NORFOLK, Neb. – For anyone who needs a reminder of how education and hard work can pay off, look no further than Tom Rudloff.
Starting as a rural electric lineman in 1989, the Battle Creek man has distinguished himself with his hunger for education and his almost innate management skills. In every employment position that he has occupied, this tirelessly energetic individual has always strived for high efficiency, according to those who worked with him.
His 44 years in the electrical industry culminated in him serving in the role of general manager at Elkhorn Rural Public Power District, a position he held from 2009 until his retirement on May 12, 2023.
Elkhorn Rural Public Power District serves consumers in the counties of Madison and Antelope; and portions of Pierce, Holt, Boone, Stanton, Wheeler, and Platte counties. The main office is in Battle Creek.
Rudloff recently earned the Nebraska Community College Association (NCCA) Distinguished Alumni honor for Northeast Community College. Each year, the NCCA honors five distinguished alumni, one from each of the community college areas.
Rudloff graduated from Northeast Community College in 1983. He embarked on his professional journey as an electrician at Creighton Electric, where he worked for 10 years. He then transitioned to North Central Public Power District, initially serving as a load management technician and apprentice lineman.
Over his 20-year tenure at North Central, he has held various roles, including lineman, line crew chief, general foreman, supervisor of engineering services, and purchasing and operations manager. His dedication to the industry was further demonstrated by his completion of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Management Internship Program, which trains future leaders in the electric utility sector.
During his time at North Central, Rudloff returned to college to further his education, earning his bachelor’s degree through the Northeast-Wayne State College 2+2 Program. He continued his studies and obtained a master of arts degree in business administration in May 2004.
In January 2009, Rudloff took on the role of general manager at Elkhorn Rural Public Power District. In addition to his professional achievements, he served in the Army National Guard from 1981 to 1987.
He enjoys spending time with family, hunting, fishing, reading, traveling, gardening, and volunteering. He is active in his church, Knights of Columbus, and drives veterans to the VA for their medical appointments.
He and his wife, Be, raised two sons. He offers advice to future students.
“Be a life-long learner. Education does not stop the day you graduate from an educational institution. Be open to additional opportunities to further your education. Understand that education will come in many forms. You will make mistakes; learn from them and work to get better.”
Northeast’s “student first” philosophy meant a great deal to him, Rudloff said.
“When I decided to return to school for further education, I turned to Northeast Community College because their leadership was and still is visionary in providing for and meeting the needs of non-traditional students. Once I contacted personnel at Northeast, they worked with me to find programs to assist me in my educational goals,” he said.
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