Friendship Haven has announced that Fort Dodge Mayor Matt Bemrich has joined the Board of Directors.

A native of Fort Dodge, Bemrich graduated from St. Edmond High School and continued his education at Iowa Central Community College. He completed his training at the Iowa Electrical Apprenticeship Training Center in Des Moines, becoming a master electrician.

In addition to being mayor of Fort Dodge and a new board member at Friendship Haven, he is a project manager and co-owner at Bemrich Electric & Telephone. He is married to Michelle, and they are parents to three sons.

“Joining the board of Friendship Haven felt like an ideal opportunity for me,” Bemrich said. “My active engagement in various aspects of community development — whether related to recreation, economic development, or infrastructure — has equipped me with skills applicable to the Friendship Haven community. As my tenure in elected office approaches its conclusion, I believe these skills will prove valuable to an organization like Friendship Haven. Serving in elected positions has taught me the importance of collaboration, idea sharing, and steering complex projects to fruition, even if the outcomes don’t always align with my personal desires but ultimately serve the organization’s best interests, be it the city or now, Friendship Haven.”