Expertise

Tom, a native of Northeastern Minnesota, has extensive experience in the electric power industry, having served in leadership roles in both the regulated and non-regulated sides of the business, as well as having participated in the development and acquisition of international energy projects. In addition to the electric power business, Tom also has significant experience in other capital intensive industries, including coal, paper, water, recycling, and land development.

Career History

Prior to founding Excelsior Energy, Tom was vice president of Northern States Power Company, where he had key responsibilities for the environmental, regulatory, legislative, and public affairs. Immediately prior to joining NSP, Tom served as vice president and general counsel of NRG Energy, one of the world’s largest and fastest growing independent power companies.

 Over the years, Tom has worked at Duluth-based Minnesota Power vice president and general counsel, and later as group vice president responsible for the non-utility businesses of this highly diversified electric utility.  Tom also served as vice president of Southern California Edison, heading up that company’s Washington D.C. office during the time that Edison was licensing its nuclear units at San Onofre, embarking upon the largest renewables program of any utility in the U.S., creating its IPP, Mission Energy, and leading the effort to design , construct and operate the first Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (“IGCC”) power plant in the world. 

 Professional Activities

Tom served as the president of Duluth Economic Development Authority, a board member of St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, a board member of Duluth Public Radio, and chairman and founder of Northeast Minnesota Center for Participatory Management. Additionally, Tom was a board member for St. Paul’s Minnesota Children’s Museum and Ely, Minnesota’s International Wolf Center. Tom was a founding board member and chairman of Advantage Minnesota, a statewide organization which brought private industry and government agencies together in support of job creation and economic development in Minnesota. He also played a key role in bringing Duluth and Iron Range leaders together on a joint plan and legislative strategy to develop Northwest Airlines’ Duluth and Iron Range Facilities.

 Tom is an avid Minnesota hockey fan and served as chairman of the board and president of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame for 12 years.

 Education

Tom received his L.L.B. from the University of Minnesota Law School, his A.B. in American Government from Harvard College, and high school diploma from Hibbing High School..

Photo Credit: Timothy Francisco