People’s Energy Cooperative Names Next CEO
The People’s Energy Cooperative (PEC) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Gwen Stevens as the Cooperative’s next President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Stevens will succeed current President and CEO Mike Henke, who will remain in the role through the end of 2025.
Stevens, currently serving as Vice President of Cooperative Relations, brings more than two decades of management experience, including 11 years in executive leadership at PEC. Her deep understanding of cooperative governance, strategic planning, member engagement, and legislative advocacy uniquely positions her to lead PEC into its next chapter.
“We conducted a national search and ultimately determined Gwen’s exceptional leadership, deep knowledge of our cooperative, and strong commitment to our members, mission, and communities was the best fit” said Jerry Wooner, Chair of the PEC Board of Directors. “Her vision and dedication to continuous improvement align perfectly with the mission, values, and future direction of PEC.”
Mike Henke, current President and CEO, shared his confidence in the Board’s decision:
“Gwen has been a driving force behind many of our initiatives over the past decade. Her leadership, integrity, and passion for serving our members make her the ideal person to lead the Cooperative into the future. I look forward to supporting her during this transition and watching her take PEC to new heights.”
A native to the Rochester area, Stevens holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing management from Concordia University – St. Paul and is on track to complete her MBA in organizational leadership from the University of Northwestern – St. Paul this year. She is a graduate of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Robert I. Kabat Management Internship Program and has led numerous strategic initiatives at PEC, including improvements to the Cooperative’s safety initiatives, employee and leadership development, economic development efforts, and legislative relations.
“I am excited and honored by the opportunity to serve as the next President and CEO of People’s Energy Cooperative,” said Stevens. “I look forward to working with our talented team, dedicated Board, and trusted industry partners to continue delivering reliable electricity, superior service, and innovative energy solutions to our members.”
The Board extends its gratitude to Mike Henke for his continued leadership and commitment to PEC during this transition. His guidance as CEO has been instrumental in preparing the organization for a successful future. Chair Wooner stated, “We thank Mike for his dedication to our members. His steady guidance has helped further develop PEC into the strong, member-focused organization it is today.”
About People’s Energy Cooperative
People’s Energy Cooperative is a member-owned electric cooperative celebrating nearly 90 years of delivering retail electric power to its 20,000 consumer-members in Olmsted, Dodge, Fillmore, Mower, Wabasha, and Winona Counties. People’s Energy Cooperative is a Touchstone Energy® cooperative and a member-owner in the Dairyland Power system of electric cooperatives that generates and transmits reliable electric power in 62 counties of four states (Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois). People’s is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.