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
Luke Fuller
Manager, Government Relations and Grants
What is your job and what do you like most about it?
I'm the Manager of Government Relations and Grants and I've been a Dairyland employee for almost two years. I really enjoy working with our internal team to explain what we do and the value we add for our members when engaging with state legislators and other policy makers.
What led you to work in this field?
I spent the first 15 years of my career in and around the state government in Wisconsin. Right before starting at Dairyland, I worked for State Senator Julian Bradley who grew up in La Crosse and had a background in telecom (he spent most of his career at CenturyLink). I'd never worked on utility related policy issues until the fall of 2021 when I started working on the Senate Utilities Committee policy because Julian chaired the committee. I really enjoyed the issues and the people who worked on them (including former Dairylander Jen Shilling and our Wisconsin lobbyist Susie Schooff). Then during the 2023-24 session I got to know Dairyland better and meet some of the rest of the team as the committee worked on that session's Right of First Refusal (ROFR) bill. When there was an opening in late 2023, I was excited to apply for it.
Why do you think Dairyland is a great place to work?
I really enjoy the people. The median Dairylander I deal with on a daily basis would be one of my favorite coworkers at a lot of jobs I've had before. I've never worked somewhere else where the people are so consistently invested in their teammates succeeding.
What about life outside work? Tell us about your favorite things.
I have three kids (Ellie - 8, David - 5, James - 3), so we do the usual amount of running around to kids' activities like soccer practice, gymnastics meets, and swimming lessons. When we aren't doing that, we enjoy reading and traveling to new places, especially national parks and zoos. We are looking forward to visiting the Badlands, Wind Cave and Mt. Rushmore later this year.
What’s your favorite quote?
I've been lucky to get a lot of great and timely advice that has helped me get better. The advice I need to hear most is usually about prioritizing things. I don't remember the first person who sent it to me, but the Stephen Covey "Big Rocks" explanation of putting the important things (big rocks) into your jar before the less important (sand/smaller rocks) really changed how I prioritize my life and time at work. I rewatch it regularly to remember to put first things first rather than just dealing with the "crisis" in front of me. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/G11rn2izjXo
What was the best thing that happened to you this month?
Our youngest turned three this month and the whole family really enjoyed the chance to have friends and family together to celebrate.
What motivates you?
My family is my number one priority and motivation. I'm lucky to do a job I legitimately enjoy to support them!
What’s on your bucket list?
I'm about a quarter of the way through playing the top 100 public golf courses in America with a group of friends and am looking forward to checking a few more off this year.
Where’s your favorite local spot?
I'm Madison based, so if you get roped into visiting the Capitol with me for meetings, I'll probably suggest the Tipsy Cow for lunch.
Favorite book?
My current favorite book series is Slough House which is also a series on Apple TV, Slow Horses.
What food could you not live without?
I drink an unhealthy amount of Mountain Dew and love chicken wings.
Where do you volunteer?
My wife is the President of the board for our kids' preschool/4k program, Oregon Preschool Incorporated, which is a parent led cooperative. I've enjoyed the chance to be more involved thanks to our VTO program over the last two years!
What do you hope to be celebrating in five years?
In five years, I hope to be celebrating my 20-year anniversary with my wife, Michele, by taking a trip without the kids. We are trying our first extended trip without the kids this summer to visit Machu Picchu for our 15th wedding anniversary.