our 2026 annual report

Meet our 2026 board nominees

 Aaron Miller

My interest in clean energy is both personal and practical. Since moving to Northeast Minneapolis in 2014, I have made a sustained effort to transform my own household into a net-zero energy system. That journey has included many steps (insulation, windows, two EVs, three heat pumps, and three solar installations). Through that experience, I have developed a clear understanding of both the technical pathways toward decarbonization and the significant real-world tension involved in executing them. Those many experiences also highlight the structural inequities in access to clean energy. Even with resources, time, and technical literacy, achieving anything approaching net-zero at the household level is extremely costly, complex, and burdensome. For many families, it is insurmountable in the face of more pressing economic demands. This gap is where organizations like Cooperative Energy Futures play a critical role. I am motivated by the opportunity to help scale clean energy solutions and make participation viable for a much wider population.

Professionally and academically, I bring a perspective based in analytical rigor and systems thinking. My educational background in organic chemistry instilled an early appreciation for energy inefficiency—particularly the inherent waste in extracting, refining, and ultimately combusting fossil fuels for single-use energy. That lens has stayed with me and informs how I think about energy systems today: as interconnected, optimizable systems where better design can unlock both economic and environmental value. In addition, my current professional experience in data, technology, and organizational leadership equips me to contribute at the governance level—whether that is evaluating strategic investments, guiding data-driven decision making, or ensuring operational scalability as CEF grows.

I am running for the CEF Board to combine my personal commitment, technical understanding, and professional experience in service of a mission that is both urgent and pragmatic. CEF’s model—community ownership, equitable access, and local economic participation—is both compelling and necessary if the clean energy transition is to succeed at scale. I want to help strengthen and expand that model, ensuring that it remains financially sustainable, operationally effective, and aligned with the communities it serves.

David P Bergstrom

Hello, I'm David Bergstrom, a current board member with CEF.   I believe in being part of making the world a better place.   CEF works to do so by promoting sustainable energy, energy conversation and financial equity.   I believe it is necessary to support this mission and am honored to run for a board position again this year.   One focus of my career was energy efficiency through more efficient equipment, operating parameters and the use of clean energy.   Budgeting and operations were mainstays in my career.   As a board member these past experiences support my role as a board member of CEF. 

Bronson Bast

I’ve been interested in clean energy for a long time—I wrote my first research paper on it in middle school, when the prevailing view was that the technology wasn’t ready and might never be. Since then, both the urgency and viability of clean energy have grown significantly. I went on to study energy in graduate school, conduct research, and lead operations at a community solar company.

What’s become clear to me is that while the technology has advanced, the institutions and governance models around it have not kept pace. That gap is especially important in ensuring equitable access and outcomes. Minnesota played a leading role in building the electric cooperative model to expand access in the 1930s, and I see cooperative approaches as a powerful path forward for clean energy today.

I’m interested in serving on the board because I believe CEF is at an inflection point as it continues to grow. I’ve spent much of my career helping organizations scale by improving systems, governance, and cross-team coordination, and I see an opportunity to contribute that experience while supporting the co-op’s mission.

Peter Ingraham

For the past several years I have had the unusual experience of working on clean energy policy from multiple vantage points simultaneously: as a fellow inside a major utility, as the public affairs director for a clean energy business coalition and as a Minneapolis homeowner trying to make sense of my own energy bills. I am a policy economist and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Innovator Fellow housed at Great River Energy, where I research strategies for rural electrification. In tandem, I lead public affairs for Clean Energy Economy MN, building bipartisan coalitions to advance clean energy legislation. I have worked directly with utilities, developers, technology companies and community organizations on the policy and infrastructure decisions that determine who benefits from the clean energy transition and who gets left behind.

The skills I would bring to the CEF Board are specific and practical. I have a master's degree in economics with expertise in rate design and utility regulation, direct experience in energy policy and a track record of translating complex subjects into accessible narratives for diverse audiences. I understand both the policy architecture that shapes community solar markets and the coalition dynamics required to defend and expand them.

I want to serve on CEF's Board because cooperative energy models are one of the most powerful tools available for ensuring that the clean energy transition delivers real benefits to low-income households and those left on the economic sidelines. CEF's work to democratize access to clean energy in Minneapolis is the kind of locally rooted, community-centered organizing that makes state and national policy durable. I live two blocks in the Fulton neighborhood of Minneapolis and I want to help CEF build the next chapter of that work from the inside.

Peter Reese

No one can pay more than Google or Amazon can for data center power and even trillionaires are in trouble when utilities need to shut down to prevent wildfires. Meanwhile the sun delivers its power for free to everyone’s roof. Unfortunately the benefits of solar energy have largely accrued to the wealthy, a feature not a bug of the extractive economy fossilized by the robber barons of a previous Gilded Age.

