Employees are our greatest asset and as part of our People First initiative, we want to recognize the people behind the power. Our employees are a major factor in Dairyland being a Great Place to Work and a sustainable and reliable power provider. The employee spotlight series features an employee each month, shining a spotlight on their interests and what it’s like to be a part of the Dairyland team.

Employee Spotlight On
Erik Hoven
Manager, Environmental Affairs

What is your job at Dairyland?
I am Manager, Environmental Affairs, based out of the Administration Building and am approaching my 16th year at Dairyland (March 2008).

What makes Dairyland a great place to work?
I really enjoy working with all the smart, curious people we have here.

What led you to work in this field?
I wanted to do environmental science in the field and so became a stack tester (testing stack emissions). I did some testing at a few Dairyland sites—Alma 1-5, JPM, Genoa, Five Star Dairy (manure digester), Seven Mile Creek (landfill gas-to-energy)— and so when a position opened in Air Quality, I applied and got the job.

Life outside of work. Tell us about your favorite things.
Spending time and traveling with my wife and kids. Attending school events my kids are involved with.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given? (Or favorite quote)
“And I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, ‘If this isn't nice, I don't know what is.’" - Kurt Vonnegut

What motivates you?
Trying to set an example for my kids and trying to do the right thing.

What’s your favorite local spot?
Our front porch. No better place on a sunny, warm day.

Favorite books?
Not sure about a favorite book, but I have read Dune, by Frank Herbert, quite a few times. I also really enjoy listening to the Lord of the Rings audiobooks (as read by Robert Inglis).

Where do you volunteer?
I'm a captain on the Westby-Christiana Fire Department and do some public address announcing at local baseball games.