Dairyland Power Cooperative – Employee Spotlight Series
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
Kim Helgerson
Grant Program Manager
What is your job and what do you like most about it?
My job is to oversee, plan and execute the grant management process which means I am involved in researching funding opportunities, managing documents and deadlines, tracking results, managing grant compliance and close out, and of course, working with many awesome Dairyland team members. It is so exciting to work with cross-functional teams within Dairyland because this means I get to learn from the experts on all things Dairyland. I also get to raise grant funds to help Dairyland and our members save on costs. I am very fortunate - after 15 years of employment at Dairyland - to work in a new and exciting position as a Grant Program Manager.
What makes Dairyland a great place to work?
I think Dairyland is a great place to work because of its people! The support, involvement and team attitude with grants has been amazing.
What led you to work in this field?
What led me to work in this field was being assigned as the Project Manager on the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Middle Mile grant project; this is the $14.9 million funding award to Dairyland for the construction and improvement of middle mile infrastructure for our 8 fiber projects.
Life outside of work. Tell us about your favorite things.
My favorite thing outside of work is my family. I adore going to concerts, family sports activities, shopping and having Sunday family dinners and get-togethers.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
The best piece of advice that was given to me was by a Nun during my college years at Viterbo. She said stop and look around, don’t let life take over so that you miss the little things in this world, like the wind blowing in the trees. When I find myself in the whirlwind of work and home, I always try to remember those words so that I slow down and “smell the roses.”
What motivates you?
What motivates me is learning. It’s exciting to be part of something new and then watch and see the outcomes turn into something positive and worth the effort of all the hard work.
Where's your dream vacation?
My dream vacation would be going to Ireland.