Clara Albert, CAE
Executive Director
What I Do: I lead the strategic direction of the Electrical Association, working closely with our Board of Directors and leadership team to shape our long-term vision and priorities. My role centers on strengthening the organization, supporting our staff, and ensuring we remain a trusted resource for contractors across the industry. I focus on sustainable growth, operational excellence, and building strong relationships that allow us to serve our members in meaningful, measurable ways.
What I love about working at the Electrical Association: I love helping our members succeed and watching the impact of our work ripple across the industry. Whether it’s improving education, enhancing safety, expanding workforce development, or creating new opportunities for collaboration, it’s incredibly rewarding to see real results. I’m also grateful to work with a team that genuinely cares about our mission and about each other. That shared commitment makes the work both purposeful and energizing.
Favorite Tool: A shared calendar. It keeps my work, family, team, and commitments aligned and moving in the same direction. With multiple priorities and busy schedules, it’s the system that keeps everything running smoothly and ensures nothing important slips through the cracks.
Fun Facts: I’m happiest watching Bella and Louis play hockey. I choose a word of the year to stay intentional. I love learning and recharge best at home.
Alex Hyatt
Director of Sales
What I Do: I manage the Business Products department and oversee the sales and distribution of National Electrical Code books and related industry resources. I also lead sales efforts for our Private Group Training and Apprentice Training programs, working closely with contractors and companies to ensure they have the materials and education they need to stay compliant and competitive.
What I love about working at the Electrical Association: As a small organization, we get to see firsthand how the work we do directly impacts our members and the industry. I enjoy building relationships and helping members find solutions that truly support their businesses.
Favorite Tool: A good road atlas under the seat of my car. Technology is great, but it’s hard to beat something reliable and straightforward.
Fun Facts: I’m a lover of music and the outdoors. Whether it’s discovering a new artist or spending time outside, I appreciate anything that helps me unplug and recharge.
Jamie Zelinsky, MBA
Director of Education
What I Do: I lead the Education Department and oversee our Continuing Education programs, Apprenticeship Program, Exam Prep, and Safety Training initiatives. My role blends strategy, operations, compliance, and innovation, and I work closely with instructors, staff, state regulators, and industry leaders to ensure our education offerings are relevant, high-quality, and compliant across multiple states.
What I love about working at the Electrical Association: No two days are ever the same. I love the variety, the constant problem-solving, and the opportunity to learn something new within the industry. Our members are pretty awesome too.
Favorite Tool: My phone. It runs my life, my calendar, and occasionally reminds me to take a break. And of course, duct tape. I firmly believe you can fix almost anything with a little duct tape, or at least hold it together long enough to find someone to fix it the right way!
Fun Facts: I love basketball and most sports—playing, coaching, and watching. I played basketball and golf in college and was recently inducted into my athletic hall of fame. Outside of work, I stay busy keeping up with my three kids and whatever adventure they have planned next.
Mike Miller
Curriculum & Instructor Manager
What I Do: I oversee curriculum development and support instructors across our Continuing Education and apprenticeship programs. I design and update course content to ensure it reflects the most current National Electrical Code requirements and real-world application. I also teach regularly, bringing decades of field experience into every classroom.
What I love about working at the Electrical Association: I enjoy mentoring the next generation of electricians and helping seasoned professionals stay sharp and confident in their work. Education is one of the strongest tools we have to improve safety, quality, and professionalism across the industry.
Favorite Tool: The National Electrical Code book. It is the foundation of everything we teach and everything we build.
Fun Facts: Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife Marilyn, our kids and grandchildren, and our two dogs. I am passionate about mentoring and passing on knowledge to the next generation of electricians.
Megan Fink
Sr. Education Coordinator
What I Do: I oversee our Apprenticeship Program and Registered Apprenticeship Program, ensuring apprentices stay on track and receive the support they need throughout their training. I also assist with continuing education questions, licensing regulations, and our self-paced learning platform. My goal is to make the education process clear, organized, and successful for our students.
What I love about working at the Electrical Association: I love supporting apprentices throughout their training and celebrating when they pass their journeyworker exam. Seeing their hard work pay off and knowing I played a small part in that journey is incredibly rewarding.
Favorite Tool: I have many favorite tools, but I can’t live without coffee, Diet Coke, and my water bottle. Hydration and caffeine are key.
Fun Facts: I completed the Blazin’ Wing Challenge at Buffalo Wild Wings. I love spicy food. My husband and I enjoy hiking and camping, and on a free weekend you’ll often find us starting a new house project. My most prized possessions are my Christmas ornaments, and Christmas will forever be my favorite holiday.
Kirsten Marcus
Sr. Finance Coordinator
What I Do: I manage all financial operations for the Electrical Association, from day-to-day bookkeeping to reporting and analytics. I support every department in understanding budgets, tracking performance, and making informed decisions. I also assist our members with payments, credits, invoices, and statements to ensure everything runs smoothly.
What I love about working at the Electrical Association: I love numbers and a good puzzle, but what I appreciate most is the intentional decision-making at EA. We consistently ask ourselves how our choices support the plan and serve our members. Being part of that thoughtful process is incredibly rewarding.
Favorite Tool: A task list. We use ClickUp at work, and I also rely on a notebook or index card to keep my running lists organized. At home, task lists are a must. Otherwise, things simply do not get done.
Fun Facts: When I’m not working, I’m usually sewing or crafting. I hope to open an Etsy shop one day. I love baking and sharing treats, working on puzzles and games, and reading. Many of these hobbies now include my granddaughter, who loves to be right there doing it all with me.
