Kay LaCoe
Sr. Vice President-Public Affairs & Communications
Lignite Energy Council
O: 701.355.2194 | C: 701.400.6757
kay.lacoe@lignite.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 4, 2025
BISMARCK – The Lignite Energy Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathan Fortner as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, effective March 17, 2025. Fortner has served as the Vice President of Government Relations & External Affairs since 2018. He assumes this role following the announcement of the departure of Jason Bohrer, who has served the Council with distinction since 2013.
“I am truly honored to take on the role of Interim President and CEO of the Lignite Energy Council,” said Fortner. “The coal industry is at a pivotal moment, and I am committed to ensuring that the LEC continues to be a strong advocate for our members, providing a voice for the miners, plant workers, and communities who keep the lights on and ensuring the delivery of affordable and reliable electricity for North Dakotans and the region. Our industry has a rich history and a promising future, and I look forward to working alongside our partners and policymakers to drive innovation, protect our resources, and expand opportunities. We have laid a strong foundation, and I firmly believe that the best is yet to come.”
Jason Bohrer has served the Council with distinction since 2013, and the Council extends its gratitude to him for his years of dedicated service and leadership. Under Bohrer’s guidance, the Council has navigated numerous challenges and achieved significant milestones in promoting the responsible use of lignite resources.
“Jonathan is uniquely qualified to assume leadership of the Lignite Energy Council,” said outgoing President Jason Bohrer, “Since joining the LEC, Jonathan has been instrumental in advancing the Council’s legislative initiatives and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders. He has made my job easier through his effective leadership of the Government Action program—he has been pivotal in promoting the interests of the lignite industry and I’m excited to hand him the baton.”
Fortner brings more than 14 years of experience in politics and government affairs in North Dakota and Minnesota to the interim position. Through his current leadership at LEC, he advocates for pro-coal policies, engages with industry leaders and policymakers, and hosts the Lignite Energy Council Podcast. He has been involved in federal regulatory matters, analyzing administrative rules and promoting balanced regulations. Previously, he served as a legislative assistant and researcher for the Minnesota House of Representatives and played key roles in legislative and gubernatorial campaigns. He holds master’s degrees in business administration (MBA) and public administration (MPA) from the University of North Dakota and is a Policy Fellow at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
As Interim President and CEO, Fortner will continue to advocate for the lignite industry and lead its efforts during the North Dakota Legislative session. He will also continue the legal coordination necessary to ensure the regulatory challenges that began under the Biden Administration are litigated to successful conclusions.
The Lignite Energy Council remains committed to its mission of supporting North Dakota’s lignite industry, ensuring that it continues to provide affordable, reliable, and environmentally sustainable energy to the region.
About the Lignite Energy Council
The Lignite Energy Council, the voice for North Dakota’s coal industry, is a regional trade association representing lignite producers, electric utilities, and more than 200 businesses that supply goods and services to the mines and plants. The Council plays a vital role in supporting an industry that generates approximately $5.5 billion in gross business volume annually and contributes $100 million in state and local tax revenues. The lignite industry also facilitates nearly 12,000 direct and indirect jobs across the state, strengthening North Dakota’s economy and energy landscape.
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