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2026 NDAREC Award Winners
Five cooperative leaders, two electric cooperatives and a state legislator were named 2026 winners in the NDAREC awards program.
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David Sigloh has been a director with Burke-Divide Electric Cooperative (BDEC) for 36 years and has served as board president for the past 18 years. His long tenure is driven by a genuine passion for the cooperative business model and its member-focused mission.
Sigloh has also been on the Upper Missouri Power Cooperative board of directors for 28 years and currently services on the NDAREC statewide board. He chairs Basin Electric Power Cooperative’s resolutions committee and the Rural Development Finance Corporation, where he has been a champion for rural economic, cooperative and community development.
Outside of the cooperative, Sigloh is chairman of his township board, serves his fellow veterans as vice president of the Kenmare Vet’s Club and as a member of the military honor guard, is a volunteer EMT, past president of his church council and involved in North Dakota Farmers Union.
Sigloh believes strongly in the power of local ownership, democratic governance and working together to improve rural communities. One of his greatest strengths is his ability to balance vision with grounded stewardship. His leadership is focused, principled and forward-looking.
Fellow BDEC and NDAREC director Lynn Jacobson endorsed Sigloh for the award, saying, “David has consistently exemplified the values, principles and purpose of the cooperative model. He has guided and mentored every member of our board, modeling steady leadership, cooperative integrity, and a deep respect for the history and mission that define us.”
COOPERATIVE LEADERSHIP AWARD (DIRECTOR)
David Hagert, Grand Forks, Nodak Electric Cooperative
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David Hagert began serving on the Nodak Electric Cooperative board of directors for the same reason he belonged to the local Lions Club, served on the Grand Forks Planning and Zoning Commission and Emerado school board, and was involved with many other volunteer organizations – he wanted to do his part.
First elected to the board in 1991, Hagert served Nodak Electric for 34 years, where he held all three primary officer positions during his tenure. He played a pivotal leadership role during the successful merger of Nodak and Sheyenne Valley electric cooperatives in 2001, ensuring the transition was beneficial to all cooperative members. His leadership and sound judgment were especially valuable during other transitions, including the sale of Nodak Direct TV business and the construction of a new cooperative headquarters.
Hagert was also a pioneer in GPS mapping technology and founded the software company AgriData, Inc. He was thinking about farmers and ranchers when he started his company, and he’s thought about farmers, ranchers and his cooperative’s members throughout his board service.
Nodak Electric President and CEO Mylo Einarson describes it best: “David understood decisions made in the boardroom ultimately affect families, farms and businesses. He served with humility and professionalism. He earned the respect of fellow directors, management and staff through his collaborative approach and calm demeanor. His legacy is one of service, stewardship and a deep commitment to the cooperative difference.”
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As a lineworker, operations manager and chief of staff at Slope Electric Cooperative, Dean Volk devoted his entire career to delivering reliable, safe electricity to rural members – and demonstrated a deep commitment to the communities served by the cooperative. His work ethic and dedication ensured families had the power they needed, often without ever knowing the effort behind it.
As operations manager and chief of staff, Volk cultivated a work environment rooted in respect, diligence and teamwork. His experience in the field made him an invaluable leader – one who understood the challenges lineworkers face, and who never asked anything of others he wouldn’t do himself.
Volk frequently collaborated with NDAREC staff and peers across the state, providing insight and championing safety initiatives.
Whether as a volunteer firefighter, assisting neighbors in rural areas, or quietly supporting local events and civic efforts, Volk’s impact extended beyond the cooperative into his community.
Volk is described by former colleagues as a positive role model and a true servant leader, who created an environment where people felt valued, motivated and inspired.
“Dean was deeply devoted to Slope Electric, its employees and the membership we serve,” says Andrew Sonsalla, Slope Electric. “His decisions were always grounded in what was best for the cooperative and its members. He consistently put others first and never hesitated to step in wherever help was needed.”
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Scott Leintz, Hazen, Roughrider Electric Cooperative
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As a working foreman at Roughrider Electric Cooperative, Scott Leintz exemplifies what it means to be a good steward of the community, both at work and in his personal life.
Leintz’s commitment to community started with simple acts of service and quickly grew into a sustained pattern of stepping up. Scott has served in many formal and informal roles in the Hazen community, including on the Hazen Parks and Recreation Board and as a coach-of-all-things: T-ball, Little League, Babe Ruth and American Legion baseball, wrestling, basketball and football! You’ll also find him working concessions, officiating games, preparing fields and driving team buses.
Leintz’s leadership was instrumental in improving the Slinde Field. His contributions have enhanced the experience for athletes and fans alike, demonstrating how one individual’s leadership can elevate an entire community.
