Awards and Nominations
Each year MMUA honors the best of the best in municipal utilities. These awards, covering everything from innovation at the utility level to personal excellence and commitment throughout years of service to our industry, are designed to thank those who shine a light that inspires others.
On August 19, 2025, MMUA announced its latest honorees at the Association's annual conference in Rochester, Minnesota.
The 2025 Lifetime Honorary Membership Award recipients were Scott Thoreson and Mark Nibaur.
Scott Thoreson, retired line crew foreperson, Elk River Municipal Utilities, received MMUA’s Honorary Lifetime Membership Award in recognition of his long-standing commitment to municipal utilities and the broader industry. The award highlights a career dedicated to enhancing local utility services and advancing industry standards across the state.
With 32 years of experience as a lineworker and public power advocate, Scott has demonstrated leadership, technical skill, and a positive attitude at Elk River Municipal Utilities. He played a key role in supporting the utility’s expansion efforts. Known for championing safety, mentoring colleagues, and fostering community engagement, Scott has built lasting relationships with public power professionals nationwide through mutual aid efforts.
Scott has been a consistent supporter of MMUA’s safety and training programs, often volunteering as an instructor for both overhead and underground schools. He has also served as a judge at the organization’s annual lineworker rodeo multiple times.
Mark Nibaur, general manager, Austin Utilities, received the Honorary Lifetime Membership Award, recognizing his extensive career dedicated to advancing municipal utilities both locally and statewide. Since 2010, he has led Austin Utilities through significant growth, including consolidating multiple sites. Under his leadership, the utility has fostered a caring, curious, and committed culture, earning several industry awards.
Beyond his organizational leadership, Mark has played an active role in the MMUA. He served on the board from 2018 to 2024, including a term as president during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021. He participates in numerous committees and regularly attends legislative meetings in Minnesota and Washington, DC. Mark also supported the leadership transition to Karleen Kos and remains a steadfast advocate for MMUA.
The 2025 Community Service Award recipient was Madalyn Sukke, commissioner, Detroit Lake Public Utilities Commission
Madalyn received MMUA’s 2025 Community Service Award. This award is presented to an individual for their years of stellar service in support of a municipal utility at the local level.
Madalyn’s commitment to public power has not gone unnoticed in the Detroit Lakes community. She has served the city for more than 16 years, holding positions on the city council promoting public works, economic development, and public safety. In 2017 she was named Council Liaison for the Public Utilities Commission, and in 2022 she was named a member of the commission. She attends legislative rallies in Saint Paul and Washington DC, advocating for public power. Madalyn is a true supporter of Detroit Lakes Public Utilities’ needs.
The 2025 Public Service Award recipient was Don Martodam, former commissioner, Hawley Public Utilities.
Don received MMUA’s Public Service Award. MMUA’s Public Service Award is given to a local, state, or federal elected or appointed official who has been a strong supporter of MMUA and its members.
Don was a steadfast advocate for public power through more than three decades of service on the Hawley Public Utilities Commission. The long-standing commitment to MMUA and to the advancement of locally owned utilities throughout Minnesota has impacted everyone greatly.
Don encouraged participation in MMUA training events and leadership development opportunities. He also served as an MMUA Board member for many years, leading as board President in 2023. The example Don set illustrates what it means to serve with integrity, purpose, and a true belief in the value of hometown utilities.
The 2025 Rising Star Award recipients were Sara Youngs, Easton Dale, and Brian Riggleman.
Sara Youngs, assistant director at Elk River Municipal Utilities, received MMUA’s Rising Star Award, which recognizes future leaders who have demonstrated dedication to the goals and principles of municipal utilities through problem-solving, creativity, and job knowledge.
Sara strives to deliver the best experience for her team, colleagues, and customers. She relaunched the rebate program with the communications team and introduced new software for tracking rebates and expenses. In 2024, she contributed to the first annual kWh savings target in over seven years.
Sara highlights successes, mentors others, and helps them see how their roles can evolve. Her leadership resulted in recognizing the need for a lead customer service rep and improved cross-training for consistent service.
