Roger Campbell of rural Pukwana has represented Brule County on Central Electric Cooperative’s board of directors since 2014. This year, he decided not to run for reelection.

Roger has utilized his business background to help the cooperative achieve its mission of providing reliable, affordable energy and services. Before joining the Central Electric board, Roger worked for 39 years in manufacturing, specializing in defense, construction equipment, pumps and gearboxes. He has also served on his church council and is the treasurer on the township board.

Roger earned a degree in mechanical engineering from South Dakota State University and is a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. He is also Six Sigma Green Belt Certified in project management.

“Roger is an intelligent thinker. He has a strong ability to analyze information and look to the future,” said former board member Jim Headley of White Lake, who served with Roger from 2014-2021.

Headley added that while he and Roger didn’t agree on everything, they were always able to talk through various issues and make sound decisions. “He is thorough and willing to look into the facts, and that’s what you need on the board.”

Roger has been known to play the role of devil’s advocate to spark meaningful discussion in the board room. On top of that, board president Duane Wolbrink said, “Some of the expertise I appreciated that Roger brought to the board was his experience in managing employees, experience with OSHA safety and workers unions.”

Being a director is usually serious business, but board members get to know each other and even have fun on occasion. A few years back, during a strategic planning session in Oacoma, Roger was surprised to discover his fellow board members stole his pontoon that was docked nearby and took it for a joyride.

“Duane [Wolbrink] egged me on, so we took it for a spin,” explained Todd VanWalleghen, board vice president. “It was a nice evening and would have been a good night for a longer ride, but Roger being a cheapskate, it didn’t have much gas in it,” Todd joked. “Roger said the sheriff stopped by his place, but there were never any charges filed.”

Duane rebutted in his defense, “The way I remember it, it was all Todd’s idea. But it was a few years ago, so I may not remember every detail.” 

Others along for the joyride with Duane and Todd were director Bernetta Burghardt and Jean Morrison, spouse of now-retired director Butch Morrison. It was a fond memory for everyone but Roger, who wasn’t there to enjoy it. 

Roger wants members to know that Central Electric management has built a strong team to serve the membership, and the employee group is as good or better than any electric cooperative in the state and beyond.

Roger’s wife, Judy, is a retired educator. They have two children and six grandchildren. After Roger’s term officially ends at the cooperative’s annual meeting in September, he will continue helping the neighbors with farm chores and maybe spend more time deer hunting.

He claims that he will fill any extra time he gains from not attending cooperative board meetings by “doing whatever Judy wants.” She can hang this page on the fridge to remind him of that.

We wish Roger the best as he moves on from the cooperative board. His business acumen has greatly benefited cooperative employees and members.

Bradee Pazour of Pukwana was elected to fill the Brule County board position, and she will fill Roger’s seat following the annual meeting in September. Roger nudged Pazour to run, and he said, “I have absolute confidence that Bradee will do a great job representing Brule County.”