Leadership Fargo Moorhead West Fargo (LFMWF) is centered on creating leaders through community exploration

and leadership development. The program is designed to expose emerging and existing community leaders to the

issues that face our region while engaging participants to strengthen the community and themselves through personal

development and civic engagement.

Included in this document are the biographies of the 40 individuals who were carefully selected to

participate in the 2014-15 class.

Stephen Astrup — JD Legal Planning PLLC Associate Attorney | Fargo, ND

Steve is an associate attorney at JD Legal Planning in Fargo, North Dakota. Steve practices in the area of estate planning and is working on specializing in farm and business succession planning. Steve was raised on a farm just outside of Moorhead, MN where he cultivated his passion for agriculture. Steve still gets the opportunity to farm on the weekends, especially during the planting and harvest seasons. Steve is also an avid runner; the challenge of endurance and the enjoyment of competing in events beyond the traditional racing oval have always appealed to him. Beyond family and friends, Steve’s core motivations are developing and creating meaningful relationships. Education: B.A. Political Science and Business, Concordia College & J.D.; University of St. Thomas School of Law Hometown: Dilworth, MN Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: The Arc Board, Red River Valley Estate Planning Council, Minnesota State Bar Association, State Bar Association of North Dakota, Dilworth Fire Department

Keith Bergseth — Bergseth Bros. Sales Manager/Vice President | Fargo, ND

Keith is a third generation “beerman”. He is blessed to be able to work in their family-owned beer

distributorship with his dad, brother and the family of coworkers. His main duty is to direct the sales force to

achieve company, brewery and retailer goals. He is also the main contact for most of the suppliers/breweries

Bergseth Bros. represents. Keith was born in Pittsburgh, raised in the area, and is currently raising his two young

boys with his wife Kathleen in north Fargo. In his free time he likes to hit the lakes, play softball and golf. In the

cooler months he enjoys playing broomball, cheering on the Bison and hunting on occasion. Keith also has had

the opportunity to coach his oldest son in hockey and t-ball this past year.

Education: B.A. Business Administration, North Dakota State University Hometown: Fargo, ND Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: North Dakota Beer Distributors Association– Past President, National Beer Wholesalers Association, MN Beer Wholesalers Association, USA Hockey Volunteer Coach, Fargo Parks Youth T-Ball Volunteer Coach

Will Brandt — Microsoft Support Engineer Manager | Fargo, ND

Will leads a team of Support Engineers at Microsoft who provide office support for Microsoft’s Premier customers. In his free time, Will enjoys spending time with his family, wife, Amanda, son, Hudson, and daughter, Charlie. Will’s hobbies also include CrossFit, attending NDSU football games and spending time at the lake. Education: B.S. Management Information Systems, minors in Computer Science and Accounting, North Dakota State University

Hometown: Mayville, ND Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: Junior Achievement

Jeney Christensen — Courtyard by Marriott Fargo-Moorhead Sales Coordinator | Moorhead, MN Jeney moved to the Fargo-Moorhead area in 2009 where she worked in the athletic department of North Dakota State University. She quickly fell in love with the area and most importantly – the people! Upon realizing she needed a change of pace from athletics, Jeney began working for the Courtyard by Marriott in February of 2014. She spends her days fielding internal sales requests and detailing events while her nights are spent with her husband, Brian. In what little free time she has, Jeney enjoys cooking, baking, reading and pumpkin spice lattes. Occasionally she also likes to run obstacle races if she has a friend to do it with! Education: B.A. Communication Studies, St. Mary’s College of Notre Dame; M.S. Sports Leadership, North Dakota State University Hometown: Park Forest, IL Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: Young Professionals Network

David Ebinger — Moorhead Police Department Chief of Police | Moorhead, MN

David was selected as Chief of Police for the Moorhead Police Department in June 2006. The Moorhead Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency providing patrol and investigative services to the City of Moorhead, Minnesota. MPD has an authorized staff of 55 sworn officers and 16 civilian positions. Prior to coming to Moorhead, David served for 28 years on the Little Rock Police Department in Arkansas where he rose to the rank of Captain. Some of his command positions with L.R.P.D. were in Patrol, Internal Affairs, the Detective Division and Commander of the Training Academy. While in Little Rock, David also served for 11 years as an Adjunct Instructor in the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Education: B.A. and M.A. Criminal Justice, University of Arkansas at Little Rock Hometown: Little Rock, AR Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: MN Chiefs of Police Association Board of Directors Secretary, International Association of Chiefs of Police

Craig Ehrmantraut — Cornerstone Bank Business Banker | Fargo, ND Craig meets with local business owners to discuss their financial needs and the best options available to satisfy those needs. A native of Fargo, Craig enjoys golfing and spending time at the lake with friends and family.

