Don Offerdahl is proud and excited to be the 2008 Western Section President. He is presently the executive director of the North Dakota State Electrical Board.
Don had an interest in becoming an electrician when he was in high school. Upon graduation, he served in the United States Signal Corp of the United States Army. After an honorable discharge, he attended and graduated with an associate of science degree in electrical technology from the North Dakota State College of Science. Don entered the Dakota area-wide Apprenticeship Program and upon completion got involved in teaching both apprenticeship and journeyman training classes.
In 1980, he attended his first North Dakota Chapter IAEI meeting and joined soon thereafter. His interest in electrical safety led him to become a North Dakota electrical inspector in 1984. He worked in that capacity for twelve years until appointed to his current position. Don has been very active promoting IAEI and, in 1987, signed up 42 new members. He is a past president of the North Dakota Chapter and presently serves as the chapter’s representative to the Western Section Executive Committee and Secretary/Treasurer. Don has represented the IAEI on NEC Code-Making Panel 9 since 1999. He believes training is the key to keeping qualified in the ever-changing electrical industry.
In his acceptance speech at the Western Section banquet, Don gave the following message. “It was once said, ‘Inspectors, the lives of many people are dependent in a large measure on the faithful performance of your duties. Consider your duties seriously and others will do likewise.’” That quote was written in the early 1900s, and it is as important today as it was back then. Electrical inspectors, electricians, and all people involved in the electrical industry, when people ask what you do, don’t take it lightly. What you do saves lives! What would it be like if there were no electrical code, no product standards and no inspections? Definitely, there would be more loss of life and property. Qualified people are needed for these important roles. What qualification does one need to be an electrical inspector? They need to know the electrical fundamentals and theory as well as the practical work experience. I believe in customer service. The customer service an inspector can provide is the knowledge of the Code. He should not only be a regulator, he should also be a resource. The education resources that IAEI inspectors provide are the best in the industry. Don encourages all people in the electrical industry to get more involved in training, for both oneself and others. The means to do so are right at your fingertips when you are a member of IAEI. Studying this material and going to classes will keep you up-to-date and qualified.
Personally, having mentors like Leo Nagel, 1979 International President from North Dakota, Ed Lawry, Ray Webber, Phil Cox, Mike Forister, Ray Mullins and Danny Offerdahl, just to name a few, is a valuable asset to me. These people always had time to help you out with a problem or question. It is all about relationships, which is a vital role that comes when you are part of IAEI. Friends and mentors of this great organization are beyond compare.
Don wants every member to know that IAEI needs you. They need you to get involved, they need you to be good mentors, educators, and advertisers—advertising the importance of electrical safety. Just remember, “The lives of many people are dependent in a large measure on the faithful performance of your duties. Consider your duties seriously and others will do likewise.”
Don is very active in the Multi-State Reciprocal Electrical Licensing, which consists of Alaska, Washington, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, Montana, Oklahoma, Nebraska, South Dakota, Arkansas, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and North Dakota. This group has an agreement to reciprocate journeymen electrical license held in each state.
Don sits on the Missouri Valley YMCA Board, North Dakota State School of Science Electrical Advisory Committee, and he has served on IBEW Local 714 Executive Board as the vice president. Don has also sat on his church board.
Don has been married to his wife Pat for 32 years and they have three adult children and two grandsons. Don’s oldest son Dustin has followed him in the electrical industry as a journeyman electrician and an instructor for the Dakota Area-wide Apprenticeship Program.
Don’s pastime is riding his motorcycle, playing volleyball, and spending time with family and friends on their pontoon on the Missouri River.
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