Former Eau Claire Energy Cooperative (ECEC) President and CEO Lynn Thompson has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Ally of Cooperative Electrification Award (ACE), Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association’s highest honor. The ACE Award is presented each year in recognition of outstanding contributions to Wisconsin’s electric cooperatives.
“Lynn not only worked hard to ensure the success for ECEC’s members, but he also had a broader perspective focusing on ensuring success within his community. He played a vital role in advocating for economic development, beneficial electrification, and the deployment of broadband to unserved and underserved areas… “
Thompson was nominated for his ingenuity and professionalism as CEO. He championed many causes during his time at the cooperative and was a leader in broadband expansion, beneficial electrification, and renewable energy. In 2015, under his leadership, Eau Claire Energy installed MemberSolar, a community solar project that was the largest utility-owned solar array in the state at that time.
Thompson worked as a public accountant before starting his cooperative career as office manager at ECEC in 1991. He was appointed chief executive officer in 2009 and held that position until his retirement in 2022.
Thompson’s nomination was enthusiastically supported by many co-op leaders. The ECEC board of directors noted, “Lynn not only worked hard to ensure the success for ECEC’s members, but he also had a broader perspective focusing on ensuring success within his community. He played a vital role in advocating for economic development, beneficial electrification, and the deployment of broadband to unserved and underserved areas. Lynn demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the employees and membership, and the community at ECEC during his 31 years of service at Eau Claire Energy Cooperative. The Board of Directors valued his leadership and professionalism at ECEC and for his many contributions. We are proud and honored to support Lynn’s nomination for the ACE award.”
Dunn Energy General Manager and CEO Jesse Singerhouse wrote that Thompson was the first fellow CEO to reach out when he was hired for his position. “He congratulated me and offered to help me whenever needed. He took the time to explain how different committees worked, helped me get up to speed on current issues and welcomed me as a colleague and friend…As we saw significant turnover in [electric cooperative] manager positions these past few years, he knew that we were the future of the electric cooperative movement in Wisconsin. By investing his time in us he was investing in the long-term success of electric cooperatives and more importantly, the member owners we serve,” Singerhouse wrote.
ECEC President and CEO Monica Obrycki stated, “Lynn’s mentorship and example have been so important to ECEC’s success. He was more than a leader—he genuinely invested in the people around him, and I am grateful for the time and knowledge he shared. His commitment to our members, community, and cooperative have inspired me and many others to carry forward his vision and dedication. Lynn’s legacy will be felt for many years to come.”
Thompson served on many cooperative committee boards for the Dairyland Managers Association (DMA) and Dairyland Power Board and was DMA president from 2015-2018. He also served on the Dairyland Power Cooperative board audit committee.
Thompson’s commitment to community is evidenced by his active participation and leadership in many organizations including the Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation, Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, Eau Claire National Rifle Club, Farm Technology Days, Community Health Partnership, and Eau Claire County Broadband Committee.
In retirement, Thompson continues his dedication to the Eau Claire community. He and his wife, Teresa, enjoy spending time with son, Christopher; daughter-in-law, Stacy; and grandsons, Dustin and Austin. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, and traveling.
Please join us in congratulating Lynn on this well-deserved achievement. Throughout his dedicated tenure, Lynn has always been engaged, honest, candid, and professional. His commitment to electric cooperatives and their members helped shape a brighter future for ECEC and our community.