Education: B.A. Economics, Minnesota State University Moorhead Hometown: Fargo, ND Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: United Way of Cass-Clay Account Executive

Nicole Erickson — AgCountry Farm Credit Services Senior Tax Specialist | Fargo, ND

Nicole works as a tax accountant for AgCountry Farm Credit Services specializing in agricultural income tax consulting and preparation. Nicole grew up on a small farm in west central Minnesota which is where she acquired her passion for the agriculture industry. In her free time, she enjoys horseback riding, league softball and volleyball, motorcycling and spending time at the lake. When she can, Nicole also loves returning home to the farm and helping out where needed. She has very much enjoyed being part of the community since moving to Fargo in 2008. Education: B.S. Accounting and Business Management, University of Minnesota-Crookston Hometown: Starbuck, MN Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: Junior Achievement, North Dakota Society of CPAs

Jackie Erovick — Otter Tail Corporation Financial Analyst | Fargo, ND Jackie prepares the consolidated financial statements and assists with SEC filings for Otter Tail Corporation. She has five years of public accounting experience auditing governmental and manufacturing clients. Jackie moved to Fargo after high school to attend North Dakota State University and decided to put down roots. She married her high school sweetheart, Noel, and they enjoy chasing after their three young boys: a 4 year-old and one-year old twins. Jackie and her family are Bison football fans and enjoy attending games, both home and away. In her free time, she likes to read, camp, travel, take her dog, Bentley, on walks and bake. Jackie resides in West Fargo with her family. Education: B.S. Accounting and Agribusiness, North Dakota State University Hometown: Lawton, ND Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: 2014 March of Dimes Bowls for Babies Chairperson, NDSU Sigma Alpha Sorority Alumni Treasurer, NDSCPA Fargo Moorhead Chapter 2009-12, AICPA Member, NDSCPA, Fargo Marathon Youth Run 2010-12, Dale Carnegie Nine-Week Training Course

Deb Gemar — Hospice of the Red River Valley Director of Community Relations | Fargo, ND

Deb oversees the Marketing and Development efforts at Hospice of the Red River Valley. In other words she gets to talk a lot about two things that make people a bit uncomfortable: dying and money. After leaving the corporate world of 16 years, she found a passion for nonprofit and the rewards of working for the mission. Her work allows her to enjoy her enthusiasm for working with people from all walks of life. In her free time she likes a social round of golf, reading, cooking and spending time with family and friends. Education: B.A. Psychology & Criminal Justice, Minnesota State University Moorhead Hometown: Oakes, ND Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: Association of Fundraising Professionals, Parent Teacher Association, Kiwanis Club

Jen Gompf — Winmar Diagnostics Billing Manager | Fargo, ND Jen was born in the Fargo-Moorhead area and has never left. She truly loves the area and is glad to call this place home. The people are so friendly with a strong sense of community. In her professional life, Jen leads the billing team at Winmar Diagnostics. In her personal life, she likes to shop and spend time with family (especially 2.5 year-old niece, Olivia), as well as relax at the lake in the summer. She also loves to coordinate office social gatherings and outings. Education: B.A. Business and Organizational Communications, Concordia College Hometown: Fargo, ND Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: Chamber Ambassador, Young Professionals Network Member, Kiwanis Club, Girl Scouts of America Troop Leader

Fred Greer — Forum Communications Company Director of Circulation | Fargo, ND

Fred works with FCC Publishers and Circulation and Advertising Executives to develop, implement and achieve circulation audience and revenue goals at all FCC newspapers. He is from Charleston S.C., but he has lived in several great cities throughout North America (and a few bad ones). He loves golf, fine dining, fine wine and travel. He loves living in downtown Fargo and visiting Fargo Brewing Company often. He moved here last year from Charlottesville, VA and was a graduate of Leadership Charlottesville and Vice President of the Leadership Charlottesville Alumni Association. Education: Political Science, College of Charleston in North Carolina Hometown: Charleston, SC Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: Fargo Salvation Army Advisory Board, United Way of Cass-Clay Community Investment Review Board Panel, Fargo Rotary Club, Inland Press Association

