Get to know our newest elected Director for Region 1 - Lee Hein. 
Due to the retirement of a former Director, the Region 1 seat is for a one-year term.
Lee and his wife, Jacky, have two children and three grandchildren. Lee was born and raised near Monticello, Iowa. In 1981, he established Witsam Inc., the family’s farming operation, which includes 900 acres of corn and soybeans, as well as 1,500 head of cattle and custom feed for 3,200 pig spaces for JBS Pork. In addition, he established Witsam Trucking, a livestock and grain trucking firm, in 2019.
• Currently serves on the Jones County Board of Review.
• Iowa House of Representatives for 12 years, serving as Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee 4 yrs., Ag Chairman 3yrs, Environment Protection Chairman 2 yrs., and Assistant Leader for 2 yrs.
• Monticello School Board served as Board President for 5 of the 9 years.
• Member of Iowa Farm Business Association and served as Board President.
• Member of Jones County Cattlemen, Jones County Pork Producers.
• Member of Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Corn Growers.
• Church affiliation: St. Matthews Lutheran Church.
• MVEC Member Since 2012 for his residence (Family has been members since the Co-op was formed).
Why are you interested in serving on the board?
With my experience as a legislator, I worked on legislation that benefited Maquoketa Valley REC. I have followed the board’s actions and have been interested in participating as a board member.
What strengths do you bring to the board?
My communication skills will help me be an effective board member. Listening has always been an essential skill for me. Obtaining answers to questions for constituents was always important and will continue to be a must. My experience chairing multiple committees at the State House taught me how to work in board settings and gave me the ability to reach a consensus. Being a board member is not a job that only takes place during meetings. My approach is that this role requires being available and active in the district all year to provide a voice for the members of the cooperative.
What is your hope for the Cooperative’s future?
I want to keep electricity affordable for our members while maintaining a strong and secure infrastructure that can meet our members’ power needs. Exploring all sources of electrical power generation, whether wind, solar or future technology, we will need to produce more electricity as the demand increases.