Haugen-Hoffart hits the ground running
Capital Electric - November 1, 2010
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Sheri Haugen-Hoffart, Capital's newest board member, says she appreciates a diverse board. "It makes for good discussion," she says. "When serving a vast membership, you need the rural, the urban; the experience, the fresh perspective, to grow the cooperative." |
Sheri Haugen-Hoffart certainly practices what she preaches. She promotes and supports continued education and the University of North Dakota (UND), Grand Forks — both as an employee, and as a student.
"I truly believe we are lifelong learners and we need to keep engaged in learning. It keeps us current," she relays.
Haugen-Hoffart works as an outreach coordinator for UND, recruiting students and answering inquiries about credit and non-credit opportunities. Her office is located on the campus of Bismarck State College. She also attends classes every other weekend in order to complete her Ph.D.
A Capital Electric consumer from south Bismarck, Haugen-Hoffart is the newest member of the Capital board. She was elected to serve a three-year term in June, replacing the position held by Jim Hawkins, Bismarck. He chose not to seek re-election.
Haugen-Hoffart indicates she ran for the board for two reasons.
"My parents led by example by serving others in the community. Their example demonstrated the importance of serving, and they expected us five kids to serve. So I believe in serving others," she explains.
She was also contacted by some Capital members who asked her to consider the position.
"After conversations and thoughtful prayer, I thought, ‘Yes, I know what it takes to be an invested board member.' You want someone who is going to take the position seriously. Someone who will read the financial reports, ask the tough questions and want feedback from the membership," she continues.
"So I did the campaigning. I made phone calls to members, went door-to-door, and answered their questions."
Once elected to the board, Haugen-Hoffart went to Minneapolis for two days of intense member training.
"It wasn't a surprise for me to have a learning curve. The industry is ever-growing and ever-changing, and it's a very exciting time for North Dakota," she says. "I hit the ground running."
While her job, studies and position on the board keep her busy, Haugen-Hoffart always makes time for family. Her husband, Richard, is a retired business owner who spends the winters in Arizona. Haugen-Hoffart looks forward to joining him in February, to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary.
Along with spending time with her husband, Haugen-Hoffart stays involved with their families, and travels home to the Rugby area to visit her mother and friends. She also enjoys traveling, taking pontoon rides on the Missouri River and watching a good movie.
Your co-op thanks Sheri Haugen-Hoffart for making time to continue carrying on the traditions of Capital Electric Cooperative.
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Sheri and Richard married five years ago in Hawaii. While they are in different stages of life, she says their mutual love and respect makes them compatible. |
Meet your Capital Electric neighbor
Sheri Haugen-Hoffart grew up on a farm 15 miles northwest of Rugby. The family farm, which was homesteaded by her great-grandparents, was served by North Central Electric Cooperative, Bottineau.
After graduating from high school in Rugby, Haugen-Hoffart attended UND and received undergraduate degrees in psychology and rehab services. She later earned her master's degree in management from the University of Mary, Bismarck. A believer in lifelong education, Haugen-Hoffart returned to her alma mater and is completing her Ph.D. through UND.
Haugen-Hoffart has held a diverse and extensive career. Some of the companies she has worked for include the N.D. Workers Compensation Bureau, American Lung Association of North Dakota, Mental Health Association of North Dakota, and the American Red Cross West Dakota Chapter.
Inspired by her parents who taught her to give back to the community, Haugen-Hoffart's volunteer efforts include serving on the church council and as lieutenant governor in Region 1 for the Bismarck Kiwanis club. She was also appointed by Gov. John Hoeven to serve on the Mental Health planning council.