Awards and Recognition

The 2026 Roger Warehime Leadership award recipient was the late Roger Warehime, the previous general manager at Owatonna Public Utilities

Roger Warehime believed deeply in the public power model and devoted his professional life to serving it. A mechanical engineer by training, he spent 22 years at Owatonna Public Utilities, where he ultimately served as General Manager. His commitment to Minnesota's municipal utilities extended well beyond his own organization. At the time of his unexpected death in April 2026, he was serving as Secretary/Treasurer of the MMUA Board of Directors and had fulfilled dozens of roles over the years, both within the industry and throughout Owatonna.

Over more than two decades in municipal utilities, Roger earned widespread respect for his steady leadership, generous mentorship, and collaborative spirit. He led with quiet confidence, consistently placing the success of his team above personal recognition, and modeled a leadership style grounded in inclusion, accountability, and continuous growth. Those same qualities defined his service beyond the utility, where he was deeply engaged in his community and gave generously of his time and talents to organizations and causes that strengthened the place he called home.

To honor Roger's legacy, the MMUA Board of Directors established a permanent leadership award recognizing individuals who exemplify the qualities he demonstrated throughout his career and his life. The inaugural award was presented posthumously to Roger and accepted by his wife, Kristin and son, Jacob.

The 2026 Community Services Awards goes to Steve Greenman, Austin Utilities Board member.

Steve Greenman, Austin Utilities, is this year’s Community Service Award winner. Greenman has served multiple terms on the Austin Utilities Board beginning in 2018, including terms as president in 2021 and 2025. He has contributed to key committees focused on finance, personnel, water management, marketing and communications, helping guide policy, financial stewardship, and customer-focused communication.

Greenman has also been active in utility industry organizations, including APPA, APGA, and MMUA. His involvement reflects a commitment to staying informed, advocating for municipal utilities, and strengthening the industry through his knowledge.

Prior to and alongside his public service, Steve owned and operated a well-known and highly respected HVAC business in Austin for many years. As he approached retirement, rather than stepping back, Steve chose to become even more involved in giving back to his community. He has dedicated his time and talents to organizations such as Feel the Love and the Morning Lions Club, continuing a lifelong pattern of service and volunteerism. He is often the first to volunteer for AU initiatives and community events, demonstrating a hands-on commitment that goes well beyond boardroom responsibilities. His willingness to listen, his fairness in decision-making, and his passion for serving others have earned him deep respect throughout the community.

The 2026 Lifetime Honorary Membership Award recipients were Kris Manderfeld and Jeff Becthold.

Kris Manderfeld worked at New Ulm Public Utilities for 32 years, retiring on
December 31, 2025. She joined the utility in 1993 as an accountant, then advanced to assistant finance director. In that role, Manderfeld managed the financial operations for one of Minnesota’s more complex municipal systems, overseeing five utility services: electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, and district energy (steam).

In February 2019, Manderfeld was appointed interim utilities director and became the permanent utilities director in May 2019. Manderfeld has been an active supporter of public power, providing local service and community benefit. She is a strong believer in public service, workforce development, and preserving institutional knowledge for future employees.

Those who worked with Kris witnessed her dedication to the utility and community. She actively participated in events, seeking knowledge to improve the utility. Her integrity and character made Kris enjoyable to work with. She truly cared about the utility's success, carefully weighing decisions for the best outcome, and earning the respect of those she led.

Jeff Becthold, retired in January 2026 from his role as Distribution Maintenance Superintendent at Missouri Energy Services (MRES). Becthold began his electric utility career in Iowa, working as a lineworker in Webster City and Forest City before serving as director of public works in Alton. He later became superintendent in St. James, Minnesota, and worked with the Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency before joining MMUA as a 

safety coordinator in 2008.

From 2013 to 2026, Becthold served as distribution superintendent for MRES, overseeing distribution maintenance services for Minnesota communities and supporting members across a four-state region. His field and administrative experience made him a trusted resource for service territory discussions, grant applications, local generation operations, and cost-effective distribution planning.

