Photo by Deb Gau Pete Wyffels was hired as the new general manager of Marshall Municipal Utilities this summer. Wyffels’ career spans 34 years in utilities, but he got his start as an electric line worker in Marshall.

MARSHALL — Pete Wyffels got his start in the utility industry in Marshall as an electric line worker at Marshall Municipal Utilities. More than 30 years later, Wyffels has come back to where his career began, to serve as MMU’s general manager.

“It’s an honor to come back to Marshall and MMU,” Wyffels said this week. “Coming back has been like coming home, to me.”

Wyffels was selected as the new MMU general manager after a search process this summer. The utility started a hiring search after former MMU manager David Schelkoph announced plans to retire.

This week, Wyffels introduced himself to members of the Marshall City Council at their regular meeting.

Wyffels’ career started at MMU, where he served as an electric lineman.

“Those years here really shaped me, professionally and personally,” he said. Working out in the field helped him build connections with MMU customers and staff.

Over the course of 34 years, Wyffels has served in a variety of roles, including as manager of the line worker training center in Marshall, and as Generation and Distribution Operation Superintendent with the Glencoe Light and Power Commission. Wyffels most recently served as electric director for the city of Chaska.

Wyffels said each step along the way helped shape his professional perspective. As MMU manager, he said, “I look at this position through a lot of different lenses.”

Wyffels said there were a few different reasons he was interested in coming back to Marshall.

“I am a graduate from Marshall, and I have a lot of family in this area. I always wanted to serve the community of Marshall,” Wyffels said.

It was also positive to be part of MMU again, he said.

“Marshall Utilities’ strong reputation for reliability and commitment to serving the people who live here are what drew me back. Being part of that mission is very rewarding to me,” Wyffels said.

Wyffels said some of his goals as MMU general manager include making sure Marshall has reliable water and electric service, maintaining financial responsibility, and planning ahead for long-term sustainability for Marshall utilities. That planning included exploring opportunities for renewable energy, efficiency programs and responsible water management.

Wyffels’ goals also include investing in staff development, and building strong relationships with the city, local businesses and regional utility partners. He said he hopes to meet with some of MMU’s customers going forward.