T.J. Hanson — Minnesota State University Moorhead Associate Professor of Economics | Moorhead, MN T.J. Hansen was raised in eastern South Dakota on a family farm that specialized in growing corn and soybeans and feeding beef cattle. She worked directly with the agriculture sector in South Dakota early in her career, conducting economic and tax policy research on a variety of topics. She currently enjoys teaching undergraduate and graduate-level economics and business courses at MSUM. After living in Fargo for five years, T.J. and her husband moved to Fergus Falls. She enjoys running, biking, playing piano and spending time with her husband, family and friends. Education: B.S. Mathematics, South Dakota State University; M.S. Economics, South Dakota State University, and Ph.D. Applied Economics, University of Minnesota Hometown: Letcher, SD Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: Co-Advisor to Economic Society which hosts the Cell Phone Drive on the MSUM Campus for the RACC, Salvation Army, Human Care Board, Trinity Lutheran Church Editorial Review Board, Prairie Business Magazine

Chris Heaton — West Acres Development Senior Vice President, Property Management | Fargo, ND

Chris is responsible for maintaining West Acres’ physical integrity, creating an environment which enhances customer experience, fostering a culture of support for team members, facilitating store sales and connecting to the community. Chris was born and raised in Fargo, and moved to New York after graduating from the University of Minnesota. After 17 years in the Big Apple with Viacom, he returned to Fargo looking forward to a simpler, slower-paced way of life. In his free time, Chris enjoys playing soccer and golf and spending time with his wife and daughter. Education: B.M. Jazz Studies & Music Performance, University of Minnesota Hometown: Fargo, ND Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: International Council of Shopping Centers, InfraGard Partnership for Protection, United Way of Cass-Clay

Nate Hendrickson — TNT Kid’s Fitness & Gymnastics Director of Operations | Fargo, ND Nate is the Director of Operations at TNT Kid’s Fitness; he is very fortunate to be in a facility that works directly with the future of our community. Born and raised in rural northern Minnesota in a family of nine children, Nate is driven to provide opportunities and experiences that he either missed or experienced, to improve the lives of families in our communities. He enjoys sharing his knowledge with other professionals in his facility as well as in the community. Nate loves to be physically active outside with his family. He recently added to his family and is ready to balance family and work life, and all the challenges and joys that come with both.

Education: B.S. Health/Physical Ed Developmental Adapted Physical Education, Minnesota State University Moorhead Hometown: Roseau, MN Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: DMF Child Care Initiative Trainer, Ambassador for Tumbl Trak, Advisory Panel for Health/Physical Education Department at MSUM

Joshua Huffman — The Village Family Service Center Program Manager | Fargo, ND

Joshua manages the consumer credit counseling services and financial education programs at The Village. He oversees financial counseling staff in offices throughout North Dakota and Minnesota. Joshua has been with The Village for seven years and has experience in the financial counseling industry as well as background in credit analysis, training and supervision. Joshua spends most of his free time playing with his kids because he knows that within the next couple of years they will be more interested in hanging out with friends than spending time with their dad. Education: B.A. Communications and Religion & Philosophy, University of North Dakota Hometown: Jamestown, ND Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: Minnesota Homeownership Center Advisory Council, Minot Housing Authority Family Self-Sufficiency Policy Council Committee

Chad Jaroszewski — Bell State Bank & Trust Vice President/Cash Management Service Manager | Fargo, ND Chad is responsible for the sales and service of cash management products and services to Bell State Bank &

Trust’s commercial clients. He has worked at Bell State Bank & Trust for seven years and has more than 12 years

of experience in banking. Chad lives in Fargo with his wife Meg and their three children: Jake, Ella and Sophie.

They enjoy spending time at the lake in the summer as well as attending and supporting their children in all their

activities.

