Behind the Board: A Conversation with Ed Everson, District IV-East

Ed Everson knows rural North Dakota because it’s been home his entire life. Born and raised six miles outside of Hannaford, Ed grew up working on his grandparents’ farms, learning the value of hard work at a young age. By fifth grade, he was living on the farm full-time, doing chores and building the work ethic that would guide him for decades to come.

After marrying his wife, Cindy, in 1974, Ed’s path briefly took him far from home. The couple moved to Houston, where Ed worked in manufacturing, building sorting machines used in factories. The job opened the door to international opportunities, but Ed and Cindy knew they belonged in North Dakota. That when Ed’s career became what he calls a “jack of all trades.”

He worked for cattlemen, ran a service station in Walum, ND, spent years in road construction building highways, and during winters built farm equipment at Melroe Bobcat in Cooperstown. For the next 45 years, Ed worked at the grain elevator in Hannaford until it eventually closed.

After retiring, Ed went on to work for Finley Engineering, securing easements for BEK Fiber projects in Hannaford, Page, and Buffalo. Today, he serves as the City Auditor in Hannaford, manages the books for Striking Lanes bowling alley, and continues a long history of volunteer service.

Ed and Cindy enjoy spending time with their five children and eleven grandchildren.

A Belief in Fiber and the Cooperative

Ed’s interest in technology started early. He remembers using dial-up internet in the mid-1980s.

“It took forever to connect,” he said. “I told my wife that once wireless internet came to our area, we’d be the first to sign up.” And they were.

When Ed learned about fiber internet, his belief grew even stronger. “You can do so much more with fiber than wireless,” he said. “Fiber keeps changing and evolving. The world is much better with it.”

When the opportunity came to serve on BEK’s Nominating Committee, Ed said yes because he believed in BEK Fiber and the future of the cooperative. That belief led him to run for the Board, becoming the first Director elected in the newly formed District 5-East. Ed has now served as a BEK Board Director for nearly two years.

Putting Members First

When asked what advice he’d give to members who want to be more engaged in the cooperative, Ed keeps it simple. “Sign up to be a member and vote,” he said. “Read The Beacon. Learn what’s going on in the cooperative. Get involved.”

What stands out most to Ed is the people. “One thing I’ve noticed about my fellow directors is that they always think of the members first in everything they discuss.”

From farm fields to fiber networks, Ed Everson’s life reflects the heart of BEK: local roots, strong communities, and a commitment to building a better future for rural North Dakota.