Meet Your 2026 Trustee Nominees

DISTRICT 1

LYNN FREESE, Scott City, is seeking to continue representing District 1 on Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc.’s (WEC) Board of Trustees. First elected in 2023, Freese brings decades of cooperative and agricultural experience to the board.

Raised on a farm in Oklahoma, Freese earned a Bachelor of Science in agriculture from Oklahoma State University before moving to Scott City in 1979 to begin his career with WEC. He started as energy conservation director, leading efficiency, load management and conservation initiatives. Over the course of 38 years, he served in multiple leadership roles, including director of member services and director of consumer services, with oversight of IT, broadband and water departments. He was also a Class 4 water system operator. He retired from WEC in 2017.

Today, Freese operates a cow/calf ranching operation in rural Scott County. His background as both a longtime cooperative employee and a producer gives him a practical understanding of the challenges facing rural communities and the importance of reliable, affordable power.

Freese has also served his community in numerous capacities, including 10 years on the Finney County Rural Water District No. 1 Board, nine of those as chairman. His experience working with and reporting to boards provides valuable insight into governance, strategic planning and accountability.

He and his wife, Lori, have three adult children and one granddaughter. Freese enjoys ranching, fishing, hunting and spending time with family.

DISTRICT 2

JOSH YOUNG is seeking his third term representing District 2 on Wheatland Electric Cooperative Inc.’s (WEC) Board of Trustees. First elected in 2020, he currently serves as board vice president and represents WEC on the Sunflower Electric Power Corporation Board of Directors.

A lifelong resident of western Kansas, Young brings both financial and governance experience to the board. He is a senior vice president at Security State Bank in Leoti and holds the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Credentialed Cooperative Director and Board Leadership Certificate designation. He is also working toward his Director Gold Certificate.
During his tenure, Young has helped guide the cooperative through significant industry and weather-related challenges, including extreme winter conditions and major storm events that tested grid resilience and cost stability. These experiences have reinforced the importance of strategic planning, clear communication and proactive policy development.

Young remains focused on issues such as grid reliability, evolving energy resources and responsible rate management. His leadership approach centers on integrity, practical decision-making and long-term sustainability for cooperative members.

Beyond the cooperative, Young has been active in local leadership, serving on the Wichita County USD 467 Board of Education, Wichita County Hospital Board, Park and Recreation Board and local economic development efforts. He has also volunteered as a youth football and basketball coach.

Young attended Fort Hays State University. He and his wife, Courtney, have three sons and enjoy supporting their children’s activities and spending time together as a family.

DISTRICT 4

STACEY ADDISON-HOWLAND is proud to say she is a lifetime southwest Kansas girl who grew up in rural Gray County. For the past 20 years she has called Hamilton County home. A Fort Hays State University graduate, she has experience as a teacher, a bank loan review and compliance officer, and for the past 20 years has owned her own insurance business: Farmers Union Midwest Agency, located in Syracuse. She and her husband, Mike Howland, have two adult daughters whom they travel to visit, as often as time allows.

Addison-Howland was elected to the board in 2017. “I believe it took the first full year to learn the terminology associated with an electric distribution operation, and I continue to learn the ins and outs that make our co-op so special,” she said. 
She has earned her Director Gold Credential, which is the highest level of achievement in National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) board director training. 
“I have dedicated my time on the board to actively learning from our staff and the professionals at NRECA,” she added.

As a trustee, Addison-Howland has enjoyed serving on the scholarship and youth tour application committees, which she sees as an important investment to all WEC communities by developing new and productive future co-op members. She is the board secretary and represents WEC on the Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (KEC) and Colorado Rural Electric Association (CREA) boards.

“It has been a privilege to grow and learn with Wheatland Electric over the past 10 years and, more importantly, to serve our members,” she said. “As a trustee, we answer to you, not a board of investors. If re-elected, I look forward to continuing to work with our outstanding Wheatland leadership team to help guide the co-op for future development and continued economic success.”

DISTRICT 5

JOHN KLEYSTEUBER, Garden City, is seeking election to continue representing District 5 on Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc.’s (WEC) Board of Trustees. He has served on the board since 2016 and currently holds the office of treasurer.

A fourth-generation JOHN farmer and rancher in KLEYSTEUBER Finney County, Kleysteuber understands firsthand the essential role reliable electricity plays in agricultural operations and rural businesses. His irrigated farm and ranch depend on consistent service and responsible rate management, shaping his commitment to sound policy and long-term planning.

Kleysteuber completed the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Credentialed Cooperative Director program and remains committed to continuing his board education. His service emphasizes financial oversight, responsible governance and thoughtful decision-making on behalf of members.

A Garden City native, Kleysteuber graduated from Garden City High School and Garden City Community College before earning a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness from Kansas State University. After college, he returned home to join his family’s farming and ranching operation.

He remains deeply invested in the future of District 5 and the communities WEC serves. Kleysteuber believes local representation, agricultural perspective and strong fiscal stewardship are key components of effective cooperative leadership.

He and his wife, Marisa, have two sons, Cooper and Colin. Cooper serves in the U.S. Navy, and Colin attends Oklahoma State University. Kleysteuber values time with family and takes pride in contributing to the long-term strength of his community.