Rodger White, (Dawson Public Power District, Courtesy)
LEXINGTON — After 28 years of serving on Dawson PPD’s Board of Directors, Rodger White is ready to step down.
“It’s been fun,” he said.
Representing the Lincoln Subdivision, Rodger was asked to run for a newly created seat on Dawson PPD’s Board in 1996.
“My mentor was Dale Clark, another representative of the Lincoln Subdivision at the time,” he recalled. “Dale asked me to consider running for the board, and I’m thankful that the constituents voted me in.”
When Rodger first joined the board, he was surprised to find himself among a group of seasoned veterans.
“I came in as a 52-year-old and found out I was one of the youngest in the bunch,” Rodger said with a chuckle. “I’m proud to say 4 of the 11 board members I started with are still on the board. That says a lot about the board’s longevity and dedication to the District.”
During his 28-year tenure, Rodger played a decisive role in shaping positive changes at Dawson PPD. He oversaw significant advancements, including a revamped safety program to protect both employees and the public, the creation of the Aging Conductor Program to modernize the power grid, and the construction of Dawson PPD’s Lexington Headquarters in 2009.
Within the Lincoln Subdivision, Rodger well represented his constituents for positive change, such as moving a construction crew from the Lexington office to the North Platte office to create efficient workflow and a faster response time to power outages, trading territory around North Platte in exchange for the right to serve the Village of Hershey, and erecting three-phase power lines to electric wells in the Birdwood and Wild Horse Valley.
Under Rodger’s leadership, Dawson PPD and the Nebraska Rural Electric Association successfully lobbied for legislation allowing public utilities to access U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Economic Development Grant funds. This achievement led to the establishment of Dawson PPD’s Revolving Loan Fund in 2003, a valuable economic development tool tailored for the District’s service area.
The District first assisted the Village of Hershey in acquiring funds for infrastructure improvements. The community used a zero percent interest, ten-year loan to improve its water and sewer systems and add a housing development. The new developments helped Hershey attract and keep business professionals and the manufacturing company, Greenbrier Rail Services.
Rodger’s personal achievements include receiving his certifications as a National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Credentialed Cooperative Director and the NRECA National Rural Board Leadership Certificate.
“The Board Leadership Certificate helped me grow both personally and professionally,” he commented.
As Rodger looks back on his years of service, he is quick to praise the warm and welcoming environment at Dawson PPD.
“My wife, Carolyn, and I are thankful to be a part of Dawson PPD’s family and are honored to have had the opportunity to get to know the management and employees,” he said.
“At the board level, we understand and respect each other’s points of view and take the time to get to know each other and become friends,” Rodger continued. “After a vote was complete, nobody went home mad at each other. There’s been less than 5 times in my career that we’ve had a split vote of 5 to 6.”
His advice for his successor is simple: “Ask questions. Listen. Keep an open mind.”
This simple, yet sincere, guidance summarizes the qualities that have made Rodger such a valuable member of Dawson PPD’s Board. His dedication, insight, and commitment will be missed.
