Kelby Hovey nominated to the Greater North Dakota Chamber list of 15 Women to Know in North Dakota Business

Kelby Hovey, Basin Electric pilot and safety officer, was recently nominated to the Greater North Dakota Chamber’s (GNDC) inaugural list of 15 Women to Know in North Dakota Business. 

The idea for this list came through conversations with women as GNDC worked on projects or events. “Often times, women were quick to suggest other women who were subject matter experts in their field and industry. Sometimes these individuals weren’t on our radar, but we quickly discovered talents and expertise and that success needs to be celebrated,” says Amanda Remynse, GNDC vice president of operations and outreach. “Too often those that should be honored don’t take the time to celebrate, or even acknowledge, their accomplishments.” 

The GNDC looked at industry and geographical diversity when selecting its nominees rather than a traditional list where companies toss up the same names and lists. “We wanted a grassroots effort based off the unsung heroes who don't take time to put their name forth and never would,” Remynse says. Hovey was an obvious choice.

Hovey is a 20-year veteran of the North Dakota National Guard, where she spent 11 years of her career flying helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, including a Bell 206 and UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter. During that time, Hovey spent one year deployed and flew missions throughout the Horn of Africa in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. “We faced many challenges flying throughout Africa. We landed on runways that were merely paved strips carved out of the jungle, with varied wildlife all around. We were diverted from international airports due to power outages and no backup systems,” Hovey says. “The life experience and flight experience I gained during that deployment really made me appreciate and value all that we have in the U.S.”

Hovey’s interest in flying started at a young age when her grandfather, a pilot, built his own airplane. Although she never had the chance to fly with him, she was intrigued by the mystery and freedom of flight, which provided her with an avenue to explore as she got older. “That connection was the reason I saved money to go to aerospace camp at the University of North Dakota and to ultimately choose aviation as a career path,” Hovey says. She was hooked after attending the camp where she had the opportunity to take the flight controls of several different airplanes.

Hovey graduated from the University of North Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in aeronautics, majoring in commercial aviation. She also earned a master’s degree in aeronautics, with a specialization in aviation safety from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. 

At Basin Electric, Hovey uses her skills to safely fly people in company aircraft across the country. This allows passengers to more efficiently use their time to conduct business across the cooperative’s nine-state service area and beyond. She also pilots low-level powerline and pipeline patrol flights and manages several safety programs in her department.

Being nominated for the GNDC inaugural list was a surprise to Hovey. “I am honored to have been selected amongst such a remarkable group of women.”