ND Future Forum Session Details

Workforce needs and housing access are increasingly intertwined in North Dakota’s economic landscape. This panel will explore how business leaders and policymakers are stepping up to address the housing crisis as a key workforce strategy. From employer-led developments to state-level initiatives, panelists will highlight real-world examples of how intentional investments in housing are helping attract and retain talent. Attendees will hear from those on the frontlines—leaders driving innovative solutions that not only meet immediate needs but also position communities for long-term growth.

Moderator: Michael Hoagberg – CEO/Founder, Headwaters Development, Advanced Volumetric Alliance 

• Nick Phillips – Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Applied Digital
• Matt Naugle – Workforce Development Specialist, Essentia Health

Agency Response: Chris Schilken – Commissioner, North Dakota Department of Commerce

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MICHAEL HOAGBERG is the founding partner of Headwaters Development and Advanced Volumetric Alliance (“AVA”), the modular manufacturing business. Prior to founding Headwaters and AVA, Mike was in the healthcare practice at Houlihan Lokey where he advised on a wide range of sell-side and buy-side M&A transactions, debt and equity financings, and strategic advisory engagements. Michael graduated from St. Olaf College with a BA in economics and earned postgraduate degrees from the University of Virginia and the University of Minnesota.

NICK PHILLIPS is the Executive Vice President of External Affairs of Applied Digital. A seasoned operations executive with a proven track record in scaling high-tech infrastructure, Nick brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and operational expertise to the team. Before joining Applied Digital, he founded and led multiple technology companies, including a traditional data center and one of North America's largest blockchain hosting companies. His deep industry knowledge, coupled with extensive experience in government relations and legislative affairs, has been instrumental in the successful launch and operation of Applied Digital's first three data centers. Nick is now focused on building upon this momentum to drive public affairs initiatives and growth across Applied Digital.

MATTHEW NAUGLE has served as a Workforce Development Specialist at Essentia Healthcare for the past four years, where he collaborates with school districts, community colleges, universities, and local organizations to create long-term career pipelines in healthcare. His work focuses on building career pathways through educational initiatives, Education to Employment programs, hands-on learning experiences, apprenticeships, internships, and community outreach efforts. The Essentia Healthcare Workforce Development Team has received the Innovation Award from the Minnesota Hospital Association three times during Matt’s time with the organization.

Matt began his professional journey as an elementary school teacher and was honored with the Milken Family Foundation Education Award. He went on to serve for two decades as an administrator in public school systems across the Fargo-Moorhead region. Following his tenure in public education, Matt worked with the Bureau of Indian Education and Tribally Owned Schools, where he continued to pursue his passion for career development and literacy. In his role as Curriculum Implementation Manager at Achieve3000, he supported educational advancement through innovative literacy solutions.

AGENCY RESPONSE

Following the HOUSING panel discussion, stay tuned for an Agency Response from a key leader in Governor Armstrong’s cabinet who is actively driving economic development. This engaged official will share insights and reactions to the panelists’ comments, offering a well-rounded conclusion from a public-sector perspective

CHRIS SCHILKEN is a results-driven leader with a proven ability to transform communities and drive economic growth. As the Commerce Commissioner for North Dakota, he brings extensive experience in economic development, project management, community development and community engagement. He previously served as Commissioner for the South Dakota Governor’s office of Economic Development. Chris began his 15+ year career in Economic development as Executive Director of Forward Devils Lake in Devils Lake, ND.

Chris has a strong history of leading impactful initiatives surrounding value added ag, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure development, and workforce recruitment, leading to over 300 completed projects and billions in capital investments. With a talent for building strategic partnerships, mentoring teams, and fostering accountability, Chris has earned recognition for his leadership, including accolades like Prairie Business “40 under 40”, IEDC Accredited Economic Development Organization certification, "Strongest Town in America" and "South Dakota City of the Year." In his new role, Chris is dedicated to advancing North Dakota’s economic future, creating jobs, and driving sustainable growth.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Management, Business Administration and Management from Minot State University. He and his wife Erika live in Glenburn, ND with their four children.

The future of North Dakota’s economy hinges on how well its education and training systems align with the state’s evolving workforce needs. This panel will explore how higher education institutions and innovators are reimagining learning to meet today’s demands and prepare for tomorrow’s challenges. From immersive technology that transforms career exploration to university initiatives that drive both enrollment and workforce readiness, panelists will share how their organizations are creating pathways that are accessible, relevant, and responsive. Attendees will hear from leaders who are shaping the talent pipeline—ensuring students, job seekers, and employers are all equipped to thrive in a fast-changing landscape.

