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
Katie Thomson
Director, Communications, Member Services & Stakeholder Engagement
What is your job and what do you like most about it?
I am Dairyland's Director, Communications, Member Services & Stakeholder Engagement. I joined Dairyland in April 2001, making this my quarter-century mark with the organization. We are fortunate in Comms to work with teams across Dairyland and with our member cooperatives on a daily basis. The best part of my job is the fantastic group I get to work with every day, they are talented, positive and committed to the cause.
What led you to work in this field?
Although I graduated from UW-L, I had never heard of Dairyland and only thought (very briefly and with annoyance) about electricity when my bill came or the lights went out. When we were moving back to La Crosse after a few years in Ohio, I saw a Communications job opening and thought, hmm, what is this place. I didn't come to the energy industry by design, but was hooked by a genuinely interesting field.
Why do you think Dairyland is a great place to work?
Dairyland is a generous and safety-focused employer that is always looking to improve and provides us with continual opportunities to grow professionally. And again - the people!
What about life outside work? Tell us about your favorite things.
My son is in college and my daughter is a graduating high school senior, so squeezing in time with them (and our dog, Bucky) is my favorite thing. I love the outdoors and you might see me on the trails or out for a walk/run (I'm trying to normalize "walking meetings" vs. Teams meetings in the Dairyland neighborhood on nice days!). Travel, cooking, time with friends, reading and movies/shows are also ways I relax.
What’s your favorite quote?
I've got a three-way tie.
1) Think before you speak. (This is an ongoing struggle!)
2) The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.
3) To thine own self be true.
What is your favorite local spot?
The YMCA! We are lucky to have such a strong Y in our community. I feel happy every time I walk in the doors. On most Saturday mornings, friends and I go to a Y class and then promptly undo the exercise benefit with breakfast out. The Y laid the framework for a couple of us to meet, so it's a healthy place for more reasons than one.
Favorite recipe?
My mom's carrot cake or her mocha chip cheesecake or her pies (she uses a butter and lard combo for the pie crusts, which might sound off-putting until you taste it) or her Christmas cookies. She is the baking GOAT.
Where do you volunteer?
I deliver Mobile Meals regularly as part of the Valley View Rotary Club. My kids have grown up doing Mobile Meals with me when their schedules allow, which has led to a lot of good conversations and some "interesting" memories. We also like to participate in bluffland clean-ups through ORA.
What do you hope to be celebrating in five years?
The graduation of both my children from college with gainful employment by each! On the professional side, contributing meaningfully to Dairyland and our members' success.