As a leader in the energy industry, Bill Bathe co-founded U.S. Energy Services in 1993. As CEO, he is the driving force behind the company’s vision and strong results. Bill focuses on strategic planning, guiding the company to achieve exceptional levels of service for clients. He also leads the effort to acquire new businesses and serves as chairman of the U.S. Energy Services Board of Directors. Bill also sits on the 2010 Campaign Cabinet of the Greater Twin Cities United Way.

Bill received an M.B.A. from Creighton University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University. In addition, Bill has completed the Executive Development Program at the University of Chicago and is a registered professional engineer.

Todd Overgard joined U.S. Energy Services in 1999 and currently serves as the president. As a leader of the senior management team, Todd oversees all operations of the company, including gas procurement and gas operations, credit and contracts, accounting and finance. In addition, he strives to improve efficiencies and accuracy of information for both U.S. Energy Services and its clients in a variety of areas. Todd also provides consultation on basic legal agreements and helps the various operations departments evaluate and minimize potentially costly operational risks.

Todd received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and an M.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse. He is a registered professional engineer and has received an Executive Juris Doctorate from Concord Law School of Kaplan University.

Gail McMinn joined U.S. Energy Services in 2004, bringing with her extensive management experience within the energy industry. Serving as executive vice president of commercial services, Gail offers clients the trusted account management skills needed to oversee and direct strategies to meet their energy needs. As part of the senior management team, Gail directs the account management, sales and marketing activities for U.S. Energy Services.

Gail received a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics, business and psychology from Gustavus Adolphus College and an M.B.A.from Creighton University. She also has completed executive management coursework at the University of Chicago.

Mary Pinick is responsible for contracting new clients and overseeing client services, as well as overseeing the energy procurement, natural gas scheduling, third-party contracting and credit, energy reporting and third-party billing activities for U.S. Energy Services’ clients. Her past responsibilities at the company include gas scheduling, transportation contracts and gas accounting.

Prior to joining U.S. Energy Services, Pinick worked as a volume and facility planning engineer for Northern Natural Gas and as project manager for Northern’s non-regulated gas marketing group.  Pinick then moved to U.S. Gas Marketing, Inc., which eventually became U.S. Energy Services in 1993.

Pinick holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Engineering from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.  She is currently pursuing a Masters of Organizational Leadership at St. Catherine University.

Casey Whelan develops new business initiatives for U.S. Energy Services. His current focus is in the renewable energy initiatives arena. As an expert in renewable energy policies and regulation, he provides clients with insight regarding renewable sources of natural gas to meet their energy needs and how it relates to the latest carbon legislation.

Casey has a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Minnesota and a Masters degree in Regulatory Economics from the University of North Dakota.

Benjamin Toso manages the ITS department at U.S. Energy Services, which includes the overall direction of critical custom software development and maintenance as well as oversight of all IT infrastructure. After joining the company in 1999, Benjamin was the sole software developer of the original natural gas logistics and invoicing system which is still in use today.

Benjamin received a Master of Science degree in software engineering from the University of St. Thomas. He also received a Bachelor of Arts degree in French from Concordia College – Moorhead.

Russ Carlson joined U.S. Energy in 2007 and serves as the company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Bringing with him over 30 years of experience, Russ’ primary focus is the financial reporting and control of two business divisions within U.S. Energy. He also evaluates internal controls within the context of Sarbanes Oxley legislation.

Russ has been instrumental in the implementation of the SAS 70 Audit reporting and serves as the company representative for tax preparation and financial statement management.

Prior to joining U.S. Energy, Russ has served in many chief positions including CFO for Robinson Outdoors, Inc., Vice President – Finance and CFO for Westlund Products Corp., and Vice President – Finance and CFO for Possis Medical Inc.

Russ has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from the University of Minnesota, School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Macalester College, St. Paul, MN.

Mike Auger serves as General Counsel for U.S. Energy Services. In this position he manages all legal issues for the company, including regulatory compliance and intellectual property issues, and will provide guidance to the U.S. Energy Services’ executive team.

Prior to joining U.S. Energy Services in 2009, Mike was in private practice where he represented corporations in all facets of law including employment, commercial litigation, contract and financial services. Mike’s previous experience includes serving as general counsel for DWS Inc. and as an associate for Black, Moore, Bumgardner, Magnussen Ltd.

Mike received his juris doctorate from Rutgers School of Law-Camden and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Dakota.