Born in Sioux City, Iowa, Mike Fisher discovered his passion for electricity and electronics at a young age—often by taking apart and ‘modifying’ the family electronics when they didn’t work. That early curiosity led him to pursue formal training in high school, where he built a working radio from a parts kit and deepened his understanding of electronic components and circuitry.

Driven by that same passion, Mike enrolled in the Electrical Engineering program at South Dakota State University. He graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and successfully passed the Engineer‑in‑Training exam, launching a career marked by technical excellence and leadership. Mike’s professional journey began in the oil fields of Gillette, Wyoming with Schlumberger Well Services. There, he spent two years performing well examinations using a range of advanced tools and electronics equipment, including devices incorporating nuclear sources—work that required precision, safety, and deep technical knowledge.

As the early‑1990s oil boom declined, Mike transitioned to Interstates Electric and Engineering in 1992 for seven years in Sioux Center, Iowa, where he designed electrical and control systems for industrial and manufacturing facilities. At Interstates, engineers were expected to work hands‑on in the field for 7 months, and Mike learned firsthand in Quincy, IL how to plan conduit systems, install raceways, pull conductors, and help construct grounding grids—experience that grounded his engineering approach in real‑world practicality.

Seeking to work closer to home in Sioux Falls, Mike joined Goodyear Engineering in 1998. Shortly afterward, Goodyear Engineering was acquired by Ulteig Engineers, where Mike spent the next 15 years growing from staff engineer to Vice President of the Building Services Group. In that role, he oversaw a wide variety of building design projects and strengthened the firm’s presence in the region. In 2001, he passed his Professional Engineering certification.

Following Ulteig Engineers transition out of building services in 2013, Mike joined West Plains Engineering. Over the last 13 years, he has served as a staff engineer, electrical department manager, and currently the office manager for Sioux Falls—continuing to lead, mentor, and elevate the engineering community.

Mike’s commitment to public service is equally significant. He has served on the City of Sioux Falls Electrical Board of Appeals for six years, including time as both member and chair. Within the South Dakota Electrical Council, his involvement has been substantial and longstanding. He joined the SDEC in 2003 and the Sioux Chapter board in 2010.  

He has served as Chapter President since 2007. In 2007, after attending a State Board meeting as the Sioux Chapter representative, he unexpectedly left the meeting as State Board Vice President for two years. In 2010 he was elected State Board President, a role he held until 2015. He continues to serve actively on both the State and Sioux Chapter boards in support of the profession and its mission.

Mike lives in Sioux Falls with his wife of 29 years, Terri. His career reflects not only technical expertise, but also dedication to mentoring,leadership, and strengthening electrical standards across South Dakota.