Moderator: Matthew Chaussee – CEO and Co-founder, CareerViewXR

• Brent Sanford – Interim Chancellor, North Dakota University System
• Dr. Steve Shirley – President, Minot State University & Dakota College at Bottineau
• Dr. Polly Peterson – President, University of Jamestown

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PANEL MODERATOR

MATTHEW CHAUSSEE is the CEO and Co-founder of North Dakota based CareerViewXR, an innovative educational technology platform that is being used across the country to help students and adult career seekers experience authentic, real-world careers through virtual reality. The CareerViewXR platform, available statewide in North Dakota, features dozens of in-demand occupations to help people of all ages answer that critically important question of 'What do I want to be when I grow up?'

BRENT SANFORD was born and raised in Watford City, North Dakota. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of North Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1994. He is a certified public accountant. He worked as an auditor and consultant for Eide Bailly LLP from 1994 through 2002, and then became the chief financial officer of Transwest Trucks in Denver, Colorado.

Brent moved back home to Watford City in 2004, purchasing and operating his third-generation, family-run car dealership. He increased sales each of the first 10 years in business with unique approaches based on the rural economic conditions. He was elected to the Watford City Council in 2006 and became mayor in 2010. Watford City became the fastest growing community in America from 2010-2020. Most of the growth occurred during the incredible early days of the Bakken oil boom from 2010-2014. With Brent’s leadership, the community focused on infrastructure investment and community development activity to address the rapid growth including:  investing in the historic Main Street area, new retail, new and affordable housing, new schools, new community center, new healthcare, new daycare and new airport investments.

Doug Burgum chose Brent as his running mate in the 2016 gubernatorial election. The ticket won the general election. They won a second term in the 2020 election. The pair entered office with a state budget crisis and the DAPL pipeline protests, weathered the storm of COVID-19 and throughout focused on infrastructure and economic opportunities for the state.

In addition to presiding over the State Senate, Brent chaired the State Investment Board, State Water Commission, ND Trade Office, Clean Sustainable Energy Authority, the Northern Plains UAS Test Site Board, the Higher Ed Challenge Grant Board and numerous other statutory state boards as lieutenant governor. Brent’s accounting and entrepreneurial background, as well as his years spent in business and local community leadership, served him well in the statewide elected leadership position.

On Dec. 20, 2022, Sanford announced his resignation as lieutenant governor, effective Jan. 2, 2023, in order to return to the private sector and spend more time with his family. Brent has continued in his passion for progress in North Dakota through his newest venture, Sanford Consulting LLC, assisting various organizations with innovative workforce and energy solutions.

In January 2025, Sanford was named the interim president of Bismarck State College and on April 30, 2025, Sanford was named the interim chancellor of the ND University System.

Brent and his wife Sandi have three children and reside in Bismarck.

DR. STEVE SHIRLEY began serving as president of Minot State University on July 1, 2014. As Minot State's president, Dr. Shirley also has oversight for MSU’s affiliate two-year campus, Dakota College at Bottineau. Between both campuses, there are nearly 4,000 students and 500 faculty and staff.

Prior to joining Minot State, Dr. Shirley served as president of Valley City State University from 2008 to 2014. Earlier in his career he was vice president and dean for student affairs at Dakota State University in Madison, S.D., and an assistant professor of business and director of study abroad at the University of Minnesota, Crookston.

Dr. Shirley is a member of the Minot Rotary Noon Club and previously served as club president of both the Valley City and Crookston Rotary Clubs. He serves on the board of directors for the Minot Area Chamber EDC and is an ex-officio board member of the Minot State Development Foundation. Shirley has been a Junior Achievement volunteer, has taught English to adult learners overseas, and has led several groups on international exchange visits. He is a strong advocate for global education and study abroad, the focus of his Ph.D. dissertation.

Dr. Shirley currently serves as vice-chair of the NCAA Board of Governors, the highest governing body in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and chairs the NCAA Division II President’s Council. He also serves on the board of directors of the NCAA’s Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (serving as chair in 2018-19). He previously served on the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Council of Presidents. He has presented at national conferences, and previously served on the Region IV-West Board for the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, chaired the NAIA Dakota Athletic Conference, and served as organizing chair for the North Star Athletic Association.

