Clint Gjellstad, Velva, was elected to the Verendrye Electric Co-op board by members of the cooperative at its annual meeting June 13. The Central District seat became open after Bruce Anderson, Glenburn, chose not to run for re-election.

Incumbent Blaine Bruner, Drake, was re-elected in the Eastern District and Karen Hennessy, Des Lacs, was re-elected in the Western District. Their races were uncontested. The Verendrye board is comprised of 9 members who are all elected by the members. Each year three directors are up for election.

Gjellstad grew up on a family farm north of Velva, where he currently farms with his wife, Jamie, and two children, Odin, 6, and Isabelle, 3. He graduated from Velva High School and from NDSU with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Gjellstad spent 10 years in mortgage banking in Minneapolis before returning to North Dakota.

“When I flip a light switch at home or at work, I want the light to turn on. Rural energy is critical to the success of our family farm and my life on the prairie. I want this for my family today and I want this for my kids when they grow up as we work to keep our rural communities vibrant. I support our system of clean coal-fired power plants with our mix of hydro-electric, natural gas, and wind power. My priorities as a Director will be to work to maintain the most inexpensive and reliable power for our members,” Gjellstad said.