Ralph Watts is the current Iowa House Representative for District 47. This includes most of Dallas County, the fastest growing county in the state.
Ralph grew up on a farm in northwest Wyoming, the youngest of six children. He started working at a very young age. Most of his summers were spent as a roustabout working on pipelines and oil field production equipment.
Ralph graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1966, with a degree in electrical engineering. He decided to accept a job with Iowa Power and Light (now known as MidAmerican Energy), and moved his family to Iowa. Ralph held various positions throughout his career with the company, including: Manager of Des Moines Gas Distribution, Vice President of Power Production, and Manager of Purchasing. Prior to retirement, Ralph was the Vice President and General Manager of the CBEC Railway. This railroad was founded by Ralph to provide competitive rail service to MidAmerican Energy's Council Bluffs Energy Center.
After retiring, Ralph started a construction business.
Ralph and his wife of 44 years, Sandy, have four grown children and eight grandchildren. All of their children graduated from Adel-DeSoto-Minburn High School.
Ralph has been, and continues to be, an active leader:
Member, American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), Natural Resources Task Force
Member, Iowa State University Engineering College Industrial Advisory Committee (ISUECIAC)
Member, Iowa Sportsman's Federation
Member, Iowa Farm Bureau
Member, National Rifle Association
Member, Iowa Land Improvement Contractors Association (LICA)
Member, Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers (IEEE)
Member, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
Board Member, Families Supporting Adoption
Active Leader in his church
Past President/Board Member, Abilities Unlimited-Adel
Past Advisor, Junior Achievement
Past Member, Kiwanis and Lions Club
