Our Team – Des Moines County Energy District

Head of the Board

Kenny Oleson

Kenny Oleson is a Certified Energy Manager and sustainability professional based in Burlington, Iowa, with 15+ years of experience in public-sector energy planning, solar feasibility, and lifecycle cost analysis. He works with communities, schools, and local governments to evaluate clean energy investments with a focus on transparency, fiscal responsibility, and long-term value. Kenny serves as Chair of the Des Moines County Energy District and teaches sustainability as an adjunct professor, bridging technical analysis with community-centered implementation.

Chair member

Jeff Ebbing

Jeff Ebbing is the director of marketing and communications at Southeastern Community College. He has served on a number of local and national boards. Jeff enjoys the outdoors and being a good steward of our environment and our community.

NCMPR National Conference, We The People, Headshots taken on Thursday, March 19, 2026 in Washington DC. (Photo by Matt Stamey)

Chair member

Robert Gerritsen

Robert Gerritsen is an IT Programmer at American Ordnance. He has a huge passion for the local community and ensuring people get a say in their power and utilities.

Chair member

Norbert

One of the greatest adventures of my life has been traveling the world. Through my father, I started traveling at an early age. Europe, Asia and Africa.

Having been to first world and third world countries has opened my eyes to the scarcity of reliable energy and desperate need for a multi layer of sustainable and reliable energy that is in control of the people of that land.

Relying on the government to provide energy has become a control point of governments against their peoples. Additionally, to rely on corporations outside of your own country puts money and power again in the hands of entities beyond your regulation and control.

Sustainable energy such as wind and solar energy provides that level of reliability in the control of individuals or local community entities that is needed.

I believe in this organization, I believe in educating the masses to the benefits of sustainable energy. We not only can make a difference, we have to make a difference.

Oh, I’m happily married and love pancakes.