Raised on a farm and ranch spanning four generations, Dwight Rossow is firmly anchored in rural life; his dedication to the cooperative system reflects decades of commitment to member ownership, common sense governance, and putting people first.
The Rossow family’s roots in Campbell County, South Dakota, trace back to 1887, when Dwight’s great-grandfather took advantage of the Homestead Act and claimed 160 acres. By the following year, the family had established itself on the land and begun farming. Dwight and his family now raise cattle on that same piece of land.
For the Rossow family, commitment to the cooperative has spanned generations. Dwight leads the Cam Wal Electric Cooperative board, a Basin Electric Class C member. As president, he continues a legacy established by family members decades before he took on the role.
Dwight Rossow represents District 7, Rushmore Electric Power Cooperative, on the Basin Electric Board of Directors.
“My grandfather, Ernie Rossow, was elected to the Cam Wal board in 1951, just six years after the cooperative was formed,” Dwight says. “He served until 1975, and then my dad, Dennis, ran for and won the same seat. Dad continued serving on the board until 1989.”
After the Rossow’s brief absence from the board, Dwight was elected in 1996, continuing a family tradition of cooperative leadership that spans more than seven decades.
For Dwight, board service was a natural progression.
“Some of my earliest memories include listening to Dad (Dennis) and Gramps (Ernie) talk about Cam Wal,” he says. “Those conversations were a constant part of my life growing up, and it didn’t take long to develop an understanding of the business.”
When asked about his motivation, Dwight downplays any sense of ambition. Instead, his guiding principle remains simple and direct: common sense.
“Don’t look out for your personal interest,” he says. “Look at what’s best for the members.” He believes that when decisions are grounded in that mindset, leadership becomes clearer even when the issues are complex.
On May 1, 2026, Dwight joined the Basin Electric Board of Directors representing District 7, Rushmore Electric Power Cooperative, located in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Dedication to the position, thoughtful decision making, and keeping member interests at the center of every discussion will be Dwight’s focus as he continues his family’s legacy of service.
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