MADISON, Wis. — For Matt Johnson, building America’s energy infrastructure isn’t just a job—it’s a calling rooted in his home state of Wisconsin.
“I am a lifelong Wisconsinite,” says Johnson, now an early-stage developer for NextEra Energy Resources. “I grew up in Wausau, moved to western Wisconsin and now I’ve been in Madison since 2017.”
After earning a political science degree from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, he worked at the Wisconsin Land and Liberty Coalition, where he supported energy projects through permitting.
“Even before coming to the company, I helped support NextEra projects,” Johnson explains. “At the Wisconsin Land and Liberty Coalition, I was answering questions, talking about tax benefits and sometimes helping with public presentations. That experience drove me to want to keep doing more outreach to get accurate information out there.”
His passion for energy development led him to NextEra Energy Resources, where he spent three years in community engagement supporting five states across the upper Midwest. Today, Johnson develops renewable projects in Wisconsin and Minnesota—projects that bring economic vitality to rural communities.
“Energy infrastructure brings huge benefits,” Johnson says. “Some counties are struggling economically, but these projects bring tax revenues, jobs and land lease payments. Sometimes, our projects are among the top tax contributors in a county.”
During his time in community engagement, Johnson had the opportunity to help direct donations to local fire departments, sheriff’s offices and food pantries. Just one contribution to the Riceville Food Pantry in Iowa provided six weeks of food for families in need.
“It’s a privilege to work with these people doing such great things,” Johnson says.
When he’s not driving energy development or community engagement, Johnson prefers to stay close to his two young children. His son is six and his daughter is nearly four, and they both know “dad keeps the power on.”
When Johnson thinks to the future, one thing is clear: “With the growing electricity demand, we need to build more now,” he says. “It’s exciting to be involved in work that supports the grid and benefits our nation.”
Project manager Chris Evans brings firsthand experience to his role, helping rural communities thrive through energy projects across the Midwest.
Russ Lloyd’s 20+ year energy career has always been driven by the commitment to put people first.
Former Army civil affairs officer Billy Wilkins now builds bridges of another kind—leading energy projects for NextEra Energy Resources across the Midwest.
