Congratulations to New Bern’s Mike Harper, the latest public power legend inducted into the NCAMES Hall of Fame.
Enthusiastic hard worker, teammate, leader, fierce competitor, teacher, mentor, and friend—all words that come up when talking about Mike.
After working as a groundman for various contractors, Mike joined the City of New Bern as a 2nd class lineman back in November 1991. He retired in December 2022 as the Transmission and Distribution Manager, and he continues to share his expertise through consulting.
Charles Bauschard, Director of Public Utilities for the City of New Bern, nominated Mike for the Hall of Fame.
“During his 31 years with the City of New Bern, Mike set the standard for the lineman profession,” Charles said. Working his way up from groundman to manager, “he maintained an excellent safety record and expected no less from others working next to him.”
Mike served as an instructor in ElectriCities safety schools. And he assisted in numerous emergency events, including hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and floods, helping restore power in communities across the state and the country.
A decorated rodeo competitor, Mike helped plan, construct, judge, and administer many rodeos for the American Public Power Association and NCAMES.
Mike is the only four-time NCAMES Overall Journeyman, and he was a member of the NCAMES rodeo team that won Overall Journeyman at the 2008 APPA rodeo in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Philip Hiatt, NCAMES president and Senior Electrical Engineer for the City of High Point, worked with Mike on the NCAMES Safety and Training Committee for many years.
“Mike is one of those people you don’t forget once you meet him,” Philip said. “He always had time to talk and would tell you how he was going to run a rodeo event, but he would say, ‘You still got to beat me.’”
“I am grateful for the contributions Mike made to our industry,” Charles added. “Mike has made this world, our industry, and the local community a better place to live.”
Congratulations Mike! And thank you for your years of dedicated service.