Judy Forstner Poferl

Judy Forstner Poferl '82

As an executive in the energy industry, Judy Poferl, Xcel Energy's Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Chief of Staff to the CEO, is exactly where she loves to be: in the center of the action.
Poferl describes the energy industry as a fascinating and complex business that is essential to the quality of people's lives, the strength of the economy and the advancement of new technology. Working in that environment ideally complements her keen interest not only in public affairs but in the multi-faceted relationships the company has with its investors, customers, communities and policymakers.

In her current position she directs the company's governance and compliance activities, manages its relationship with the board of directors and shareholders and is responsible for implementing its corporate strategy. Poferl has held a number of leadership positions at Xcel Energy, including President and CEO of NSP-Minnesota. In that position she managed the company's electric and natural gas operations in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.  She has almost 30 years of experience in energy and regulation and has been responsible for policy development as well as customer and community affairs.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in government from the College of St. Benedict in 1982 and her Master of Arts degree in public affairs from the University of Minnesota's Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. She currently serves on the board of directors of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, the Minneapolis Downtown Council and Greater Twin Cities United Way. Poferl is a trustee for the College of St. Benedict and Science Museum of Minnesota and is a member of the Minnesota Women's Economic Roundtable.

With headquarters in Minneapolis, Xcel Energy operates in 8 states and provides a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.5 million electricity customers and 1.9 million natural gas customers. Among other distinctions, the company is the No. 1 provider of wind energy in the nation, a position it has held for a decade.