MIKE EASLEY

Chief Executive Officer

Mike Easley is a graduate of Oklahoma State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1983. He graduated from the Ken Blanchard School of Business at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona with the Ken Blanchard Executive MBA in July of 2008.

As the CEO of Powder River Energy Corporation, Mike is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the electric cooperative. He answers directly to a member-elected board of directors, which is made up of 10 Powder River Energy members. Mike is also the General Manager of Members 1st Power Cooperative, a generation and transmission cooperative of which PRECorp is a member.

Mike has been working in the electric cooperative industry since 1983. Prior to coming to PRECorp in 2000, Mike worked for cooperatives in Oklahoma, Alaska, and Michigan.

Mike serves as a gubernatorial appointment to the Wyoming Infrastructure Authority (WIA) and served as its chair until 2016. The WIA is instrumentality charged with the responsibility of diversifying the state’s economy through the development of transmission, advanced coal to electricity projects, and coal export development.

In 2016 Mike was appointed to the Wyoming Business Council (WBC) Board of Directors. The Business Council works with private businesses, state agencies, local governments, local economic development groups, partners and nonprofits to grow and diversify Wyoming’s economy, create jobs and enhance quality of life.

JOANNE KOLB

Chief Financial and Administration Officer

Joanne Kolb joined the PRECorp leadership team in 2016. Joanne was born and raised in Wisconsin and holds a Master’s degree in Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Finance from the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay.  She brings more than 20 years’ experience in financial, accounting, inventory and management related positions. Prior to coming to PRECorp Joanne was Manager of Finance and Administration at Price Electric Cooperative (PEC) in Wisconsin.  In her time with PEC, she directed implementation and utilization of accounting and finance software platforms.  She also holds NRECA’s Certified Financial Professional Certificate and has worked extensively with CFC, a cooperative lender that PRECorp also works with.

Her position at Powder River Energy includes responsibility for accounting department personnel management, financing activities, financial planning, payroll, preparation of financial statements, inventory, fleet and facilities, accounts payable, and accounting for construction.

BRIAN MILLS

Deputy GM/Human Resources Officer

Brian is a Crook County, Wyoming, native. Raised on a farm/ranch operation near Devils Tower, he has first-hand experience of PRECorp’s cooperative spirit.

After graduating from Dickinson State University with a B.S. in Education with minors in Computer Science and Business Administration, he spent a few years teaching and coaching in the Rapid City Area School District. Brian returned to Crook County when he came to work for PRECorp in the IT Department. Four years later he moved over to the HR department as the Manager of Training and Development during which time Brian earned an MBA. In 2010, Brian accepted the VP of HR position which was eventually restructured to be titled the Human Resources Officer in 2012. Brian is in charge of all internal employee programs, staffing, employee and retiree benefits, personnel records, training and development.