For more information:
Retha Mattern
Lignite Energy Council
701.355.2192
rethamattern@lignite.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 16, 2025
Bismarck, N.D. — The Lignite Energy Council is pleased to announce that Retha Mattern will serve as the Executive Director of Public Engagement, a new role integrating the Council’s communications, public affairs, education, and membership programming, effective June 2.
Mattern joined the Council in 2022 as Director of Education & Membership, where she has led programs such as the Lignite Teachers Seminar and organized member events including the Annual Meeting and golf tournaments. Now, she will guide the Council’s overall public engagement strategy—working to enhance public perception and increase knowledge about the benefits of coal-based electricity.
“Retha’s experience in both the energy industry and strategic communications makes her the right person to lead this work,” said Jonathan Fortner, Interim President & CEO of the Lignite Energy Council. “She brings strong communication skills and a deep knowledge about the energy industry that will serve the Council well in its commitment to education, advocacy, and outreach on behalf of our members and the industry.”
Mattern will continue to work with members and remains the contact for membership events, questions, and other activities. She will also continue to direct the Education programming including the annual Teacher’s Seminar, scheduled this year for June 9-12 in Bismarck.
Before joining the Council, Mattern spent nearly a decade at Bismarck State College, most recently as Director of Admissions. Throughout her time there, she held leadership roles in energy outreach, communications, and recruitment. Her experience included serving as Director of the Great Plains Energy Corridor, recruiting the next generation of the energy workforce, and connecting energy companies with students at the College’s National Energy Center of Excellence. She also led the development of several award-winning advertising campaigns focused on technical education and workforce development.
Mattern began her career in broadcast journalism, working as a reporter and Assistant News Director at KFYR-TV. She holds a Master of Science in Management from Minot State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Maryland.
Her appointment reflects the Council’s continued focus on advancing reliable, affordable, and homegrown energy through strong partnerships and effective public engagement.
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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