Sara proactively steps up when needed. As a lifelong learner, she attends conferences like MMUA, APPA, and NISC, sharing insights to improve billing, collections, and customer service. Originally the Customer Service Manager, Sara was promoted to Administration Director in under a year. Her proactive approach helps her identify issues, find solutions, and seek resources, making her vital to Elk River’s success.
Easton Dale, superintendent at North Saint Paul Electric Utilities, received MMUA’s Rising Star Award. This recognizes future leaders who have demonstrated dedication to the goals and principles of municipal utilities through problem-solving, creativity, and job knowledge.
Easton has led the utility crew through a period of significant change, advocating for new technology to enhance daily operations. Under his leadership as Superintendent, communication has improved notably, with safety tailboards and job briefings encouraging open dialogue and shared safety concerns.
With a background as a lineworker, Easton maintains a strong connection with the crew, prioritizing their safety and spearheading initiatives to reduce risks. These include the implementation of advanced safety tailboards, mapping, and hazard analysis technologies.
Known for his approachable and composed demeanor, Easton effectively guides crews during storm responses, swiftly restoring power. He assumed the superintendent role amid a time of transition in North Saint Paul, confidently navigating challenges posed by new city leadership and an evolving electric department.
Brian Riggleman, business analyst engineer at Owatonna Public Utilities, received MMUA’s Rising Star Award. This recognizes future leaders who have demonstrated dedication to the goals and principles of municipal utilities through problem-solving, creativity, and job knowledge.
Brian joined OPU with limited data reporting experience but quickly became an essential resource for the organization. He approaches every challenge with enthusiasm and has a genuine passion for his work.
Brian has collaborated across all departments of OPU, significantly enhancing utility operations, from EV detection to load management devices. Many colleagues commend his impressive work, describing it as “raw talent with unlimited passion.”
The 2025 Distinguished Service Award recipient was Ed "Doc" Evans, advisory board, Anoka Municipal Utility.
Ed, or as most of the MMUA membership knows him, Doc, received the Distinguished Service Award, which honors a leader demonstrating outstanding service in support of MMUA and its goals. With more than 35 years of service at Anoka Municipal Utilities, Doc Evans currently serves as the utility advisory board president.
A strong advocate for MMUA and public power, Doc is unafraid to raise issues he believes will benefit the association, its members, and its broader efforts.
Known for his active participation, Doc rarely misses MMUA events, often attending multiple meetings in different locations to stay informed. He has also been a key figure in organizing the association’s Summer Conference bike tours and participates in the hikes.
Vernell Roberts, general manager, Detroit Lakes Public Utilities, was the 2025 award recipient.
MMUA Board of Directors President Scott Grabe awarded Vernell Roberts MMUA’s 2025 President’s Award. The Award recognizes people whose contributions, as individuals, to MMUA or the industry as a whole, have been exemplary. Here is what Scott said about Vernell:
"I am honored to present this award to an individual whose impact and dedication to MMUA and our community of municipally owned utilities truly stands out. The MMUA President’s Award recognizes those who not only commit to our goals, but also significantly contribute to the entire membership’s growth and success.
This year’s President’s Award goes to someone who has a distinguished career working for municipal utilities. It’s not only working at municipal utilities but working on behalf of them. He has served on countless committees and advisory groups. He has served on multiple boards of directors, including the MMUA Board, with a term as President. He has instructed classes at MMUA conferences and schools, and has been a regular presence in Saint Paul and Washington D.C.
But, to me, his most important work was when he served as an MMUA Safety Coordinator and JTS instructor. It was there that he went above and beyond and took the extra time to mentor a young lineman from Henning, and helped him learn how to navigate projects, personnel, budgets, politics, and more.
In other words, he was giving me the tools that I would need to become a leader. Tools that I have put to use as my roles and my career changed. These tools have served me well, and I think it’s safe to say that without them, I would not be standing up here today to present this award.
What’s really special, is I am not the only one that he did this for. I know other guys who received the same help that I did and are serving as leaders at their utilities today. His impact on municipal utilities and the individuals serving them is widespread and long-lasting."