Rennell Brunclik
Sr. Publication Manager
What I Do: I lead the development and production of the Association’s newsletters, course materials, and marketing pieces. From print publications to promotional content, I help ensure our messaging is clear, professional, and aligned with our mission. If it’s in print or part of how we present ourselves to members, I’ve likely had a hand in bringing it to life.
What I love about working at the Electrical Association: I genuinely enjoy supporting people who are working hard to achieve their goals. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping our team and our members succeed behind the scenes.
Favorite Tool: Google Lens. I use it every single day for my side hustle and honestly can’t imagine life without it.
Fun Facts: My family and traveling make life worth living. I once fell in love with a little street dog in Ecuador and brought her back to the USA, where she’s now living her best gringa life. I dealt blackjack all through college and left with almost no student debt, and yes, it was fun. Guilty pleasures include Coca-Cola and candy.
Tim Dokken
Operations Coordinator
What I Do: I support the day-to-day operations of the Electrical Association, helping keep the office running smoothly and efficiently. I assist with member inquiries, event logistics, and general administrative coordination to ensure both staff and members have what they need. If something needs to get organized, scheduled, or handled behind the scenes, I’m usually involved.
What I love about working at the Electrical Association: I enjoy being part of a team that works hard to support the electrical industry. Helping members and coworkers solve problems and stay organized makes each day rewarding.
Favorite Tool: A shared calendar and a good checklist. Staying organized keeps everything moving in the right direction.
Fun Facts: Outside of work, I enjoy coaching and playing lacrosse. I’m a big fan of board games and spending time with friends and church groups. Whether it’s on the field, around a table, or in the community, I enjoy connecting with people and staying active.
Anna Brooks
Education Coordinator
What I Do:
I serve as the Education Coordinator at the Electrical Association, where I help coordinate and support the Association's educational programs and training opportunities. I manage the logistics for continuing education offerings. I also assist with licensing compliance, student support, instructor coordination, curriculum updates, and program administration to ensure a positive experience for both students and instructors.
What I love about working at the Electrical Association:
I love being part of an organization that makes a meaningful impact on the electrical industry. I especially enjoy supporting instructors, contributing to curriculum improvements, and helping create engaging learning experiences that help students succeed in their careers.
Favorite Tool:
My calendar. I joke that if it's not on my calendar, it doesn't exist. Between projects, meetings, deadlines, and personal commitments, it's the tool that keeps my life organized and running smoothly.
Fun Facts:
I'm a travel enthusiast and have visited more than 40 countries across four continents. I love trying new foods, experiencing different cultures, meeting new people, and seeing where each adventure takes me. My top three destinations so far are Thailand, Iceland, and Croatia.
Katie Grams
Membership Coordinator
What I Do: I support our members from onboarding through renewal, helping ensure they are connected to the right resources, benefits, and opportunities within the Association. I assist with membership communications, data management, and day-to-day support to make sure contractors have what they need when they need it. My goal is to make every interaction smooth, helpful, and positive.
What I love about working at the Electrical Association: I enjoy building relationships with our members and being a reliable point of contact for questions or support. It’s rewarding to help contractors feel confident that they have a strong organization behind them.
Favorite Tool: A well-organized checklist. There’s nothing better than crossing items off and knowing everything is handled.
Fun Facts: Outside of work, I’m a proud hockey mom and spend plenty of time at the rink cheering on my kids. I love the energy of the game, the early mornings, and the strong community that comes with youth sports. When I’m not at the rink, I enjoy spending time with my family and making the most of Minnesota life.
Cynthia Bennett
Head of Strategic Partnerships
What I Do: I lead the Electrical Association’s Strategic Partnerships, working with industry partners to create innovative opportunities that support contractor members. I focus on aligning partner strengths with member needs, expanding collaboration across workforce, education, and business development, and building long-term relationships that strengthen the industry.
What I love about working at the Electrical Association: I love connecting people, ideas, and resources in ways that truly help contractors and the industry thrive. Watching a partnership turn into real value for our members is the most rewarding part of my work.
Favorite Tool: I can fix almost anything with baling twine and electrical tape. But my real essentials are a whiteboard, Post-it notes, and colored markers.
Fun Facts: I live on a 40-acre farm near Cannon Falls with a cold-hardy grape vineyard. My husband, Wade, is a retired Master Electrician. We share the property with horses, dogs, and cats. I love being outdoors year-round. Skiing, fly fishing, pheasant hunting, mountain biking, camping, and exploring wherever I can.
Michelle Dreier
Government Affairs and Compliance Consultant
What I Do: I work to make our members’ lives easier by assessing and developing meaningful member benefits, assisting with compliance issues, creating pathways into electrical apprenticeship, and advocating for contractors at the legislature and state agencies. My role bridges industry and policy, ensuring our members have both practical support and a strong voice in regulatory conversations.
What I love about working at the Electrical Association: I have a passion for workforce development and enjoy hearing what is going well in the industry, and what is not, so I can help adjust policy or prevent harmful regulations that may impact your business. I especially enjoy building new business solutions that make contractors’ lives easier. To do that well, I need to hear from you.
Favorite Tool: My iPhone. It keeps me connected and informed while I’m out in the field. TurboScan is a favorite app for creating PDFs of signed letters on the fly. I also never miss a daily Duolingo lesson. I know Spanish and German, though I understand them much better than I speak them.
Fun Facts: Outside of work, you’ll usually find me in my gardens growing flowers and food. I love watching the birds and wildlife visit, though I’m less thrilled when a deer eats a lily just about to bloom. I’m a big fan of live music, especially rock, and enjoy everything from large music festivals to intimate acoustic sets.