Warehime Named OPU General Manager

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Warehime Named OPU General Manager

November 13, 2018

The Owatonna Public Utilities Commission on Nov. 2 announced the appointment of Roger Warehime as the new Owatonna Public Utilities (OPU) General Manager.  Mr. Warehime will replace current General Manager Mark Fritsch, who will retire on December 28, 2018.  Mr. Warehime will begin his new role on Monday, December 3, 2018.

Mr. Warehime is OPU’s current Director of Field Operations and has been with OPU since 2004.  During his time at OPU, Mr. Warehime has provided his expertise and leadership to implement new products for customers, improve safety, provide greater employee recognition and engagement, as well as influence important business decisions among Owatonna’s largest employers.

Mr. Warehime holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota, an MBA from the University of St Thomas, as well as many certifications including Public Power Management and Polarity Management.  He also brought a wealth of experience to OPU when he started.

Prior to his position as Director of Field Operations, Mr. Warehime started at OPU as the Marketing and Energy Conservation Analyst where he helped make great improvements to OPU’s energy conservation efforts. Later roles included supervising OPU’s SCADA/Dispatch and Customer Service departments, managing OPU’s external relations, and supervising OPU’s gas/water and electric line crews.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to lead such a wonderful organization,” said Mr. Warehime.  “We’ve made great progress creating a culture of safety, accountability, and customer focus under Mr. Fritsch’s leadership and I look forward to building upon that success into the future.”

OPU is a municipally-owned utility providing electric, water, and natural gas services in Owatonna, MN.  More information is available at www.owatonnautilities.com