joining 3M. John is a tireless advocate for nonprofits and volunteers for community-based organizations.
Luke Gaalswyk
Ex Officio
Luke Gaalswyk
Ex Officio
Luke Gaalswyk was named chief executive officer of Ever-Green Energy in January 2024. He joined Ever-Green in 2022 as president of the organization overseeing the company’s corporate services. Luke oversees all aspects of the business at Ever-Green.
Prior to joining Ever-Green, Luke was the Midwest regional general manager at Clearway Community Energy where he was responsible for managing operations, engineering, and business development of Clearway’s district energy systems in Minneapolis and Omaha.. Luke has over 16 years of experience in energy, operations, and engineering and is a veteran of the United States Air Force. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce and is a drill-status member of the Minnesota Air National Guard. He has a mechanical engineering degree from the United States Air Force Academy and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Dayton.
Ken Smith
Senior Advisor to the Board
Ken Smith
Senior Advisor to the Board
Ken Smith is senior advisor to the board at Ever-Green Energy and president and CEO of its parent company, District Energy St. Paul. Recognized globally for his leadership in community and campus scale energy systems, Ken is actively engaged in industry, policy, and academic forums addressing the transformation of our energy system and is a frequent speaker nationally and internationally.
Prior to joining Ever-Green Energy in 2006, Ken worked globally in the engineering and construction industry for over 20 years, planning, designing and implementing highly reliable energy projects, including central plants, microgrids, datacenters, and other mission critical facilities for advanced tech industry, campuses, international airports, and U.S. Department of Defense.
Ken has served as board chair for the International District Energy Association (IDEA), the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, the Midwest Renewable Energy Tracking System (M-RETS), and the electric vehicle startup company, Zeus Electric Chassis. He also served on the board of directors for the St. Paul Downtown Alliance and the Corporate Council for Metropolitan State University. He currently serves on the board of trustees of the Science Museum of Minnesota as vice chair, and has been a fellow of the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment since 2016. Since 2012, Ken has participated in the energy policy exchange between Germany and the State of Minnesota and is cofounder of the highly successful Climate Smart Municipalities exchange with Germany. In 2022, Ken was awarded the Norman R. Taylor Award by IDEA for his leadership and lifelong commitment to energy efficiency and sustainable energy solutions.
He has bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from North Dakota State University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, MN, and is a registered professional engineer in multiple states.
Board of Directors Emeriti
George Fremder
Director Emeritus
George Fremder
Director Emeritus
George Fremder was declared Director Emeritus of District Energy St. Paul and its affiliate Ever-Green Energy in December 2017. The declaration recognized his 18 years of outstanding dedication and service on the boards of both organizations, including 8 years as board chairperson for District Energy. Fremder brought to the board many years of experience in property management and executive administration as well as a strong interest in green energy solutions to benefit the environment.
Thomas Kingston
Director Emeritus
Thomas Kingston
Director Emeritus
Tom retired from the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation in 2010 after 30 years of service, including 20 years as President. Prior to that, he worked directly with youth through teaching at Cretin High School and helping adolescents with chemical dependence problems at New Connection Programs. During his tenure at Wilder, Tom was involved in numerous innovative, public, and private joint ventures in health and human services in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Community. Tom and his wife, Mary, have been married for 34 years and have four adult children. Tom has had a deep concern for the environment his entire life. He is an avid outdoor enthusiast and loves to be in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota. He has coupled this love of the environment, his business experience for 30 years, and his love of St Paul to participate in a company that is a national leader on the future of energy. Tom admires the work of Ever-Green Energy and its related companies. He continues his enthusiastic engagement with Ever-Green because of its performance as the best-of-its-kind energy company in the nation.
Robert Lowe
Director Emeritus
Robert Lowe
Director Emeritus
Robert Lowe was declared Director Emeritus of Ever-Green Energy and District Energy St. Paul in February 2014. The declaration recognizes Lowe’s important contributions as a founding member of the Developing Committee that established District Energy St.Paul in 1978 and his long-standing service to both companies. A Saint Paul native, he served on the District Energy Board for 19 years and served as Ever-Green Energy’s Vice-Chair before his passing in 2014. He brought to the board many years of experience in the areas of labor relations, affirmative action, plant and distribution system construction and maintenance, and District Energy St Paul history. Lowe passed away on February 3, 2014.
Barbara Lukermann
Director Emeritus
Barbara Lukermann
Director Emeritus
Barbara Lukermann was declared Director Emerita of District Energy St. Paul and its affiliate Ever-Green Energy in March 2009. The declaration recognized Lukermann’s 27 years of outstanding dedication and service on the boards of both organizations, including six years as board chairperson of District Energy. Her leadership, commitment, and strong belief in our mission helped us achieve many successes that benefited our customers, Saint Paul and the environment, and encouraged us to strive for even higher standards. Barbara passed away March 2009.
Susan Sands
Director Emeritus
Susan Sands
Director Emeritus
Susan Sands was declared Director Emerita of District Energy St. Paul and its affiliate Ever-Green Energy in January 2007. The declaration recognized Sands’ 13 years of dedicated service, leadership and outstanding contributions on the boards of both companies, including five years as District Energy’s chairperson.
John Taylor
Director Emeritus
John Taylor
Director Emeritus
John Taylor was born and raised in Saint Paul and educated at the Cathedral Grade School, Cretin High School, and Saint John’s University. He spent most of his professional career in the downtown Saint Paul area as chief executive of the Hill Family and First Bank System foundations. A veteran of service to more than 100 boards, commissions, foundations, colleges, and cultural organizations, he brings with him a passion for public service, strong organizational planning, creativity, and innovation. Today he is an Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement at his alma mater, Saint John’s University. In 1982, he was invited to join the District Energy board by its Chair, former Mayor George Latimer. He served on the District Energy and District Cooling boards for 18 years, including several years as board chair. John joined the Ever-Green Energy board in 2000 and was elected board chair in 2006.
