Bill Henry

Dawson PPD Board Member

• Area served:
  • Lincoln County Subdivision
• Years of service:
  • 33 years
• Certifications:
  • National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Credentialed Cooperative Director
  • National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Board Leadership Certificate

What do you do outside of serving on Dawson PPD’s Board of Directors?

I am a county commissioner and an active member of my church.

What made you want to serve on the Dawson PPD Board of Directors?

Public service has been a part of my life forever. In total, I’ve had about 80 years of it from serving on various boards such as a local co-op and school.

I was a large Dawson PPD customer in 1988 when board members Doc Kloepping and Dale Clark asked me to fill a seat for a retiring board member. I agreed, because I wanted to look into it. The quality of the people at Dawson PPD convinced me to stay. I ran for the seat in the next election and I’ve held it since.

What is your favorite memory serving on the board thus far?

The people at Dawson PPD make all the difference. I’m proud to say that during my tenure I’ve helped add to the quality of the people and the service this company provides over the years. As customers, we are fortunate because we receive a certain level of customer service and reliability that not everyone in this country receives. There have been some tough decisions in the board room regarding budget to get us to this level of quality, but I’m happy with the outcome.

What does the future hold for public power?

Dawson PPD is a mature business that is at its peak for growth, with the exception of the potential for a large business. There’s no such thing as standing still. If we’re not moving forward, we’re moving back. I want to see Dawson PPD continue to move forward.

We need to continue to look for ways to grow. This potential merger with The Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District is a possibility. If this were to go through, it would be monumental. It’s hard for me, though, because whatever decision I make I will not be able to follow through. My term ends next year, and I do not plan to run for re-election. However, I’ve been on this board for 33 years and I must do what is right for Dawson PPD to continue to move forward.

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