Energy, Mining & Renewables: A Look at the Future

The ACEC/MN Energy and Natural Resources Committee has as brought together a panel of experts for an exciting conversation on the future of energy production and distribution, utilization of the region’s natural resources and the growth of renewables as an energy source. These key stakeholders from utilities, and the public and private sector will provide their insights on these rapidly evolving markets.

 

Panelists: 
 

Frank Frederickson leads the Minnesota Power team with responsibility for all customer accounts and relationships for its residential, commercial, wholesale, and industrial customers. Frank’s prior experience includes General Manager of MP’s Hydro & Biomass Renewable Operations, Manager of Minnesota Power’s Rapids Energy Center, Project Manager of ALLETE Clean Energy’s Thunder Spirit Wind Project, and development of Minnesota Power’s Bison Wind Farms. Frank is originally from International Falls, MN, and his education includes a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota at the Twin Cities Campus.
 

Christie Kearney, P.E., is the Environmental Site Director at PolyMet Mining in Hoyt Lakes and has been doing environmental permitting and engineering work for over 20 years, including 13 years on the PolyMet project as both an employee and a consultant before that. Christie has an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science and a Master’s Degree in civil engineering, both from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities 
 

Kelsey Johnson, President of the Iron Mining Association of Minnesota, is a native Minnesotan and a leading advocate for the iron mining industry and its role in growing Minnesota’s economy. She launched her political career with internships under Minnesota Attorney General Mike Hatch and Minnesota State Senator LeRoy Stumpf, experience working in the Minnesota House, lobbying for Hill Capitol Strategies, and working as the Director of State Affairs for the Grocery Manufacturers Association. Johnson holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from St. Catherine University and serves on many boards across northern Minnesota.