MINNESOTA - GM PROFILE

BIO: Jim Holzer

Jim Holzer began his career in call center operations at the Able-One Answering Service in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1981. He worked as an operator at the Diggers Hotline one call center until 1984, when he was promoted to office manager. Shortly thereafter, OCC won the management contract for Diggers Hotline. From 1986 to 1992, Jim managed the Miss Utility Center.

From 1992 to 1995, Jim managed OCC’s operations in Oregon and Washington. During that time, he was a member of the Oregon Utility Coordinating Committee’s (OUCC) executive council. He also acted as secretary to the OUCC’s legislative sub-committee, which developed the legislation that established the Oregon Utility Notification Center and its board. In 1996, he returned to Maryland to oversee Miss Utility operations.

In 1999, Jim oversaw the cut over of the province-wide Ontario One-Call Center. He managed the center there until the fall of 2000, when he returned to Maryland. Jim currently serves as the General Manager of the Gopher State One Call Center serving the entire state of Minnesota.

Jim was an active participant in the Common Ground study and continues to work on the Path Forward By-Laws Committee. He regularly participated in planning the annual OCSI Symposium. In addition, he has worked in legislative efforts on both the state and Federal levels. He has been both panelist and moderator at numerous symposia. Jim currently serves as the chairman of the Underground Safety Institute.