A Fargo native, Shirley earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration and his doctorate in teaching and learning, all from the University of North Dakota. Additionally, he completed the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Institute for Educational Management. Shirley is a fifth-generation North Dakotan, and he and his wife, Jennifer, are the proud parents of Anna and William. The entire family enjoys attending Minot State events, and both kids are huge fans of Buckshot Beaver!

DR. POLLY PETERSON became the University of Jamestown’s fourteenth President on March 1, 2018.

Under her leadership as President, UJ has seen growth both in the form of enrollment, program, creation and building development.

Dr. Peterson has served the University for 29 years, first as Controller in the Business Office; as a faculty member in the Department of Business, Accounting, and Economics; as Vice President for Institutional Advancement; and as Executive Vice President.

Dr. Peterson holds a Ph.D. in higher education – institutional analysis from North Dakota State University and an M.B.A. from Regis University. Her undergraduate degrees in accounting and business administration are from the University of Jamestown.

Dr. Peterson holds memberships in the North Dakota State Board of Accountancy and the American Association of Certified Public Accountants. She has participated in the American Academic Leadership Institute’s Executive Leadership Academy and has been named to the Top 25 Women in Business by Prairie Business Magazine. She was named Outstanding Woman Leader in 2018 by the Jamestown Zonta Club.

Dr. Peterson has co-led a session at the Council of Independent Colleges’ Presidents Institute, “Cultivating the Leadership Pipeline.” She is also a member of the Anne Carlsen Center Board of Directors and the Sanford Health Network Board of Directors.

Dr. Peterson and her husband, Darin, have three grown children.

With four generations actively contributing to today’s workforce, employers are navigating new challenges—and opportunities—in communication, collaboration, and leadership. This panel will explore the generational dynamics shaping North Dakota’s business environment, offering insights from individuals representing Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. Panelists will share how their lived experiences influence workplace expectations, values, and interactions.

Moderator: Heather Ostrowski – Senior Organizational Development Specialist, Gate City Bank

• Jill Berg – Baby Boomer Representative
  • Consultant, Insight Consulting, Inc. (formerly Owner/President, Spherion ND/SD/West-Central MN)
• Kent Kolstad – Generation X Identification
  • President, Livewire
• Kyle Niess – Millennial Representative
  • CEO, Odney
• Maija Davis – Generation Z Representative
  • Director of Marketing & Experience, West Acres Mall

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PANEL MODERATOR

HEATHER OSTROWSKI is a Senior Organizational Development Specialist for Gate City Bank. She brings over 25 years of experience in leadership, sales, speaking, writing and team/personal/professional development.

She is a joyful connector of people to other people or resources they may need. She serves as a public speaker on a variety of topics to diverse audiences. Her Generation Z talk has been delivered to audiences including: MState faculty, National Air Guard, FMWF Chamber Learning Lunch, HR SHRM Conferences, Fargo Moorhead Human Resource Association and City of Fargo employees.

She enjoys living in Hawley, MN with her husband, Jeremy, son, Adam and labradoodles, Eddie and Chase. Their other son, Ethan, (also a speaker for Gen Z) is a student at University of Minnesota. They are active in basketball, golf, football and finding creative ways to give back to their community.

JILL BERG is the Former Owner/President of Spherion in North Dakota, South Dakota and West-Central, MN with a network of offices across the region.  Spherion, a recruiting and staffing leader, supplies temporary, permanent placement and professional search to client companies. 

Jill delivers over 25 plus years of business entrepreneurship, staff development, sales and financial business management. 

She applies her recruiting and staffing expertise to Insight Consulting, Inc., collaborating nationally on talent development and optimization strategies. As a Predictive Index Talent Optimization Consultant, she offers Predictive Index® (PI®) assessments and Customer Focused Selling (CFS) training. Her workshops cover leadership development, team design, organizational strategy and succession planning. Jill is also a speaker at diverse events and serves as moderator for panel discussions.

She has received multiple awards recognizing operational, sales and service excellence from Spherion, including the 2015 Franchise Owner of the Year, the Special Achievement Award in 2016, Excellence in Service Award in 2017, and Spherion President’s Club in 2022. In 2023, the Greater North Dakota Chamber recognized her as one of 15 Women You Should Know in North Dakota. 

Jill holds a B.A. in General Studies with an Emphasis in Psychology and English from Ambassador University in Pasadena, California.  

KENT KOLSTAD is the President of Livewire, an event production company he founded in 1999. Originally established in Alexandria, Minnesota, Livewire is now headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota, and has a significant national presence, serving clients across the United States.