Education: B.A. Business & Office Administration, Concordia College Hometown: Perham, MN Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: F-M Cosmopolitan Club, United Way of Cass-Clay, Fargo Little League

Lindsay Johnson — Discovery Benefits COBRA Operations Manager | Fargo, ND

Lindsay oversees the COBRA Operations, Carrier Operations, Benefit Operations, and Senior Operations teams that are responsible for updating and maintaining all employer and insurance carrier's accounts. The oldest of eight, Lindsay enjoys spending time with her large family, but appreciates her time alone as well. She also enjoys going to the lake, going to rummage sales, reading, watching movies, playing any sport, or participating in inline marathons. Lindsay and her husband of nine years, Joe, recently moved to south Fargo with their two dogs, Gus and Kota, and are working on updating their house, growing grass and enjoying all the nice bike paths. Education: B.A. Psychology, Minnesota State University Moorhead Hometown: Pelican Rapids, MN Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: Kamp Kace, Wellness Committee, American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Team Captain

Leissa Johnson — Serco Global Services Learning & Development Training Manager | Fargo, ND Leissa balances time between assessing needs within both the training programs and leadership teams that comprise the diverse Serco family. She spent half a year in Guatemala City establishing the training program for one of our most successful accounts. There she experienced the culture and beauty of Belize, Costa Rica and Honduras. Currently her focus has been identifying process improvements for the team in Syracuse, NY. When Leissa isn’t working for Serco you may find her enjoying her other passion, fireworks, with RES Specialty Pyrotechnics. She also has a collection of more than 1,300 PEZ; including an extremely rare, live PEZ adopted from Homeward Animal Shelter. With a name like that there was no turning the little guy away! Education: Pursued Degree in Mathematics and Science, Minot State University and Fireworks Display Operator Certification, MN Hometown: Minot, ND Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: Serco 25 Committee, FirstLink, Pyrotechnics Guild International

Tracy Jordre — JLG Architecture Project Manager/Architect | Fargo, ND

Tracy designs and manages projects that range from higher educational buildings to large multi-use retail developments and a lot of projects in between. She was born on a ranch/ farm in central North Dakota but had the itch to live the big city dream. After 13 years of living “the dream” in Denver, she was elated to return to North Dakota to find a booming economy and a newfound appreciation for architects. She spends most of her time with her husband running after their kids and their many activities such as baseball, football and gymnastics. She’s seldom ever found without a Starbucks in one hand and an iPhone in the other. An intervention has been mentioned a time or two… Education: B.A. Architecture and Environmental Design, North Dakota State University Hometown: Warwick, ND Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: Salvation Army, The Chamber, American Institute of Architects, Society of College and University Planning

Tyler Klose — Border States Electric Pricing Strategy Supervisor | Fargo, ND Tyler oversees the pricing strategy team at Border States Electric. The team is responsible for developing and executing pricing strategies that drive profitable sales growth. Tyler has a wonderful wife of eight years, two kids, ages 4 and 1, and two dogs. Outside of work, he spends most of his time playing with his kids, taking his two golden retrievers on long walks, doing projects around the house, snowboarding in the winter and paddle boarding in the summer. He has also recently taking a liking to extreme obstacle courses that contain mud, monkey bars and very cold water. Completing a Tough Mudder a few years back has been one of his greatest personal accomplishments. Fall is his favorite time of year and, interestingly enough, prefers winter over summer. He loves traveling for work and pleasure as well as exploring new sites and scenery. Education: B.S. Business Administration & Management Information Systems, North Dakota State University Hometown: Jamestown, ND

Kristin Krile — Dress for Success Red River Valley of Upper Midwest Executive Director | Fargo, ND

Kristin provides overall management and planning of the organization, including staff leadership and fund development. Kristin grew up in rural Hitterdal and attended Fargo Catholic Schools until transferring and graduating from high school in Hawley, MN. Kristin currently lives in Moorhead, and in her free time, she enjoys gardening, cooking, creating things from Pinterest and traveling, preferably to destinations near an ocean. She loves exploring and discovering all of the hidden treasures the community has to offer. Education: B.A. Sociology, minor in Psychology, Cornell College; Intensive Spanish Certificate, Baden Powell Institute Hometown: Hitterdal, MN Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: Hawley Women of Today Treasurer, Make-A-Wish, Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign Coordinator for rural Clay County

Courtney Larson — Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation Communications and Marketing Officer | Fargo, ND Courtney manages brand messaging across a variety of platforms, ensuring key, strategic messages are

communicated effectively to internal and external audiences. Courtney joined the FM Area Foundation in 2014.

Previously, she was employed at Minnesota State University Moorhead as a marketing specialist. In her spare

time, she enjoys walking her dog, spending time with family and friends and watching popular television series.

