MEA Energy Association Inducts Five Industry Leaders into Hall of Fame

MEA honors five energy industry professionals with 2026 Hall of Fame induction for their leadership, service, and commitment to industry education.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, UNITED STATES, November 10, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — MEA Energy Association (MEA) proudly announces the induction of five energy industry professionals into the MEA Hall of Fame in recognition of their longstanding leadership, service, and contributions to industry education and collaboration.

The 2026 inductees are Steve Blunier of Ameren Illinois Company, Dean Headlee of CenterPoint Energy, Randall Rogers of Kerotest and Poly Gas Distribution LLC, Brian Ross of Alliant Energy, and Bart Schley of Madison Gas and Electric. Each has demonstrated an enduring commitment to strengthening the energy industry through committee leadership, knowledge sharing, and active participation in MEA programs.

Steve Blunier, Ameren Illinois Company, has been a dedicated contributor to MEA’s gas measurement and controls education. Since 2016, he has served on the Gas Measurement & Controls Committee, including four terms as chair. Blunier has shared his technical expertise by teaching Measurement Fundamentals classes at multiple MEA events, helping industry professionals strengthen their knowledge and skills. His commitment to continued learning and industry collaboration is further demonstrated by his participation in 26 MEA learning events.

Dean Headlee, CenterPoint Energy, has provided extensive leadership and guidance to MEA through nearly a decade of service on the Board of Directors. During his nine-year tenure, he served five years on the Board Membership Committee and three years on the Board Finance Committee, contributing to the association’s organizational direction and oversight. Headlee also dedicated 15 years to the Gas Operations Steering Committee, helping guide educational programming for gas operations professionals. His participation in more than 50 MEA learning events reflects his longstanding commitment to professional development and industry connections.

Randall Rogers, Kerotest and Poly Gas Distribution LLC, has been an active participant and contributor to MEA programs for more than three decades. His involvement began in 1990 at the MEA Gas Operations Conference, where he later served as a session instructor for many years, sharing practical knowledge and experience with fellow industry professionals. In 1995, he expanded his participation to the MEA Purchasing & Materials Management Conference. With more than 65 MEA learning events attended, Rogers has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to lifelong learning, knowledge sharing, and industry engagement.

Brian Ross, Alliant Energy, has made significant contributions to MEA’s electric operations and metering programs through committee leadership and educational engagement. A member of the Electric Metering Committee since 2014, Ross served as chair in 2017 and joined the Electric Operations Steering Committee in 2023. He has also moderated numerous roundtable discussions and conference sessions, including leadership-focused conversations that encourage peer learning, collaboration, and the exchange of practical industry experience.

Bart Schley, Madison Gas and Electric, has demonstrated a sustained commitment to advancing electric safety, training, and operations through more than a decade of MEA committee involvement. He joined the Electric Safety & Training Committee in 2012 and served as chair in 2015. Since 2018, Schley has also served on the Electric Operations Steering Committee, including three consecutive years as chair from 2020 through 2022. His leadership and participation in 28 MEA learning events reflect his dedication to strengthening technical education and professional connections across the electric utility industry.

The MEA Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose dedication and contributions have made a lasting impact on the association and the energy industry. Through their willingness to share expertise, guide educational programs, and connect industry professionals, these five inductees exemplify the collaborative spirit that has supported MEA for more than a century.

“MEA’s strength comes from professionals who are willing to share their time, experience, and knowledge to help others succeed,” said John Gann, senior vice president at MEA. “These five individuals have made meaningful contributions to our committees, learning programs, and industry connections. Their induction into the Hall of Fame recognizes the lasting value of that commitment.”

For more information about the MEA Hall of Fame, visit MEAenergy.org/awards or contact John Gann at johng@MEAenergy.org or (651) 289-9600 x105.

About MEA
MEA serves the people who deliver electricity and natural gas to homes and businesses. Founded in 1905 by distribution utilities, MEA was created to improve safety and operational efficiency across the energy industry. That mission continues today through education, leadership development, and professional connections. Energy delivery companies, contractors, and suppliers across the country rely on MEA for workforce development, technical education, and networking opportunities. MEA provides in-person learning opportunities, webinars, more than 400 online technical courses, safety assessments, evaluator training, operator qualification (OQ) compliance tools, and leadership development programs that support professionals at every stage of their careers—from the field to the executive suite.

John Gann
MEA Energy Association
+1 (651) 289-9600 X105
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