Michael Sivertsen, District 8
I took very seriously my initial election to the TCEC Board in 2021 and showed up "ready to work." I leveraged 15 years of electric utility experience, an undergraduate degree in Physics, and a Master's degree in Knowledge Management to fulfill this important responsibility. In addition, I pursued all of the education opportunities available to a new Director and was awarded the Director Gold Certification by NRECA in 2024. Prior to my retirement in 2021, I was a Systems Engineer with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth.
I was born and raised in Wisconsin and attended the University of Minnesota, Institute of Technology, where I graduated with a Physics degree in 1979. My wife and I married that same year. I then worked for Schlumberger Well Services as a Field Engineer in the gas wells of West Virginia. This was followed by positions in the nuclear engineering department of the largest utility in New England.
My nuclear engineering experience was wide-ranging and included scientist positions in both radiation physics and information systems. A manager noted that they needed a person of honesty and integrity in a company-wide information management position, which is why I was hired. During my eight years as an accredited nuclear training instructor, I trained over 3,500 employees and was recognized for exceptional instructional design. A memorable time for me was as a quality control inspector during the consolidation of over 2,100 nuclear fuel rods in a large spent fuel pool.
In the mid-1990s, I intentionally choose Texas for the future home of our five-member family. I secured a job and we all relocated in 1997. My three grown children and their spouses love Texas as much as I do. They have all remained in North Texas and have blessed us with eight wonderful grandchildren. So the family of five has now grown to 16!
Activities I enjoy in Texas have included engineering and science career presentations at local high schools, presentations on radiation biophysics to community groups, and bicycle rides with my grandchildren. I have also enjoyed elk hunting in nearby states.
My Master's Degree in Knowledge Management, coupled with an expertise in personal knowledge management, enables me to stay abreast of numerous topics that could impact our Board and Members. This increased situational awareness supports better decision making in the face of complexity.
In 2023, I was the newest Director asked to serve on the CEO Search Committee. I was impressed with the professionalism and thoroughness throughout the six-month search process and was pleased to make meaningful contributions in order to select the most qualified person to lead our great co-op.
The importance of a Board member with electric utility experience, a radiation science background, and the thoroughness of a systems engineer, is unique to the TCEC Board and complements the skills of other Directors.