Courtney has recently taken up cooking and tries at least one new recipe a week.

Education: B.S. Mass Communications, emphasis in Public Relations and Advertising, Minnesota State University Moorhead Hometown: Leonard, ND Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: AAF-ND, Young Professionals Network

Sara Lingwall — Essentia Health Operations Manager | Fargo, ND

Sara is responsible for the day to day operations within a variety of specialty clinics at Essentia Health. Daily she is faced with the ever present challenges that continue to affect healthcare. Whether the challenges are related to evolving healthcare models, reimbursement, staffing, operations, or financials, she finds great value in her work. She has spent the majority of her life living in North Dakota, with the exception of six years when she relocated to San Diego, CA. Although she enjoyed many aspects of her life in California, Sara is very happy to be back home in North Dakota. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, doing outdoor summer activities, chasing around her toddler son and shopping. Education: BSN, Medcenter One College of Nursing; MSN– Executive Nurse Leadership, University of San Diego Hometown: Wahpeton, ND

Patrick Lorenson — Ramsey National Bank President | Fargo, ND Patrick leads the Fargo location, and his primary function is working with staff and customers to match products to customer needs. He was born and raised on a family farm in northern Minnesota and still has an active interest in his family farm. His favorite season of the year is fall because that is when tailgating season begins. Patrick is an avid BBQ cook and is always willing to share grilling ideas and recipes. In his spare time, he chases the school activities of his three children. After a 20-year absence, he is excited to back in the community. Education: B.A. Business Administration & English, Concordia College; Graduate School of Banking at Colorado; Executive Degree, Carlson School– University of Minnesota Hometown: Greenbush, MN Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: Past President of Town & Country– five Terms, Fourth of July Celebration Chairperson for 15 years, High School Economics Annual Presentation

Tim Lystad — John Deere Electronic Solutions Senior Quality Manager | Fargo, ND

Tim works with new development projects for ruggedized electronics through quality planning, product risk mitigation and has also successfully launched new products into full production. He spends much of his free time enjoying the company of his loved ones or learning about various topics related to his hobbies. In addition to this Tim is consistently training for triathlons and marathons, and he appreciates being outside in most conditions that the area has to offer. Education: B.S. Industrial Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; M.B.A., North Dakota State University Hometown: Stanley, ND Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: North Dakota Boys State Staff Counselor, Young Professionals Network, JDES 5K Planning Committee

Katie Lowry — TMI Hospitality Vice President of Hotel Support| Fargo, ND Katie is responsible for development, deployment and championing of operating standards. She also has the privilege of maintaining franchise and brand compliance and relationships. Katie currently resides in Hawley, MN and lives on Lee Lake. She enjoys time on the water, whether she is boating or cross country skiing. She is married and has two children, one girl (4) and one little boy (3) with one on the way! Education: B.A. Business & Spanish, Concordia College Hometown: Fargo, ND Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: Culture Crew at TMI Hospitality

Jordan McCormick — Family Wellness Assistant Director | Fargo, ND

Through his work at Family Wellness, Jordan impacts the lives of people in our community through programs and events at Family Wellness designed to inspire a healthier lifestyle. When he isn’t working Jordan can be found hanging out with his lovely wife, Katie, playing bass, or mowing his lawn (which he loves to do).

Education: B.S. Communications, University of Minnesota Crookston Hometown: Oakland, CA Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: First Lutheran Church Worship Team, United Way of Cass-Clay Employee Campaign Coordinator

Dan Madler — Beyond Shelter, Inc. Chief Executive Officer| Fargo, ND A natural problem solver, Dan enjoys working with a team and is driven by the challenges that come with developing affordable housing. Beyond Shelter has given him an opportunity to work for a mission-driven organization that makes life better for others by giving them a place to call home. In his free time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife and 5 year-old son, grilling a perfect steak to be shared with friends and family and being in the outdoors. Education: B.S. Business Administration, minor in Economics, North Dakota State University Hometown: New England, SD Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizations Board and Chairman of the Finance and Public Policy Committees, Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, Iowa Advisory Council