Kolstad graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, in 2010 with a teaching license and degree in Communication Arts & Literature Education. This educational background, combined with his early entrepreneurial spirit, has shaped his leadership at Livewire.

Under his direction, Livewire has become a leading provider of comprehensive event solutions. The company specializes in world-class audio, video, lighting, staging, scenery, and virtual event services. Livewire caters to a diverse clientele, managing everything from intimate corporate gatherings and large-scale conferences to dazzling galas, concerts, and theatrical events. The company successfully produces over 800 events each year.

Livewire's impressive client roster includes nationally recognized names such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, alongside numerous local and regional organizations. Kolstad attributes the company's sustained success to a strong Midwestern work ethic—emphasizing doing things right the first time—and a deep commitment to building strong, lasting relationships with clients by focusing on consistency and proactive service.

As a co-partner of Odney and CEO, KYLE NIESS plans and manages communications strategies for a wide range of clients. With broad marketing experience both inside and outside the agency, his expertise shines in his down-to-business approach to developing a strong plan and following it.

Kyle makes it his business to know where business is headed. He has been a driving force behind Odney’s push to use the best data available and promising new trends in digital media to develop strategic plans that influence audience behaviors.

MAIJA DAVIS was born and raised in Fargo, ND, where she currently lives with her husband and sweet pup, Rosie. During her 8-5, she serves as the Director of Marketing & Experience at West Acres Mall where she leads marketing and event strategies. When she is not at work, you can find her on all the socials, as she is a self-proclaimed “micro-influencer!” She loves all things fashion, beauty, interior design, cooking, etc., and enjoys uplifting her personal brand by sharing content online. 

A casual conversation between organizational leaders about the future of energy, infrastructure, and innovation in North Dakota, featuring ONEOK, a company with a long-standing commitment to building resilient systems and engaging in sustainable growth. With a legacy spanning natural gas and energy services across the country, ONEOK plays a critical role in the state’s economic and environmental landscape.

Moderated by GNDC President and CEO Arik Spencer, he and Michael Teague, Vice President of Government Relations at ONEOK, will explore key issues shaping North Dakota’s trajectory—from regulatory frameworks and energy policy to long-term sustainability and community partnerships. Attendees will hear firsthand from a leader whose experience spans public service, engineering, and strategic collaboration at the highest levels.

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MICHAEL TEAGUE is vice president, government relations, of ONEOK, responsible for engaging federal, tribal, state and local officials in support of current and future ONEOK endeavors.

Prior to joining ONEOK, Teague served as Oklahoma’s first secretary of both energy and environment where he oversaw 35 state agencies, boards and commissions. His model for bringing stakeholders together to solve contentious issues collaboratively was at the center of resolving complex issues, including induced seismicity, air quality and drought resiliency.

From 2010 to 2013, Teague was commander and district engineer of the Tulsa District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. A 28-year U.S. Army career veteran, he serves on the boards of The Sustainability Alliance, the Norwich University Partridge Society and the Oklahoma State Chamber. He is a trustee of the Oklahoma Chapter of The Nature Conservancy.

A native of Maine, Teague earned a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering in 1985 from Norwich University, a Master of Science in operations analysis in 1994 from Naval Postgraduate School and a Master of Arts in national security and strategic studies in 2008 from the Naval War College.

Technology is transforming the way communities across North Dakota connect, grow, and compete. This panel will explore how innovation is driving solutions to local challenges—strengthening economic development, improving access to services, and building future-ready infrastructure. From smart city initiatives to workforce-aligned tech investments, panelists will share insights on how public and private sectors are leveraging technology to enhance quality of life and create lasting impact. Attendees will hear from changemakers advancing community through digital transformation and collaborative innovation.

Moderator: Dan Inman – Senior Vice President & Chief Information and Technology Officer (CITO), Minnkota Power Cooperative

Panelists:

• Cassidy Hjelmstad – Chief Executive Officer/General Manager, SRT Communications
• Kent Hartwig – Director of State Government Affairs, Gevo, Inc.
• Matt Steele – Director of Operations, Packet Digital

Agency Response: Corey Mock – Chief Information Officer, North Dakota Information Technology

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PANEL MODERATOR

DAN INMAN is the Senior Vice President and Chief Information and Technology Officer (CITO) at Minnkota Power Cooperative, where he leads the Power Delivery and Security & Reliability divisions. He is responsible for strategic oversight across Engineering, Electrical and System Operations, Project Management, Information and Operational Technology (IT/OT), and enterprise-wide security—including physical, cyber, and information security. His leadership supports Minnkota’s mission to deliver safe, secure, and reliable power to critical infrastructure across the region.

