Get to know Co-op Board Director Joe Metro

Joe Metro was elected to the Polk-Burnett board of directors by members in co-op District 4 in 2016. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, with an engineering degree (1961-66), and flew helicopters for the Navy through 1973. He also has an MBA degree, Master of Business Administration.

Following his military service, he worked as a facilities and construction manager for colleges and universities in Upstate New York, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota. During his career, he managed campus construction projects, from design and architecture through bidding, contractor management, and the movement of people and equipment into new spaces.

While managing university facilities, Joe was responsible for buying electricity. He said he became an electric co-op board director to experience the other side of the business: supplying reliable electricity. Joe primarily worked with investor-owned utilities. He said the co-op business model was new to him, and he appreciates the cooperation and governance principles at Polk-Burnett.

“I get to see the big picture, participate in strategic planning, and monitor the plan’s execution by the general manager and employees,” said Joe. “I enjoy being on the board, helping the co-op provide a good service to members.”

Joe also serves on the board for Polk-Burnett Propane and represents us on the Legislative and Regulatory Committee of the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association. In this role, he shares our local perspective and provides direction on state laws that affect our ability to deliver safe, reliable power.

Joe and his wife, Audrey, live in Balsam Lake, where they raise Border Terriers; he calls them “Benji-like dogs.” The Metro’s terriers are bred to demonstrate the highest standards in appearance and temperament. One of their dogs was invited to Crufts International Dog Show in the United Kingdom, and two others received Grand Champion awards from the American Kennel Club.

Learn more about your co-op board of directors.