But Leintz’s community involvement extends beyond sports, volunteering at numerous community events and helping establish after-hours power at the Lewis & Clark RV Park during its construction, which has been critical for recreation and local tourism. His willingness to tackle the unglamorous, but essential, tasks makes him even more valuable to the community.
One nominator said Leintz’s contributions have made his community stronger, more inclusive and more compassionate.
“I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand the character, work ethic, and community spirit he brings not only to his job, but every part of his life,” says Tanner Goetz, a colleague at Roughrider Electric. “Our community is better because of him.”
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Brad Quenette, Hazen, Roughrider Electric Cooperative
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Roughrider Electric Cooperative Member Services Manager Brad Quenette’s presence and professional approach reflect the cooperative values of integrity, accountability and concern for community in a practical, everyday way. Whether supporting community events or presenting at schools, he’s made a difference.
A true servant leader, Quenette recently retired after 28 active years in the cooperative movement. Throughout his cooperative career, Quenette was a well-known face in the local community. His involvement included working with local economic development groups such as Hazen Community Development, Mercer County Economic Development and Vision West North Dakota, along with community activities such as Taste of Hazen, Hazen Fest parade and local Touch a Truck events.
Last year, Brad made it a personal mission to help fundraise for a ramp at Hazen Bay on Lake Sakakawea, which would provide wheelchair access to fishing and recreational boats, and create more accessible outdoor experiences for children with adaptive needs. He secured $15,000 in donations from Roughrider Electric, CoBank and Basin Electric Power Cooperative, which helped organizers complete the ramp last summer.
“Brad embodies the spirit of the cooperative,” says Leonard Hibl, who nominated Quenette for the award. “His dedication, innovative thinking and impact are undeniable, and they have made a lasting and meaningful contribution. I believe that we are better off as a community and cooperative because of Brad.”
COOPERATIVE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AWARD
Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative, Edgeley
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Like every electric cooperative, Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative’s (DVEC) top priority is providing reliable, affordable energy to its members. But because it’s a cooperative, its mission is to support and enrich the quality of life in the communities it serves. DVEC’s board of directors recognizes the essential role the cooperative plays in serving the community’s needs.
Utilizing USDA’s REDLG program, DVEC has assisted with 17 loans totaling nearly $7 million to support rural growth and sustainability, and facilitated seven grants totaling nearly $1.3 million.
DVEC has proactively leveraged development programs and partnerships through NDAREC’s rural development arm to assist 23 service-area projects to the tune of more than $4.7 million dollars. This partnership has helped bring a child care facility to LaMoure, a meat processing business to Edgeley and a new medical facility to Main Street in Edgeley, which co-locates a pharmacy, health care clinic, dentist, physical therapy and mental health services.
DVEC was also an early adopter of the Operation Round Up program. Currently, nearly 88% of the cooperative’s members participate in the program, which generates about $20,000 dollars for charitable grants each year. This and other charitable giving programs have supported local emergency services, food pantries and organizations providing critical local services.
DVEC continually demonstrates its commitment to Cooperative Principle #7 – concern for community – and is a shining example of the cooperative difference.
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The North Dakota Living local pages are the heart and soul of the North Dakota Living magazine. Northern Plains Electric Cooperative (NPEC) and its local pages editor, Brittnee Wilson, were recognized for excellence in producing their cooperative’s local pages in the areas of content, visual appeal, and management and organization.
In a field of outstanding entries, NPEC used colorful, active photos and great community reporting to create a vivid mosaic – illustrating while informing. NPEC’s local pages reflect a strong commitment to the cooperative’s members and the cooperative way of doing business, while striking an intentional balance of co-op information and community stories.
One judge from this year’s Local Pages Award contest sums it up best: “I don’t live in their part of North Dakota, but if I did, I would look forward to getting each issue and seeing what they covered.”
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Anna Novak, who represents District 33 in the N.D. House of Representatives, has built her public service around the belief government works best when it listens, shows up and extends a helping hand to those who need it most. Throughout her time in the Legislature, she has been a thoughtful advocate for her district and a steady voice for compassion, collaboration and practical solutions.
Novak is a strong supporter of North Dakota’s energy industry, including the vital lignite coal sector, which powers communities, provides quality jobs and strengthens the state’s economy. She understands the importance of balancing responsible energy development with long-term sustainability and local prosperity, and she has consistently stood up for the workers and families who depend on this industry, including electric cooperatives.
Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to service – not just through policy, but through people. She understands real impact is measured not only by laws passed, but by lives improved and communities strengthened.