Patel named 2021 Notable BIPOC Executive

Great River Energy’s Vice President and Chief Transmission Officer Priti Patel was recently named a Twin Cities Business 2021 Notable BIPOC Executive.

The magazine featured notable BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color) executives who have shown the ability to effect change, demonstrated a willingness to share expertise, and exhibited leadership in specific initiatives or programs at their companies or institutions which have created significant, positive and measurable results.

Patel, the first person of color C-level executive for Great River Energy, has been with the cooperative since 2017.

“This is a well-deserved honor for Priti and meaningful recognition for Great River Energy,” said Great River Energy President and Chief Executive Officer David Saggau. “Priti’s leadership and ability to bring new views and to advocate for every employee’s perspective is greatly valued and appreciated.”

Patel led many strategic initiatives at Great River Energy including diversity, equity and inclusion; safety; and resiliency efforts. She currently serves as an executive sponsor of Great River Energy’s BIPOC and Allies employee resource group, which facilitates open discussions, opportunities for education and support for BIPOC employees and their allies. She shares her personal experiences to provide space for others to freely share theirs.

“Nothing promotes innovation more than diversity and inclusion,” Patel said. “As a leading electric cooperative, we are intentional about these values. I’ve worked with my team to create durable solutions and bring together a wide range of parties with divergent interests. These efforts ensure Great River Energy’s member-owner cooperatives are set up for success.”

In the wake of the unjust death of George Floyd, Patel worked with others at the cooperative to match employee donations to the We Love Lake Street Fund, helping to rebuild one of the Minneapolis business districts most significantly impacted by the vandalism and looting that followed Floyd’s death.