Carlton Bjerkaas
President
Carlton's connection to Trøndelag is through his great grandfather (farens bestefar) and grandmother (farmor). They immigrated at different times from Hevne (now Heim Municipality) and settled in Little Sauk Township, Todd County, Minnesota. They followed the original settler in the township who came from Hevne. The next two generations were born and raised in the township on the family farm there, and continued as farmers. Carlton was born and raised on a farm in Ottertail County. He has traveled to Norway, staying with his cousin, and visiting the family farms: Bjørkåsen and Stamnes. He also conducted family research in the National Archives of Norway in Trondheim. He did not follow the family tradition as a farmer, but went into the USAF, serving as a meteorologist, before retiring.
Contact Information
Use our General Inquiry form on the Contact Us page, and select to direct your message to President.
Position Description
President
According to the Bylaws, the president is the presiding officer of the Board of Directors.
After the four officers are elected the president should:
- appoint six board members (with approval by the Executive Committee).
- appoint special committees (called ad hoc committees).
- meet with the board at least three times a year.
The president is also a representative of Trønderlag of America on the Tre Lag Stevne Steering Committee (TLSSC) and on Bygdelagenes Fellesraad.
The president also appoints two other representatives on TLSSC and one on Fellesraad.
The president also tries to ensure that the other positions, namely Historian, Genealogist, and Newsletter Editor, are filled.