Meet our Board of Directors!

High West Energy, Inc. operations are carried out under the policies established by the Board of Directors.
Each member of the Board of Directors is an active member of the cooperative and obtains electricity from the cooperative. Our directors share your interest in the quality of the services High West provides.
You and your fellow members elect our directors at the co-op’s annual meeting in June. Every year, at least two positions are open on the High West Energy Board of Directors. Every third year, three positions are open. Members have the right to vote in person or through the mail for the director in their district. All cooperative members receive an annual cooperative report with voting instructions.
Your Board of Directors employs a CEO/general manager who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the system. The CEO/GM hires the personnel and specialists required to perform all duties necessary to provide reliable electric service.

High West Energy Announces Board of Directors Election

The candidates for Districts 14, 16, and 17 for the 2025 Board of Directors election have officially been determined by the nominating committee. There was one candidate nominated, John Thompson, for District 14, and one candidate nominated, Kosha Olsen, for District 16. There are two candidates nominated for District 17, including Kevin Thomas and Melissa Gorsuch. 

All members in District 17 will receive ballots included in their annual report, which will be mailed out at the beginning of June. Members can mail in their ballots, bring them to one of High West Energy's drop boxes, or drop them off at our office in Pine Bluffs. Ballots must be at the Pine Bluffs headquarters no later than 5:00 p.m. on June 18, 2025. 
High West Energy encourages District 17 members to review each candidate's information to make an informed decision. Each candidate's information is provided below. 


Meet Your 2025 Board of Directors Nominees

DISTRICT 14

John Thompson

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John Thompson is a 1976 Pine Bluffs graduate. He moved to his grandfather's homestead east of Carpenter in 1996 and will represent District 14. He retired from Black Hills Energy in 2024 after 17 years of working as a Utility Construction Planner. Prior to that, he worked at the local cable TV company. He is currently working part-time at Tyrrell Auto Centers and DC Express. 

He has been married to his wife, Julie, for 43 years, has two sons, Truett and Damien, a daughter, Chelsea, and two grand children. John is on the Laramie County Recreation Board and is actively engaged in St. Paul's Catholic Church. 

 

 


DISTRICT 16 

Kosha Olsen

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Kosha Olsen represents District 16 on the periphery of Cheyenne. Kosha grew up along High West lines and her grandparents were among the first members when the co-op was founded in 1937, making her children fourth-generation HWE members. 

Kosha has worked in marketing, communications, and program management for 20+ years in the agriculture and engineering industries. Kosha and her family enjoy traveling around the globe, but feel very fortunate to call the high plains of southeast Wyoming 'home'. 

 

 

 

 


DISTRICT 17 CANDIDATE

Kevin Thomas, Incumbent

Image removed.Kevin Thomas, incumbent, has lived in Potter, NE with his wife, Jennifer, since 1991. He is the proud father of Alexis (Casey) and Kaleb (Becky). He is also very proud of his two granddaughters, Mila, and Annie. 

Kevin has been a High West Energy member for over 30 years and Board Member for the past 7 years. Kevin also represents High West Energy on The Tri-State G&T Board. Kevin graduated from both the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Chadron State College. With a 40-year career in education, he is now retired, enjoying time on the golf course and in his garden. Furthermore, Kevin finds peace and strength in his faith and family. 

 

 

 

 


DISTRICT 17 CANDIDATE

Melissa Gorsuch

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Melissa Gorsuch and her family moved to Potter, Nebraska, in 2004. She has been serving her community since 2009 as the Clerk/Treasurer for the Village of Potter, Nebraska, where she is responsible for the administration operations and the finances for the village. 

Melissa married her husband, Jerry, in 2019. Between the two of them, they have five grown children, Justin, Kasey, Kyle, Shawn, and Amanda, and a grandson, Rhett. 

Since 2009, Melissa has been a member of the Potter Library Board. Over the years, while working for the Village of Potter, she has also worked closely with many village boards and committees. 

As a community member from District 17, Melissa understands how important it is for High West Energy to continue to provide reliable, affordable electrical service to everyone it services.