Kermit Pearson Receives 35-Year Service Award from East River Electric Power Cooperative

East River Electric Power Cooperative has presented an award to Kermit Pearson in honor of his 35-years of service on the cooperative’s board of directors. The award was presented during the organization’s 74th annual meeting on Sept. 4, 2024, in Sioux Falls.

As a member-owner of Lake Region Electric Cooperative, Pearson has served as the representative for Lake Region Electric on the East River board of directors since 1989. Altogether he has served electric cooperatives for over 43 years. He currently is seated as East River Electric’s representative on the Basin Electric board of directors where he serves as board vice president. In addition to these leadership positions, he also serves on the South Dakota Rural Electric Association board of directors. A former Vo-Ag instructor and manager of the South Dakota State Fair, he has also been a director on the North Central Livestock Association Board, and an elder at the First Presbyterian Church. His leadership, involvement, and influence earned him a spot in the South Dakota Co-op Hall of Fame in 2018

“It’s a pleasure to honor Kermit, one of our longest-serving board members, with this 35-year service award. During Kermit’s tenure on East River’s board, our cooperative family has experienced immense load growth, has developed innovative programs and has maintained our legacy of providing safe, affordable and reliable electricity.” said East River CEO and General Manager Bob Sahr. “East River offers its sincere thanks and appreciation for Kermit’s continued leadership.”

Kermit is a graduate of Britton High School and attended South Dakota State University in Brookings. He and his wife Peggy live in Lake City on the farmstead his parents settled. They have 4 children.