(Board Member since 2025; re-election year is 2028)
Background
I am Jim Beals, a retired energy professional and MVEA member in District 4. Raised in a small town in South Dakota on the family farm/apiary, I understand the critical role of reliable electricity in rural communities. I hold a B.S. in Electrical/Software Engineering from South Dakota State University and an MBA from the University of New Mexico Anderson School of Management. My career includes roles as an Electronics/Software Staff Engineer at Honeywell Defense Avionics, General Manager at Emerson Electric’s Process Management Division, and COO at Edison IntelliGrid Inc. with focus on the Energy Management and Communications System. These experiences equipped me with expertise in grid reliability and strategic leadership.
My community involvement includes serving as Sound/Lighting Head Volunteer and board member for the Marshalltown (Iowa) Community Theater and as Chairperson of the EJST board, a Houston nonprofit. These roles strengthened my commitment to transparent governance and member engagement, aligning with MVEA’s cooperative principles.
Statement of Position
As an MVEA Board Member, my priorities are:
- Reliability and Affordability: Applying my engineering expertise to ensure dependable, cost-effective electricity through grid modernization and partnerships like Tri-State.
- Sustainability and Innovation: Supporting MVEA’s renewable energy and broadband initiatives to enhance connectivity and environmental responsibility.
- Member Engagement: Promoting transparency through open communication and accessible board processes.
- Community Impact: Strengthening MVEA’s youth and safety programs while managing capital credits responsibly.
I am committed to MVEA’s mission of safe, reliable, affordable service
