Dale Haugen assists with the repair of a three-phase transformer protective device, which was modern for its time, the electrical engineer and Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative general manager says. PHOTO COURTESY MOUNTRAIL-WILLIAMS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
The electric cooperative workforce is in a state of transition. Many longtime co-op employees have reached or are nearing retirement. Over the next five years, it is estimated more than 15,000 people will be hired at more than 900 electric cooperatives in 47 states.
In North Dakota alone, nearly 2,500 full-time electric cooperative jobs exist. And, there are more than 30 types of career opportunities at electric cooperatives. As new employees come in the door, a well of knowledge and experience exits.
We’re talking engineers who have built and grown electric systems. Member services personnel who know their cooperative’s members (and their kids and grandkids) by first name. Lineworkers who have spent countless holidays and birthdays away from their own families to restore power for other families. Administrative professionals who ensure the paychecks arrive on payday, take care of the “all-other-duties-as-assigned” tasks and know where to find everything at the co-op, from the coffee filters to the file folders.
Between now and April next year, North Dakota will see 119 years of service walk out the door, as three electric cooperative general managers retire.
Dale Haugen retires as general manager of Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative in Williston at the end of the year, after 43 years working for cooperatives.
Randy Hauck retires in January after 39 years with Verendrye Electric Cooperative in Velva, the last seven serving as general manager.
Marshal Albright will retire in April following his 37-year career with Cass County Electric Cooperative in Fargo, where he’s been the president/CEO since 2016.
As electric cooperatives usher in the next generation of cooperative leaders, North Dakota Living shares insights, reflections, advice and even favorite family recipes from this trio of cooperative veterans.
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Cally Peterson is editor of North Dakota Living. She can be reached at cpeterson@ndarec.com.
Click on the photos to read more about Dale, Randy and Marshall with their favorite recipes.
DALE HAUGEN
MOUNTRAIL-WILLIAMS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
43 years of service
RANDY HAUCK
VERENDRYE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
39 years of service
MARSHAL ALBRIGHT
CASS COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
37 years of service