Alycia Peter — Rasmussen College Professional Education Manager | Fargo, ND

Alycia has worked at Rasmussen College for five years, and in April took on a new position as the Professional Education Manager. Alycia gets to work with employers in the Fargo/Moorhead and Bismarck communities finding ways to collaborate in training and education. She grew up in Fargo and graduated fro NDSU. In the summer, Alycia loves spending time with her family in Walker, MN, at their lake home and, in the winter, she loves attending UND hockey games. Education: B.S. Mass Communications, North Dakota State University Hometown: Fargo, ND Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: Great Plains Food Bank, Ronald McDonald House Charities

Matt Oachs — Western State Bank Assistant VP/Retail Banking Manager| West Fargo, ND

Matt manages all of the retail/consumer functions of the West Fargo Western State Bank where he has the opportunity to be involved in multiple projects within the bank to make adjustments to better serve customer and the community. Matt grew up in Herman, MN, population 400, where he was lucky enough to have a family farm, a father that owns two businesses and countless family constantly around to always stay busy! In his free time he likes to golf, spend time with family and most importantly, enjoy whatever it is that is going on at that moment. Education: B.S. Management, Minnesota State University Moorhead (Four year football letterman– Go Dragons!) Hometown: Herman, MN

Mike Reitan — West Fargo Police Department

Senior Business Relationship Manager | Fargo, ND Travis works with local businesses to help them grow and succeed by providing them with a full range of products and services, including loans, deposit accounts, investments, insurance, leasing, treasury management, payroll and more. Travis grew up in North Dakota and ended up spending seven years in Milwaukee before moving back to Fargo last summer. An avid sports fan, he typically spends his time away from work catching the game on TV, at the gym, on the golf course, or perhaps at the movies. Education: B.A. Financial Management & Banking and Finance, University of North Dakota; M.B.A. University of Mary Hometown: Bismarck, ND Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: United Way of Class-Clay, The March of Dimes, Junior Achievement, Young Professionals Network, Chamber Ambassador

Mike started his career in law enforcement as a patrol officer with the Casselton Police Department in 1984. Mike was hired as a patrol officer for the city of West Fargo in 1987 and has since held the ranks of Patrol Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Assistant Chief and the Chief of Police. Mike has been involved in legislative issues on the state and local level relating to public safety and human services. In 2009, Mike retired as the Chief Master Sergeant of the 119th Civil Engineering Squadron, ND Air National Guard after serving just short of 33 years. Mike retired as Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 279 in 2013 after having served as a Scout leader for 11 years. Mike enjoys hunting, fishing and being outdoors. Mike is married and has two sons. Education: Graduate of the FBI National Academy; B.S. Business Management, University of Mary; A.A., Community College of the Air Force Hometown: Casselton, ND Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: W.F. Area Community Program Committee Chairman, Hope Lutheran Church, W.F. Exchange Club, ND Peace Officers Association VP, ND Chiefs of Police Association, FBI National Academy Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police

Travis Riffey — Wells Fargo

Chief of Police| West Fargo, ND

Logan Rogers — Gate City Bank Business Development Officer| Fargo, ND Logan has been in the banking industry for nine years and currently focuses on the business lending division of Gate City Bank. When he’s not at work, Logan spends his time with his wife, two boys, and is expecting a little girl mid-November. Logan and his wife, Lindsay, enjoy Bison athletic events, skiing in the Rockies and spending the summers at the lake.

Education: Associates degree, Business Management, North Dakota State College of Science Hometown: Langdon, ND Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: River City Church, Park Christian School, NDSU Team Makers

Diane Sandven — Heartland Trust Company Trust Officer| Fargo, ND Diane provides traditional trust administration services for designated account relationships at Heartland Trust Company. She enjoys building her client relationships through business knowledge, empathy for others and a sense of humor. These attributes combine to help her build strong relationships both at work and within the community. Diane currently lives in Fargo but has also lived in Minnesota and Wisconsin. She and her husband have two boys attending NDSU, and she enjoys golfing, gardening and traveling with her husband in her spare time.

