From Power Poles to Fiber Lines: Honoring Errol Hertneky’s 12 Years of Service on the MVEA Board

When Errol Hertneky recalls his earliest memory of Mountain View Electric Association, he sees a wooden power pole rising from his family’s Calhan farm. “I was four or five when our first pole went in,” he said. “I remember staring at it before the lines were finally strung and the lights came on.” That pole marked the beginning of a lifelong connection to the cooperative his father helped found.

With a family rooted in the co-op’s origins, Hertneky’s decision to join the MVEA Board in June 2013 felt natural. “It seemed like a good challenge,” he said. “When I found out the director in my district was retiring, I went for it.” After college and six years in the Colorado National Guard, he returned to the farm and eventually opened an accounting firm. His background made him a steady, thoughtful voice on the Board for 12 years.

“The biggest change I’ve seen is MVEA’s shift from a rural co-op to one serving rapidly growing areas like Falcon and Monument,” he said. As the membership grew, so did the challenges. Hertneky helped guide MVEA through this transformation while keeping reliability and affordability front and center.

Errol’s proudest contribution? Helping bring fiber broadband to MVEA members through partnering company Conexon Connect. “That will have the biggest impact,” he said. “I’ll be happy when all members have access.” His focus on future-proofing the co-op reflects his belief in long-term value for rural and urban members alike.

In 2021, Hertneky earned the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Director Gold Credential, a national recognition he’s especially proud of. He and his wife, Bette – married 57 years – attended many trainings and conferences together. “Bette was a big part of my time on the Board,” he said.

Though he’s stepping away from the Board, Hertneky is far from slowing down. He still runs his accounting firm from home, tends cattle, and restores old vehicles. He also hopes to take up scuba diving again – a passion that’s taken him to seven countries. He and Bette enjoy time with their kids, Dana and Travis, grandkids Tayler and Trent, dog Penny, cat Flowers, and their cows.

Errol Hertneky’s legacy is written in every mile of line and every member he’s served. His steady leadership has helped power MVEA’s past – and illuminate its future. “Members are MVEA’s story,” he said. “When your lights go out, mine go out. When your rates rise, so do mine. We’re all one.”

MVEA will greatly miss Errol’s insight, dedication, and steady leadership – and we extend our deepest thanks for his 12 years of faithful service to our members and our mission.