With the December retirements of three long-time NIPCO employees, several job changes, promotions, and new faces to NIPCO have been ushered in with the turn of the calendar year.
Tom Berkenpas, NIPCO Transmission Superintendent Tom Berkenpas began his career with NIPCO in 2006. After spending fifteen years as a Journeyman Lineman for Northwest REC, Tom was hired to join NIPCO as the Crew Foreman for the Le Mars crew. Tom replaces Steve Harringa, who retired as Transmission Superintendent in December.
Jeff Koons, NIPCO SCADA Technician Jeff joined the NIPCO team as a Control & Relay Technician in 2019, coming to NIPCO from Wells Enterprises, Inc. Jeff was named to the position of SCADA Technician upon the December retirement of Senior SCADA Technician Scott Timperley.
BJ Hetzel, NIPCO North Crew Foreman BJ Hetzel was named to NIPCO's Crew Foreman position upon the promotion of Tom Berkenpas to Transmission Superintendent. BJ began his career with NIPCO in 2012 when he was hired as a Journeyman Lineman. BJ will play a pivotal role in leading the next generation of linemen at NIPCO.
The positions vacated by the above-named NIPCO employees have been filled by three highly-qualified individuals who have since joined the NIPCO family.
Grant Oliver, NIPCO South Crew Foreman. Grant comes to us with fifteen years of experience as a lineman at Nishnabotna REC, twelve of which he spent as a foreman. Grant's first day with NIPCO was December 6. Grant assumed the role of Outpost Crew Foreman, which was vacated by Gerry Freml, who retired in December.
Kevin Hubbard, NIPCO Substation Technician Grant comes to us from Basin Electric as a Lead Substation Electrician. He also has prior work experience with East River Electric Cooperative as a Substation Utility Technician. Kevin's wife is originally from Sioux Center, Iowa, so they are happy to be making the journey homeward.
Brandon Brotherton, Journeyman Lineman NIPCO's newest employee, Brandon Brotherton, begins his career with NIPCO on February 1 (today!). Brandon comes to NIPCO from WIPCO where he served as a Journeyman Lineman. Brandon completed his apprenticeship this past year and will serve as a Journeyman Lineman for NIPCO on the Le Mars Utility crew.
NIPCO celebrates the legacy of those employees who have retired from dedicated service to our members and looks forward to a future rooted in the tradition of NIPCO's Members First Promise.