John D. Erickson served as the President and CEO of Otter Tail Corporation from 2002 until 2011, during which he made a meaningful impact on the company’s strategic direction. He has a solid background in management, having started his career...
John D. Erickson served as the President and CEO of Otter Tail Corporation from 2002 until 2011, during which he made a meaningful impact on the company’s strategic direction. He has a solid background in management, having started his career at Otter Tail Power Company back in 1980. With a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Erickson climbed the ranks to become CFO before taking the top job. His leadership was characterized by a focus on aligning the company’s goals with performance metrics, particularly in financial areas like earnings per share and return on equity. Interestingly, John was elected to the Board of Directors in 2007 while still serving as CEO, which shows the trust placed in him by his peers. After stepping down in 2011, he continued to contribute his expertise as a board member and advisor, demonstrating his long-term commitment to the company and the community. He also served in various roles that helped bridge connections between corporate strategy and local community interests.