But, just like the immigrants and laborers of that day organized into unions and cooperatives (many of which exist to this day) to build the electric grid, we have the responsibility to establish sustainable business structures that will pay future generations rather than hoarding wealth on private islands, in Florida, and Manhattan. That’s why I founded Energy ReLeaf, a cooperative of solar roofers. Solar is the only energy technology that can be integrated into all built environments cheaply and easily. Yet, the biggest impediment to that vision is not the technology or even the money, but the gatekeepers of the infrastructure and the engineers of an economy that stopped working for most people decades ago.

My two decades in energy both as an independent solar installer and as a supply chain manager of a large investor owned electric company taught me one thing: innovation and justice come from outside the system. No “Great Man” is coming to save us but we have the power of our hands, the power of our will, and the power of the sun to drive us.

Cory Neeley

I have been thinking about energy and human interaction since a young man, but my first role working in in the energy industry was in 2011, as an Energy Advocate for the Green Madison.  The program helped homeowners receive audits, and move from audit to action in various ways. I learned a lot in this first role about energy efficiency, home performance and financing for these projects.

In my second role, I worked as an Energy Services Manager for five municipal utilities in South Central Wisconsin.  My daily work included providing program support for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs to residential, commercial and industrial customers.  I received my Certified Energy Manager accreditation while working there.

I have been involved in a variety of energy-related work since that time, including co-founding an energy startup and working to support a Cooperative in Wisconsin which was supported by CEF in it's formation. In my current role, I am still learning about Minnesota's energy landscape as I work alongside Minnesota Farmer's Union on a grant funded by the National Lab of the Rockies.  I want to join fellow board members at CEF to support an organization that is innovative in it's cooperative approach to solving energy issues in Minnesota and elsewhere.

Lisa Callahan

I’m running again for the CEF Board because I continue to believe in the cooperative model and the role it can play in expanding access to clean energy. Over the past two years serving on the board, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how CEF operates and the communities it serves. I’ve seen firsthand the importance of steady, thoughtful governance in supporting long-term projects and member trust.

My background in finance, project development, and renewable energy allows me to contribute to discussions around project viability, partnerships, and strategic planning. I bring a practical perspective and focus on implementation, informed by experience working across solar development, sustainability initiatives, and financial analysis.

 I’m interested in continuing to serve because I value the direction CEF is heading and want to help maintain that momentum. I see the role as supporting staff, strengthening governance, and ensuring the cooperative remains responsive to its members.

Sam Helman

Hello fellow CEF members! I am an electrical engineer specializing in renewable energy, committed to spending my career in decarbonization. Four years ago I moved to Minneapolis to get a master's degree at UMN, where I researched how renewable energy assets behave as part of the grid. I graduated in 2022, and I currently work for an NYC-based clean energy startup focused on lowering both costs and reliance on fossil fuels for small businesses.

I want to join the CEF board because I believe in CEF's mission, and because I want to get more involved with the clean energy community here in the place where I live. With my technical background, I'll be able to bring an informed point of view to board meetings and discussions. My interests in clean energy are wide-ranging, since we need an "all of the above" approach to work against decarbonization; I am excited to learn about and get involved in the sustainable homes and district heating projects in addition to our solar farms.

Brett Thompson

I have served two terms on the board of CEF, and would like to continue for a third and final term. I am particularly interested in CEF's desire to add geothermal technology to the list of clean energy options that they might provide to their subscribers. I hope to contribute in whatever way I can find to further all of CEF's clean energy programs for members of the coop, and I am especially hopeful that I can helpful as the cooperative works to get their geothermal program off the ground (or rather, in the ground).

My background is eclectic. I have taught in public schools, worked as a technician and engineer in the fields of wind energy and the automotive industry, and I am interested in almost everything.

I am always looking for ways to create a safer, healthier, kinder, and more livable world for my children and everyone, for a better today and a better future. I find many of my ideas and ideals often align with the mission of CEF, and so I hope I can continue to be a guiding force on the board.

Mitchell Rogalsky

I've been highly interested in solar energy since I participated in the University of Minnesota Solar Vehicle Project. After building solar powered electric race cars I graduated and only applied to solar installation companies. At my first job I got put some these cool community solar gardens and learned about about this slick cooperative named CEF that was the developer of the projects. Shortly thereafter, my wife and I became members of CEF and have been involved ever since, culminating in myself running for and winning a board seat in 2024.

I've installed several solar systems by myself and have worked for several solar and wind companies over the years. I now work for the electric company on transmission lines and have supported interconnections for large scale wind and solar.

