The Northern Electric Cooperative Board of Directors has named William ‘B.J.’ Hansen as the cooperative’s new director. Hansen replaces Jeff Vander Wal as the board member representing District 7. Vander Wal resigned from the board earlier this spring after he moved out of the co-op’s service territory.

Hansen and his family farm and ranch near Turton. He is involved with Spink County 4-H and served as a director for the South Dakota Charolais Breeders Association (SDCBA) for seven years. During his time with SDCBA he was named the national junior advisor of the year in 2015. Hansen is also a lifelong member of the Brentford UCC church and is the chairman of its board. He is looking forward to serving on the Northern Electric Board of Directors.

“I felt like this was a good opportunity for me to give back to my community and keep our co-op strong and healthy so it is around for my children,” Hansen said. “I have always been a big supporter of the member owned co-op system.”

Hansen wants to learn as much as possible about the electric cooperative system so he can represent the members in his district.

“During my time on the board I hope I can understand and be able to explain to member owners all the wheels that turn to keep our co-op successful. I feel as a director it is my job to understand and be able to answer questions and concerns that patrons in my district may have,” Hansen said.

Hansen and his wife Katie live west of Turton and have three young children who go to school in Doland. His family enjoys showing hogs and fishing in their spare time.

Hansen will serve out the remainder of Vander Wal’s current term on the board which expires in September 2023.