Dan began his career with six years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps and continued in the North Dakota Air National Guard while earning his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, with minors in Mathematics and Computer Science. He also holds an MBA with a specialization in Project Management.

Since joining Minnkota in 2007 as a Telecommunications Engineer, Dan has held several key roles, including Compliance Manager, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), and Vice President. In 2023, he was recognized as a Top Global CISO for his significant contributions to cybersecurity in the energy sector.

In addition to his role at Minnkota, Dan serves on the Executive Board of the University of North Dakota’s College of Engineering and Mines, is an Honorary Commander for the 319th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Grand Forks AFB, a member of the Grand Forks Downtown Rotary Club, and participates in the FBI InfraGard program to support the protection of national critical infrastructure.

CASSIDY HJELMSTAD has been Chief Executive Officer/General Manager of SRT, North Dakota’s largest telecommunications cooperative, since 2022. She champions economic development, digital inclusion, advocacy for broadband, and financial stability for the cooperative and its members.

As CEO/General Manager, Cassidy has led SRT through such notable milestones as completing its fiber broadband network, selling its wireless tower assets, and achieving 25,000 Internet customers. In recognition of her leadership in the industry and contributions to the region, Cassidy was named among the 2023 Top 25 Women in Business in Prairie Business magazine, and one of The Greater North Dakota Chamber’s (GNDC’s) 2024 Women You Need to Know in North Dakota business.

Prior to joining SRT in 2010, Cassidy was Director of Community Relations for the Phoenix Suns. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Cassidy is a Member of the NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association Smart Rural Community Advisory Committee; 2024 Board Chair of the Minot Area Chamber Economic Development Corporation; Board Vice Chair of Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports; an Honorary Commander with the Minot Air Force Base 91st Missile Wing; Chair of the Broadband Association of North Dakota (BAND) Marketing Committee; and Board Member of DCN and NISC.

Originally from Newburg, North Dakota, Cassidy and her husband, Travis, live in Minot with their three children: TJ, Thomas, and Claire.

KENT HARTWIG is the Director of State Government Affairs of Gevo, Inc. where he enacts renewable fuel and chemical policies at the state and local level.

Prior to Gevo, Kent engaged legislators on behalf of the Iowa and Minnesota Senates. As a lobbyist, he has worked for the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs, Advocacy Strategies, an Iowa-based multi-client lobbying firm, and Renewable Energy Group, a leading producer of biodiesel and renewable diesel.

Kent is a government affairs leader who specializes in building strategic governmental partnerships and has over 25 years of experience working with state and local governments.

Kent lives in Des Moines, IA and has a BA in Political Science from Iowa State University and an MA in Communication, Public Policy from Drake University. Kent is also involved in the management of the family’s century farm in Olin, IA.

MATT STEELE, Director of Operations at Packet Digital, leads the company's projects, engineering teams, and manufacturing operations with 17 years of engineering and project management experience in the development and mass production of advanced electronics. He has a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from North Dakota State University. Matt has led the development of Packet Digital's commercial and defense programs to design and deliver high-performance battery and power solutions for autonomous systems used around the world, as well as Packet Digital's high-efficiency small sat power module in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory and Space Force.

COREY MOCK has served as North Dakota’s ninth Chief Information Officer since 2024, joining the executive branch after 16 years in the North Dakota House of Representatives. A lifelong North Dakotan and proud UND graduate, Corey brings an insatiable curiosity and a strategic, solution-focused mindset to public service.

He believes all other state agencies are civic superheroes—and NDIT is their trusted sidekick. Together, they partner to deliver secure, efficient, and forward-thinking solutions that strengthen agency missions and improve services for all North Dakotans.

A mold-defying CIO, Corey challenges assumptions and isn’t shy about asking the tough (and often uncomfortable) questions that drive progress. He pushes the limits of what’s possible through technology, partnerships, and public policy—and takes pride in being the most unforgettable average guy you’ll ever meet. His personal motto? The older I get, the less I know.

Corey is empowered by an incredible team with a long history of service, support, and quiet excellence. He brings personal and professional connections from all 70,000 square miles of the Peace Garden State and has a deep love for its stories, people, and potential.

He’s also a proud dad to three wonderfully unique kids (all aspiring nerds), human to two golden retrievers, a state and local history enthusiast, and a retired stock car racer who still believes life is best lived a little sideways.