About Us

Holland's Community-owned Utility Provider

• Electricity
• Water
• Wastewater
• Fiber Internet

Holland BPW takes care of the essentials, so you can flourish at home and in your business. As Holland’s community- owned utility since 1893, our top priorities are right here. Serving our neighbors, family and friends, there is no stronger driver of our standards of excellence. Our reliable, efficient utility infrastructure and services empower our community for advancement and self-determination.

LOCAL. RELIABLE. EFFICIENT. ESSENTIAL.

We are a local not-for-profit utility that builds and maintains infrastructure and reliable utility services. We strive to be exemplary stewards of the resources entrusted to us.

We aim to be an employer of choice, bringing 180 skilled and professional jobs to our community.

Holland is located on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan and is located in one of Michigan's fastest-growing industrial and residential areas.

We serve over:

• 31,000 electric customers
• 18,000 water customers
• 13,000 wastewater customers
• 2,000 broadband customers

Our Core Values

Our Mission

Holland BPW provides essential, economical and innovative utility services for the Holland community, including electricity, water wastewater and broadband. Holland BPW operates socially and environmentally responsible utility enterprises that are able to expand and sustain a highly functional, reliable and efficient local infrastructure.

Holland BPW operates with a Commitment to Customers and the Community

Holland BPW is a progressive and innovative utility with more than 180 employees of diverse backgrounds working together to provide the Holland area with reliable and low-cost utility services, while developing and implementing methods to preserve the environment. The Holland BPW staff provides a team building atmosphere within the organization and community, utilizing the richness of its diverse employees. Holland BPW continues to move forward, growing in services while maintaining the high expectations that its valued customers have come to expect. As a proud and active member of the Holland community, Holland BPW is committed to providing the services of an ever growing and changing population.

Our Board of Directors

PJ Thompson, Holland BPW Board President

PJ Thompson was raised in Holland, Michigan and educated in the Holland Public Schools. He is a graduate of Albion College (BA in Economics) as well as the University of Notre Dame (MBA). PJ started his career with Price Waterhouse based in Charlotte, NC. 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 in 2024 became Chairman and CEO. He and his wife Kristen reside in Holland’s Historical District.

Carolyn Maalouf, Holland BPW Board Vice President

Carolyn is a life-long Michigander who relocated to Holland after earning her degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. She began her career at Herman Miller, where she has built a long and distinguished tenure in new product development. She currently serves as a Senior Researcher on MillerKnoll’s Innovation Team. Carolyn and her husband raised their family in Holland and remain actively engaged in the community they deeply value.

Kyle Engbers, Holland BPW Board Member

Kyle grew up in Massachusetts and attended Calvin University where he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. After working in the Boston area following graduation, Kyle and his family relocated to Holland where he currently serves as the Executive Vice President at Lakewood Construction, a role he has held since 2015. In addition to the HBPW, Kyle enjoys serving on the Board for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holland and the Boys & Girls Club Foundation.

Paul Lilly, Holland BPW Board Member

A Holland resident since 1987, Paul operated a cleaning and facility services business in Holland for 18 years, retiring in 2018 after selling the business. Paul worked with Herman Miller in their Facility Management Institute, Production, and Customer Service operations for 21 years. As part of the original Holland Sustainability Committee, he helped develop the Community Energy Plan and the Sustainability Framework. Paul has been active in the Macatawa Watershed Project serving on the education and technical teams. He holds a BS and MS in Resource Development from Michigan State University with focus on Water Resource Management and an MBA from the University of Michigan.

Brian Lynn, Holland BPW Board Member

A lifelong Holland resident and graduate of Holland High School and Hope College, Brian served on Holland City Council (2015–2019) as HBPW liaison, igniting his passion for its essential role in strategic planning, economic development, and community thriving. He currently serves on the HBPW Budget Subcommittee, focusing on fiscal responsibility and long-term stability. As Director of Branded Sales at Hudsonville Creamery and Ice Cream since 2017, Brian supports local business growth. He and his wife Bri are raising their three children—Oliver, Charlie, and Henderson—in Holland, invested in its future through reliable, forward-thinking utilities.

David Couch, Holland BPW Board Ex-Officio Township Representative

For over 30 years, Dave has been a Holland-area resident. He has extensive knowledge of the US electrical grid and experience installing large fiber-optic networks across 200 sites in 10 states. His work in corporate computer and communications systems spans 50 years including General Foods, Hewlett-Packard, and, most recently, 30+ years with Spartan/SpartanNash Corp. Before retiring in 2019, Dave spent the last 22 years at SpartanNash as the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer. Dave served nine years as President of the Board of the Holland Symphony Orchestra and is an active member of HASP (Hope Academy for Senior Professionals). He holds a B.S. in Business Administration and an M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Arizona.

Scott Corbin, City Council Liason

Scott Corbin is currently serving his third term on the Holland City Council as Mayor Pro Tem. He works for the Kent County Sheriff’s Office as the Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. A former Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve, Scott holds a Master’s degree in Homeland Defense and Security, a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management, and an Associate’s degree in Law Enforcement. He has previously served on the Holland City Planning Commission, the Parks and Recreation Committee, and the West Michigan Regional Airport Authority, and currently serves on the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and the Holland Energy Fund.

Keith Van Beek, City of Holland City Manager

Keith Van Beek has been the City Manager for the City of Holland since 2018. Through the efforts of over 200 employees, he provides leadership and direction for this community of 34,000+ residents. Keith previously served as Deputy Ottawa County Administrator for nine years and Kentwood City Administrator for 12 years. He holds a degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice from Calvin College and a Master of Public Administration from Grand Valley State University. Among his professional associations and community organizations are Michigan Municipal Executives, International City/County Management Association, and the current board chair of the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System (MERS).

Our Executive Team

Dave Koster, Holland BPW General Manager

Membership

• Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA) - Commissioner and Treasurer, Former Chair
• Lakeshore Advantage – Board of Directors

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 City Fiber deployment.

Ted Siler, Holland BPW Utility Services Director

Membership

• Michigan Municipal Electric Association (MMEA) – Past President and Current Member of the Board of Directors

Utility Services is focused on all the customer-facing activities of the HBPW. We strive to provide exceptional customer service and reliable electric, water, waste water and broadband utilities. We 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 we are able to make a difference in the community is a great benefit of working at HBPW.

Becky Lehman, Holland BPW Business Services Director

Membership

• Michigan Water Environment Association (MWEA) – DEIB Committee Chair

Becky feels fortunate working at Holland BPW where she has had many opportunities to use her passion for serving others and engaging with people. HBPW’s focus on customers and the community really shines through in everything they do. She enjoys working with the team and building a culture where they can learn, grow and serve together.

Joel Davenport, Holland BPW Operations Director

Membership

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

Jenessa Carter, Holland BPW Finance Director

Membership

• Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)

Jenessa brings a strong background in municipal utility finance and a deep commitment to public service to her role. Her experience has given her a front-row view of the challenges facing modern utilities – from regulatory and financial pressures, to aging infrastructure, and customer affordability. She finds purpose in the mission-driven nature of municipal utilities and values that every decision directly impacts the quality of life for Holland residents. Jenessa is passionate about strengthening financial stewardship, building collaborative relationships across departments, and supporting a team dedicated to providing reliable, affordable, and resilient utility services.