Leadership

PJ Thompson was raised in Holland, Michigan and educated in the Holland Public Schools. After earning a BA in Economics at Albion College and MBA from the University of Notre Dame, PJ started his career as a CPA with Price Waterhouse based in Charlotte, NC. His specialization was manufacturing systems for global clients enabling PJ to travel, work and live in multiple countries. In 1997, he moved back to the Holland area to join Trans-Matic Mfg. Co., which was founded in 1968 and is wholly owned by the Thompson Family. PJ became President of Trans-Matic in 2002 and serves in this capacity currently. Over the past two decades, Trans-Matic has expanded its operations to China and to Mexico under his leadership. PJ and his wife Kristen reside in Holland’s Historical District.

Tim Hemingway is a long-time resident of the Holland area, but has also lived in Brazil, California, and Texas. Tim worked for SAF Holland for 31 years in various roles including General Manager of Texas Operations, Vice President International, President of Holland USA, and President of Global Aftermarket Business for SAF Holland. Tim serves on the board of the Holland Community Aquatic Center. He also served on the Board of Directors for TMD Friction, Luxembourg and volunteers with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holland.

A Holland resident since 1991, Carolyn has enjoyed living and raising her family in West Michigan. She joined Herman Miller, Inc. immediately upon earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. Carolyn has served many roles and product initiatives during her 35 years at Herman Miller, where she continues to work as a senior researcher in Product R&D.

A graduate of Hope College and Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business, Beth worked in public and government affairs for ExxonMobil in Washington D.C. and Dallas, TX prior to returning to Holland, MI in 2017. Beth leads a Lilly Endowment-funded program focused on faith and vocation at Hope College. In addition to BPW, Beth enjoys serving the community as a board member of Western Theological Seminary, Evergreen Commons, Camp Geneva, and Upward Bound. She lives in the Washington School neighborhood.

Membership

• Lakeshore Advantage Board of Directors
• Chair of Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA)

Dave leads Holland Board of Public Works by living the organization’s core values and with a dedication to the community of Holland. He started as an engineering intern, honing his experience through various positions within the company that prepared him for his role as General Manager. Dave has a passion for public engagement. He strives to understand the needs and wants of the people of Holland when making decisions that have a major impact. His leadership in community engagement is seen in the P21 Decision that resulted in Holland Energy Park, Waterfront Holland, and the current Holland Community Broadband exploration.

Membership

• MMEA – President – Michigan Municipal Electric Association Board of Directors

Utility Services is focused on all the customer-facing activities of the HBPW. They strive to provide exceptional customer service and reliable electric, water, waste water and broadband utilities. They continually evaluate the assets providing service, and plan for upgrades and renewal to continue to deliver affordable and reliable utility services to our customers.

Ted enjoys the variety that comes with working with four different utilities. There is never a shortage of challenges and the uniqueness of each utility keeps each of his days interesting. The knowledge that they are able to make a difference in the community is another great benefit of working at HBPW.

Membership

• MWEA – Past President of the Michigan Water Environment Association Board of Directors and member of Government Affairs and Contaminants of Concern committees
• MPPA – Member of Michigan Public Power Agency Board Risk Management Committee

As someone driven by community service, continuous improvement, and sustainability, Joel has always been drawn to public utilities. Working at Holland BPW has allowed him to channel those passions into service for the Holland community. It also has allowed him to be surrounded by an outstanding staff of utility professionals that are similarly passionate about the Holland community and the services that they provide.

Membership

• AICPA
• MICPA
• CGMA
• Holland Rotary Club
• MML – Energy & Environment Committee

HBPW is the second municipal utility that Charles has worked for. The utility business is complex and rapidly evolving, providing an intellectually challenging work environment, which he enjoys. His primary driver for being in the municipal side of the utility business is the public service aspect. Every dollar that comes into HBPW is spent for the customers’ benefit, and HBPW’s actions affect the quality of their neighbors’ daily lives. That is the lens Charles looks through every day when evaluating the business decisions he makes as an HBPW employee.