For my own home I run geothermal heating/cooling, a solar system on the roof, and 100% high efficiency electric appliances. I don't even have a gas line/meter run to my house anymore! I have also been driving electric vehicles since 2018 and have nearly 250,000 miles on fully electric vehicles at this point between my wife and I. I'm all in on the electric transition and do whatever I can to further it along.

meet our new board members

Meet Rizwan Bankwala

Hear about Rizwan’s journey below:

“I worked on this board from 2022--2024. In that time, we have grown significantly and created a multistate name for ourselves, due in large part to the creative work of CEF staff, leadership, and the community itself. I look forward to leveraging the successful experiments CEF has begun for 2024 onward. I have run into several cases where my financial, strategy, and corporate development work experience has enabled leaders at CEF to fully consider different angles of major financial and growth opportunities.”

Meet Lisa Callahan

Hear about Lisa’s journey below:

“Passion for Clean Energy: As someone deeply committed to sustainable practices, I am passionate about clean energy and its potential to transform our communities. Clean energy not only mitigates environmental impact but also fosters economic growth and social equity. I am dedicated to solving climate change through hard work and innovative environmental strategies. I embrace every opportunity to shape a future that fosters beneficial relationships for all stakeholders involved. My interest in clean energy issues stems from a desire to actively contribute to this transition and advocate for policies that promote renewable energy adoption.

Skills and Experience: Drawing from my background in project management and sustainable finance, I bring a unique set of skills to the board. Here are some key areas where I can make a difference:

• Sustainability Intelligence: I excel at developing and leading programs that drive sustainable practices across various sectors. Whether it’s implementing energy-efficient technologies or promoting circular economy initiatives, I understand the intricacies of sustainable solutions.

• ESG Reporting: I have expertise in creating detailed Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reports. These reports highlight sustainable achievements and outline future goals, providing transparency and accountability.

• Supply Chain Procurement: Sourcing eco-friendly and sustainable materials is crucial for clean energy projects. My experience in procurement, especially within the recycling sector, ensures that we make environmentally conscious choices.

• Data Analysis: Strong analytical skills allow me to assess and optimize sustainability metrics. By analyzing data, we can fine-tune our strategies and measure our impact effectively.

• Strategic Methodologies: I believe in using strategic planning to enhance environmental initiatives. Whether it’s developing community solar projects or advocating for policy changes, a well-thought-out approach is essential.

• Financial Analysis: Constructing and managing financial models that support environmental projects is another area where I can contribute. Understanding the financial implications of clean energy investments ensures their long-term viability.

Motivation for Running: I want to serve as a community solar board member because I believe in the power of collective action. Community solar projects empower residents, reduce energy costs, and create jobs. By joining the board, I can actively contribute to shaping policies, fostering partnerships, and ensuring equitable access to clean energy. Together, we can accelerate the transition toward a greener, more sustainable future.”

Meet Mitchell Rogalsky

Here about Mitchell’s journey below:

“I first became hooked on solar in college, helping build a full sized, solar-powered electric car to race across the Australian Outback on nothing but the sun. I figured that if we could travel 2000 miles on nothing but a tiny battery and 20 feet of solar cells then I could do better with my own energy consumption. I've now fully electrified my home life, from solar on the roof to geothermal beneath our feet and electric cars in between. We've even fully converted our yard into a bee lawn, much to our neighbors' curiosity! Professionally, as an Electrical Engineer, I cut my teeth on utility-scale solar with CEF back in 2018, helping build the Faribault, Clarks Grove, and Ramp A gardens. Since then I've worked on many more solar projects across the country as well as wind farms. Today, I've refocused my efforts towards the grid, working as a Transmission Project Manager with Great River Energy. I see transmission and utility interconnections as the number one challenge to renewables over the next decade. I hope to lend my extensive design, construction and project management experience in the solar industry to CEF as we navigate the ever changing landscape of permitting, supply chain, and interconnections.”

Meet Toya Lopez

Here about Toya’s journey below:

“My interest in clean energy issues is rooted in health. I started my career as a sustainability professional, specifically to decrease the carbon footprint of the healthcare industry. Over time I learned more about all of the easy win energy efficiency, electrification, and transition to renewable energy brings. However, I became much more interested in clean energy issues during my work with food insecurity and housing insecurity. Many folks in Minnesota have to choose between food and bills, which is, of course, detrimental to health. With the latest findings on gas stoves and heating in homes, many renters and low-income residents do not have much of a choice but to use their old appliances and harm their health. Fossil Fuels also directly impact health by increasing heat illness risk, air quality issues, dangerous working conditions, and pollution. For all these reasons, I care about clean energy issues. I have been a part of many boards; namely Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate and Elliot Park Neighborhood Institute. I am also part of the City of Minneapolis Environmental Advisory Committee. I want to run as a Cooperative Energy Futures Board Member because I love CEF. As a previous employee, I have intimate knowledge of how the process looks like, member-facing and internal-facing. As an employee I wasn’t able to spend much time with member-owners engagement as I would have liked. While this board role will also be at a limited capacity, I do want to dedicate most of my time to empowering my fellow CEF member-owners.”

