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
Joleen Trussoni
Leadership & Organizational Development Manager
What is your job and what do you like most about it?
I'm the Leadership and Organizational Development Manager here at Dairyland, stepping into this brand-new role in 2025. We've just created a Learning and Development department, which splits into two areas: Technical Training and Leadership/Organizational Development - the latter being my focus. I love that I get to build something from the ground up that helps our people grow. It's pretty exciting to shape programs that create opportunities for everyone to learn and develop.
What led you to work in this field?
You know how sometimes things just fall into place leading you right where you belong? That's how it was with this opportunity. I've always gotten joy out of learning and helping others develop. I've been lucky enough to have some amazing mentors at Dairyland and previous companies who really shaped my journey. They showed me firsthand how having the right resources and support can help both people and organizations thrive.
Why do you think Dairyland is a great place to work?
The people, hands down! I've worked in various areas in my 14 years here - from NERC Compliance to Transmission Siting, Change Management, Organizational Effectiveness, and now Learning and Development. Through it all, it's the incredible people I work with that keep me excited to come in every day.
What about life outside work? Tell us about your favorite things.
Big changes at home lately! My husband and I just became empty nesters - both our daughters moved out this past year. We've got this great spot on French Island right on the river, and you'll find us hanging out on our dock pretty much any time the weather allows. We're also in the middle of an exciting project - building a "shouse" (shop/house combo) on our 40-acre hunting property near Genoa, WI.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? Favorite quote?
I love what Kevin Nordt and my manager Elizabeth Ressie recently told me about the power of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. It really stuck with me because it's so true - growth happens when we push past our comfort zone!
What was the best thing that happened to you this month?
I just got back from an eye-opening training in Minneapolis in mid-April. Beyond the great networking, I picked up this gem that's really stuck with me: "If people don't talk it out, they act it out." It's from Crucial Conversations training, and it's completely enlightening on how I think about communication in both my personal and professional life.
What motivates you?
My husband Robert is my biggest inspiration. He's been through four open heart surgeries since we have been married, including a heart transplant, and his positive, can-do attitude through it all has shown me just how powerful being positive and mindset can be.
What's on your bucket list?
Our family has spent two amazing weeks in Italy where our family immigrated from, however I'm dreaming of taking a good length of time to really explore more of Europe. There's so much more I want to see and experience via travel!
Where's your favorite local spot?
Summer means one thing for us - heading "down river" to Lawrence Lake Marina in Brownsville, MN. Nothing beats spending time on the pontoon or jet skiing with family and friends!
Favorite recipe? Favorite movies or books?
I'm a total streaming series junkie! Currently hooked on Ransom Canyon, but I've loved Yellowstone, 1883, 1923, Landman, Yellowjackets, Virgin River, and Mayor of Kingstown.
Where do you volunteer?
I'm active in the Rotary After Hours Club in La Crosse and volunteer for various events. One of my most recent meaningful experiences was traveling to Valladolid, Mexico, where our club helped fund water filtration systems for a local school and eco-friendly cooking stoves for the community.
What do you want to be celebrating in 5 years?
In five years, I hope to be celebrating my dad's 100th birthday! He's 95 now and still going strong - living independently, driving, and staying active. He's my inspiration for healthy living and proves that age is just a number.