Events - Michigan Public Power Agency

Steven Donkersloot

Director, Strategic Energy Resources & Services

Steven joined MPPA in 2020, bringing with him many years of valuable experience. He is responsible for the management of MPPA’s long term resources, which includes renewable commitments and historical investments in electric power and generation assets. In addition, Donkersloot oversees MPPA’s energy services platform that is designed to meet unique needs and requirements of Members.

Donkersloot started in the electric industry in 2009 as an intern for Lowell Light & Power (LL&P), a municipal electric utility and Member of MPPA, while attending Hope College. After graduating from Hope in 2010 with a BA in Accounting, Steven served LL&P in many capacities, including the General Manager position from 2016 – 2020. As GM, he was responsible for the overall management of the utility’s operations, facilities, personnel, and policies. Steven is a strong believer in the value proposition of joint action and Public Power!

Robert Lalonde

Director of Energy Supply and Operations

Bob comes to MPPA with more than 25 years of industry experience working previously at DTE Energy Trading and most recently at Lansing Board of Water and Light. Bob’s career started working in power plants at DTE after 8 years in Naval Nuclear Power which progressed to control center operations and generation dispatch before moving to DTE Energy Trading where he was responsible for managing retail basis positions in wholesale markets in PJM, MISO, NYISO and NEPOOL. Bob’s most recent experience at Lansing was managing power plant fuel procurement, wholesale trading, MISO market operations and was Lansing’s NERC Compliance Officer. Bob holds a BA in Business Administration from Baker College.

Laurie Valasek

Chief Financial Officer

Laurie Valasek is the Chief Financial Officer of the Michigan Public Power Agency. She is responsible for leading the Financial Services Business Unit which entails all facets of fiscal operations, capital management, creditworthiness, credit risk, financial analysis, and financial regulatory compliance. Laurie joined MPPA in April 2023. She is a financial executive and business leader with over 20 years’ experience in the power industry with a unique background combining extensive operational and transactional experiences that include debt financing, risk management and talent development initiatives.

Laurie holds a Master of Business Administration from University of Michigan-Flint and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Central Michigan University.

Patrick Bowland

Chief Executive Officer & General Manager

Patrick Bowland is the CEO & General Manager of Michigan Public Power Agency (“MPPA”). Patrick has served in this role since September 2015, and is responsible for strategy, staffing, resource requirements, and business plan execution. He reports to MPPA’s Board of Commissioners.

Patrick’s expertise is in competitive wholesale and retail energy markets, where he worked for 20 years prior to joining MPPA. He has held leadership positions, with growing responsibility in transaction origination, power supply portfolio management and market operations for Engage Energy, Integrys Energy Services, and Constellation Energy. Patrick has developed business arrangements with merchant generators, public power utilities, electric cooperatives, and sophisticated end-use customers in the Midwest and Northeast United States. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Distribution and an MBA from Wayne State University.

MPPA Meetings & Events