×
×
homepage logo

Rugby-born PSC commissioner credits hometown for success

By Sue Sitter - | Feb 26, 2022

Sheri Haugen-Hoffart

Sheri Haugen-Hoffart, the newest member of the North Dakota State Public Service Commission, said she’s excited to shatter a glass ceiling that women in government can face, and she owes her success to her upbringing in Rugby.

Gov. Doug Burgum appointed Haugen-Hoffart to finish the term of Commissioner Brian Kroshus, whom Burgum tapped to replace Ryan Rauschenberger as state tax commissioner.

Haugen-Hoffart explained Burgum appointed her to finish out the term of Kroshus.

“I took my oath and took my position on February 14,” Haugen-Hoffart said.

“I was born and raised in Rugby,” Haugen-Hoffart said. “My parents were Orris and Marie Haugen. We lived on a farm 15 miles northwest of Rugby. I’m a graduate of Rugby High School. Go Panthers,” she added with a laugh.

Haugen-Hoffart graduated from high school in 1984.

“People will now figure out my age,” she said, laughing again.

After high school, Haugen-Hoffart earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota. After working for non-profits such as the American Lung Association and the American Red Cross, Haugen-Hoffart held various positions in government and earned a master’s degree in management from the University of Mary in Bismarck.

“I’ve been in state government since 2008. I worked for the North Dakota Securities Department; I was the deputy treasurer for the state treasurer’s office; I worked at the tax department,” Haugen-Hoffart said.

“How I really got interested in (North Dakota energy) was nine years ago, I got elected to the Capital Electric Cooperative Board,” Haugen-Hoffart explained. “It’s a member-owned electric company, a distribution cooperative.”

Haugen-Hoffart said she served three terms on the Capital Electric Board, totaling nine years.

She said during her time on the Capital Electric board, “Capital Electric elected me to serve on the Central Power Cooperative Board, which represents six distribution cooperatives. So, I learned the electrical industry from generation to transmission, to distribution, to the end user.”

Haugen-Hoffart said her service on the utility boards “really sparked my interest in the PSC, the regulatory, the reliability and the affordability (of energy for consumers).”

Blazing trails

Her service on the utility boards also gave Haugen-Hoffart an opportunity to blaze trails for women in government, an experience she called “a privilege.”

“On Central Power, I was the first board president. I was president for two years,” Haugen-Hoffart said. “At Capital Electric, I was serving also as the first female board president. Due to my position accepting Governor Burgum’s appointment, I had to resign from both boards to prevent any type of conflict of interest.

“I was very honored that both boards entrusted me in that leadership role and to break the glass ceiling as the first female board president,” Haugen-Hoffart added. “Also, for a little trivia, this is the first time in history that two female commissioners are serving on the PSC.”

Haugen-Hoffart will serve together with PSC Board Chair Julie Fedorchak and Commissioner Randy Christman. Haugen-Hoffart said each commissioner holds a portfolio, or collection of chairmanships covering an area of energy in the state.

Haugen-Hoffart said she pays attention to concerns North Dakota energy consumers have expressed lately.

“I think what’s very critical right now is the reliability and affordability of energy for North Dakotans. Also, what’s important is the reliability of the grid to ensure that when we flip on the light switch, we have that electricity reliability and also the affordability of it,” Haugen-Hoffart said.

“There’s a balance on what it costs to have that reliability,” Haugen-Hoffart said. “We have to pay for the cost of service. It takes a lot and I am so impressed with the linemen that are out there on call 24/7 to make sure we have that reliability.”

She added, “Given the challenges our state and country face today, I’m eager to get to work protecting energy security and the reliability of our supply chain.”

Haguen-Hoffart said she still visits her hometown whenever she gets a chance.

“My beloved godmother, Marlene Oksendahl, is still up there. My aunt, Elaine Kraft, and her family are there. Rugby will always be home to me,” she said.

“I have been so blessed,” Haugen-Hoffart added. “If you had to ask me where my influences in my life came from, I’d say you’re going to have an article every week for a year at least. That’s how blessed I’ve been by my upbringing in Rugby, from my parents and family to teachers, coaches and neighbors.”

Haugen-Hoffart also credited the congregation at the small country church she attended in Berwick for their influence in her life.

“Just that neighborhood was immensely important to my upbringing. So many people impacted my life in such a positive way in Rugby and still to this day impact my life. So, I’ve been blessed to grow up in Rugby and be influenced by so many people,” she said.

“You never know where your life journey’s going to take you but I was very open to learn, listen and be open to where the Lord wants to take you,” Haugen-Hoffart added. “If I were to describe a motto in my life, I’d say ‘Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in heaven.’ That’s really my motto, be open to where the Lord wants to lead you.”

Haugen-Hoffart said her parents lived by mottos as well.

“My dad’s motto was ‘Treat others as you want to be treated,’ and my mom’s (motto) was ‘It’s better to give than receive,’ and they really built the foundation of my faith and my servant-leadership heart,” she said.

“I also need to give a shout out to my husband, Richard W. Hoffart,” Haugen-Hoffart added. “He used to be the owner of Buck’s Sport Shop in Rugby. I married a local boy and my local boy is a champion for me.

“I will always give a shout-out to my hometown. That’s a foundation of who you are and I’m proud,” Haugen-Hoffart added.

Haugen-Hoffart said she planned to campaign for her seat on the PSC when her appointed term expires. Haugen-Hoffart said she must run for the seat in the 2022 state general election Nov. 8 in order to finish out Kroshus’ full term. More information on Haugen-Hoffart’s campaign and work for the PSC can be found at www.sherifornd.com.