Becthold is remembered for his commitment to municipal utilities and his willingness to step in wherever help was needed. He provided mutual aid to Florida residents affected by Hurricane Irma, assisted with infrastructure grants and system assessments, helped prepare crews for Light Up Navajo, and strengthened safety practices through consistent training and job-briefing procedures.

His career reflects steady service, practical leadership, and deep dedication to the municipal electric community in Minnesota and the surrounding states.

The 2026 Rising Star Award winners are Gabe Reiter and Michelle Orozco

Gabe Reiter, Accounting Supervisor at Shakopee Public Utilities, consistently goes above and beyond his day-to-day responsibilities and seeks out opportunities to expand his knowledge in utility operations and leadership. He was a participant in MMUA’s Stepping into Leadership program, which helped him enhance his own performance and contribute to the overall growth of the utility.

Reiter shows up daily with a consistently positive, steady attitude, offering reliability and encouragement. He cares for his work and coworkers, fostering support and team success. He gets the job done ina supportive and respectful way that makes anyone who works with him excited to be there.

Michelle Orozco, Customer Service Supervisor, Austin Utilities, is an active member of the Austin community and

cares deeply for the residents she serves through the utility. Her professional growth and clear trajectory of continued development reflect the qualities celebrated by the Rising Star Award.

Orozco is a vital contributor to key projects at Austin Utilities. She played a crucial role in the AMI meter deployment, coordinating between Operations and Customer Service to schedule appointments, support installations, and ensure a smooth rollout. She led the development of time-of-use rates, using her analytical skills and understanding of customer impact. When government funding was paused, she identified the most affected customers and created a plan to support them fairly.

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The 2026 Distinguished Service Award recipient was Kaela Brennan, MMUA General Counsel, Spencer Fane.

Kathleen “Kaela” Brennan, MMUA General Counsel, received the Distinguished Service Award, which honors a leader demonstrating outstanding service in support of MMUA and its goals. With more than 25 years of support for MMUA members, Brennan has provided vital support to Minnesota’s hometown utility communities.

Over the years, Brennan has represented MMUA members before the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and in the courts, including the Minnesota Supreme Court. She is widely regarded as the go-to attorney for service territory modifications, having filed dozens of boundary adjustments for MMUA members across the state and represented many of them in strongly contested compensation matters.

Brennan has also served faithfully as MMUA’s general counsel. Her work has included advising on updates to MMUA’s governing documents, helping negotiate contracts and leases, and attending MMUA Board of Directors meetings to answer questions. Her professionalism and approachability have served MMUA well. In the last few years, she has become a popular instructor in MMUA’s DUEL™ program and the Association’s training day for utility commissioners.

Her experience, practical guidance, and steady commitment have made her an important resource for MMUA members and leadership. MMUA is grateful not only for her years of service, but also for her work preparing others to continue defending the rights of municipal utilities and supporting the MMUA Board of Directors.

Rita Kelly, MMUA Director of Administration, was the 2026 award recipient.

Rita Kelly, MMUA’s Director of Administration, was named by President Pete Moulton as the recipient of MMUA’s 2026 President’s Award. This honor recognizes outstanding dedication, commitment to the goals and purposes of municipally-owned utilities and exceptional contributions to the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association and its membership.  

For more than 40 years, Rita Kelly has been one of the most recognizable and trusted faces of MMUA. To generations of municipal utility leaders, commissioners, and employees, she has represented the Association through her warmth, dedication, and unwavering commitment to service. Whether welcoming members to conferences and training or staying late to answer questions and solve problems, Rita has always made people feel valued.

Her impact extends well beyond MMUA's office. She has strengthened relationships across Minnesota's municipal utility community by providing personal attention, practical support, and a genuine sense of belonging.

Among her many contributions, Rita spent a decade transforming commemorative APPA Lineworkers Rodeo t-shirts into handcrafted quilts that became cherished keepsakes while helping raise more than $30,000 for the Highline Heroes Foundation, which supports lineworkers and their families.

Throughout her career, Rita has exemplified the values of service, reliability, humility, and community, leaving a legacy measured not only by her work, but by the lasting relationships and trust she built over four decades.