Education: B.A. Business Administration & Organizational Communications, Concordia College Hometown: Milan, MN Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: FMAF Women’s Fund Committee, Red River Valley Estate Planning Council, Served as Hope Lutheran Church Confirmation Guide, The Chamber

Val Schwantes — Enventis MDU Sales Supervisor| Fargo, ND Val coordinates and implements services for multi dwelling unit (aka apartment) sales and oversees marketing for the Fargo market. She is a Fargo native and loves that Fargo has the big city amenities with the small town, friendly feel. She is married with a 5 year-old stepson and she loves baking (anything with chocolate), going to the park with her family and hanging out at the lakes. She enjoys staying active in her community and trying to create home decorations from repurposed items. Education: B.A. Hospitality & Tourism with a business minor, North Dakota State University Hometown: Fargo, ND Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: Lake Agassiz Exchange Club, Red River Apartment Association, United Way of Cass-Clay Company Campaign Coordinator

Joanna Slominski — Mortenson Construction Construction Executive | Fargo, ND Joanna is the Construction Executive on the new Sanford Fargo Medical Center located at I-94 and Veterans Blvd in Fargo. As construction executive, Joanna plans, organizes, staffs and oversees the budget and construction of what will be the single largest healthcare project in North Dakota history. As a native of northwestern Minnesota, she enjoys spending the many seasons with her husband and son including ice fishing, campfires and taking advantage of the activities the area has to offer. Her passion is connecting people to unite and solve challenges. Education: B.S. Construction Engineering, North Dakota State University Hometown: Middle River, MN Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: NDSU CM&E Advisory Board, United Way Leader in Giving Campaign Cabinet, Lead Volunteer Activities for staff of 30+, NAWIC FM Chapter Membership Director

Ken Story — The Empowerment Project Executive Director| Fargo, ND

Kristen Sullivan — Goldmark Property Management Regional Manager | Fargo, ND Kristen supports the operations of 7,000 apartment homes in the region. Her favorite part of her job is being able to train and develop her team members so they can be the best that they can be. She also enjoys helping customers find homes where they can be happy and healthy in. Kristen lives in Moorhead with her husband and two sons. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends doing anything from going on walks to a movie night at the cinema. Kristen loves the sound of laughter and will find ways to have fun in anything she does so she can laugh with others. Education: B.A. Public Relations & Advertising, Concordia College Hometown: Lake Park, MN Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: Habitat for Humanity Volunteer, United Way of Cass-Clay, ECC Vice President– Greater Red River Valley Apartment Association, Young Professionals Network

Ken Story is the Executive Director of The Empowerment Project, which is a new private operating nonprofit here in Fargo. Ken was born in the Philippines but considers his hometown where he was raised. In his free time he is politically active, can make his way around the kitchen (cook), and likes to spend time with friends who now he considers his family. He also likes to say he likes to workout…he goes, but he hates every minute of it. He enjoys meeting good people and really gets a kick out of people that can enjoy a good laugh. If you like big personalities, you are going to love him. Education: Attended North Dakota State University Hometown: Minot Air Force Base, ND Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: New Generation North Dakota President, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Young Professionals Network, North Dakota Democratic Party Executive Committee

Josh Swanson — Vogel Law Firm Lawyer| Fargo, ND Josh’s practice is centered on litigation where he focuses on energy and natural resource law, commercial litigation and plaintiff’s law. Josh enjoys being in court and advocating for his clients. Josh has taught courses on oil and gas law at UND Law School, energy law and policy at NDSU and energy policy at Bismarck State. Born and raised in Maddock, N.D., a small farming community near Devils Lake, Josh grew up a diehard Bison fan and his weekends in the fall are spent tailgating and following NDSU around the country. In the winter, after Bison football, Josh follows the Bison basketball team. An avid life enthusiast and adventurer, Josh enjoys being outdoors, spending time at the lake, running, hiking and reading. Education: B.S. History and Political Science, North Dakota State University; J.D., Creighton School of Law Hometown: Maddock, ND Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: NDSU Blue Key Advisor, NDSU Team Makers, Columnist with Bison Illustrated Magazine Columnist, NDSU English Department Advisory Board, Instructor at UND Law School and NDSU

Shannon Uecker — Noridian Mutual Insurance Company Human Resources Business Partner | Fargo, ND Shannon is a human resources strategic business partner for Noridian Healthcare Solutions. In this role he spends his time working with management and executives solving staffing needs and implementing business initiatives. He grew up in northern North Dakota, and he enjoys hunting and fishing. Shannon enjoys spending his time at the lake and on the pontoon with his family. He loves spending nights out with his wife dining at restaurants in downtown Fargo (in the “city” as his twins refer to it). Education: B.S. Business Administration, North Dakota State University Hometown: Langdon, ND Volunteer/Professional Opportunities: Peace Lutheran Church Council, FMHRA