Meet David Bergstrom

Hear about David’s journey below:

“I'm an advocate for clean energy and the societal aspect of CEF's mission. I also believe we all are responsible for taking responsibility for our impact to our environment and want to be a positive force in reducing our carbon footprint. I spent my professional career building, operating, modifying and tracking and reducing energy use in the built environment. This experience spanned institutional, corporate and commercial (office, retail, industrial) buildings and energy systems. I've been instrumental in installing arrays of 10kW to 200kW on buildings I managed. I understand the factors impacting installation of solar systems whether ground or building mounted. My professional background also provides an understanding of the financial hurdles faced when installing a new solar array or arrays.”

Meet Mary Jo Wiatrak

Here about Mary Jo’s journey:

“I have been a member of CEF since 2013 and I am ready to take a more active role in the organization. CEF is a strong organization and I believe I would be a good addition to the Board in several ways. I am a longtime advocate for renewable energy and sustainability- both in my community and at the legislature. My philosophy about energy involves a framework of justice… this is important as this way of seeing allows us to go beyond the technological challenges and consider the political opportunities as well. In this way I believe it is crucial that we increase public participation in all issues of energy production and policy. This year I have been able to spend time with CEF staff from several divisions. I met with our Policy and Finance Director Pouya to shadow him at the State Capitol as he attended subcommittee hearings and discussed bills. I met with Dana to discuss the CEF Affordable Solar Program. And I met with the Outreach and Engagement Team, Kyle, Allye, Bryn, and Sebastian to discuss membership and the annual meeting. What a great group of people. Additionally, I am an attorney. My legal background and communication skills would benefit the board, especially when reviewing legal documents and statutes. I am also an advocate for democratic organizations. Cooperatives are in principle more community-centered and more economically just. Our Cooperative Energy Futures community of nearly 2,000 members is a great example of the power of cooperative principles to reshape how we think about our shared energy future.”

Meet Brett Thompson

Hear about Brett’s journey below:

“I have been interested in energy use and conservation my whole life. Two energy stories from my childhood that stick out are as follows. First, at my grandpa's house, he would charge a nickel to anyone who left a light on in an empty room. I disagree with his punitive model of habit forming, but agree that conversation is good for both financial and environmental purposes. Second I was fascinated by everything about a field trip our 4th grade class took to tour one of the hydroelectric power plants on the Great Falls of the Missouri River. As an adult, I began my professional life in the automotive industry, but turned to wind energy, then to education. Seeing the interactions of global systems of modern life, of transportation, communication, economics, politics, and society, has made me realize how much impact an individual human has on the whole globe. We are all interconnected, so we all need to be responsible to the extent we have the capacity to lessen our impact. The balance to this is we must live our lives in the society that exists, even as we work to make it more just for all. We must make our energy footprint less impactful so that future generations can enjoy a healthy planet that is comfortably habitable for humans. I want to create a world where my kids and grandkids, and everyone around the globe is better off than my generation. Cooperative Energy Futures is an organization that shares this vision with me. I am finishing my first term as a board member with CEF, and I'm running for a second term because CEF demonstrates an approach to climate justice and energy use and production that is thoughtful, visionary, and inclusive of all. I like that.”

Annual Meeting and Annual Report

Board nominations

2023 CEF Annual Members Meeting

The 2023 CEF Annual Members Meeting was held as a series of local meetings and one online meeting during May 2023. You can view the recording of the online Annual Meeting.

2022 BOARD ELECTION RESULTS

Cooperative Energy Futures received 3 candidate nominations for 3 open seats during the annual Board nominations period. A Board election was held online throughout the month of May in which 88 CEF members voted and Directors Holly Buchanan, Keith Dent, and Sachi Graber were re-elected to the Board. Board nominations, including candidate statements and introductory videos are posted below for review by members.

Thanks to everyone who ran and to all the members who voted!

Past annual reports and meetings

For information on past Annual Reports and Annual Meetings, visit:

• The 2021 Annual Report and 2022 Annual Members Meeting

• The 2020 Annual Report and 2021 Annual Members Meeting

• The 2019 Annual Report and 2020 Annual Members Meeting