Erik Helland

Erik Helland (born May 16, 1980) is a lawyer and a former Republican member of the Iowa House of Representatives (2008-2013). In 2023, Governor Kim Reynolds appointed him Chair of the Iowa Utilities Board.

Early life and education Erik Helland grew up on his family's farm. He graduated from Ballard High School and then went on to earn his undergraduate degree in biochemistry and molecular biology and his Juris Doctor from Drake University. He faced Richard Sosalla in the general election and won with 61% of the vote. He was re-elected in 2010 without opposition. He was the Midwest political director for former New York Governor George Pataki's 21st Century Political Action Committee. His Committee assignments included Administration and Rules, Legislative Council, Local Government, State Government and Ways and Means.

Between 2013 and 2023 Helland ran a business, which deals with Medicaid appeals in Alaska. and in 2021, she appointed him as a chair to the Public Employment Relations Board until 2022. even though the Iowa Senate did not confirm him. State senators never voted on Helland's nomination, since the Governor withdrew his nomination at the end of the 2021 legislative session and "played musical chairs with"the Public Employment Relations Board. In 2023, Governor Kim Reynolds appointed him Chair of the Iowa Utilities Board. He is a former president of the Grimes Lions club and a former board member of the Des Moines Young Variety. As of 2011, he attended St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.