Policy Summit Agenda & Session Details

Kickoff WELCOME

Join us as Governor Kelly Armstrong kicks off Policy Summit with remarks highlighting why North Dakota is open for business. He will discuss the importance of economic development for our communities, and how businesses are key to these concepts and North Dakota’s future.

KELLY ARMSTRONG took office as the 34th governor of North Dakota on Dec. 15, 2024 and brings a background in business, a love for the outdoors and a passion for volunteering and public service to the Governor's Office.

Kelly is a lifelong, devoted North Dakotan and a tireless advocate for making North Dakota a better place to live, work, and raise a family. 

Kelly was elected to the U.S. House of Representative in 2018, representing North Dakota's at-large congressional district. During his tenure, Armstrong was an advocate for energy independence, agricultural interests and conservative fiscal policies, reflecting the priorities of his largely rural and resource-rich home state.

A staunch supporter of North Dakota's oil and gas industries, Armstrong worked to advance legislation aimed at reducing regulatory burdens and promoting domestic energy production. He has also championed policies to support farmers and ranchers, advocating for fair trade agreements and federal assistance during economic challenges.

In Congress, Armstrong was an active member of the House Judiciary Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Committee. 

Prior to his congressional career, Kelly served in the North Dakota Senate from 2012 to 2019 representing District 36. He spearheaded legislation to reform DUI laws and pass a $2 billion statewide investment into our infrastructure. Kelly was elected Chairman of the North Dakota Republican Party in 2015 and led the party to landslide victories for President Donald Trump, Gov. Doug Burgum, and ND Legislative Majorities. His legal background as an attorney has influenced his legislative priorities and contributions to legal and regulatory debates.

Kelly grew up in Dickinson, he earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota and received his law degree in 2003 from UND as well. 

Kelly married his wife Kjersti in 2004 and they have two children, Anna and Eli. 

EMCEE

If you Google "lanky, awkward dad with tattoos" you might get a picture of KURTIS KARN. His musical talents did not pan out, so he decided to pursue a career in things he enjoyed, humans.

Kurtis has been working in Human Resources and company culture for over 15 years and is currently the AVP of Talent Acquisition for KLJ Engineering. He graduated from the University of Jamestown with a Business/Communication Major and Minor in Information Technology; he got his master's degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Mary and he is certified SHRM-CP and PHR.  

He has years of hosting and emcee gigs including Disrupt HR, Chamber Choice Awards and the ND SHRM Conference. He is excited to get to do more of that with his friend and co-founder Eric Piela in their new project, Neon Unicorns!  When he is not running, golfing, singing in the car with his kids or planning his next tattoo, he likes to try and make his family laugh. He consistently tells his wife and kids that he is the funniest one in the family.  They've agreed to disagree.

EMCEE

ERIC PIELA is 10% Ryan Seacrest and 90% Phil Dunphy from Modern Family. He married way out of his league and enjoys playing carpool karaoke with his two boys.

He’s been referred to as a “hummingbird on crack” on stage and has 20 years' experience in marketing, organizational development and emceeing – moonlighting with fellow co-founder, Kurtis Karn, to form the uniquely vibrant public speaking duo, Neon Unicorns.

Earning his letterman’s jacket in speech club (I guess that’s a real thing?) at Mandan High School and a bachelor's and master's degrees in Communication at Minnesota State University Moorhead and North Dakota State University, respectively, Piela is currently the Senior Director of Marketing and Brand at United Way of Cass-Clay - helping to inspire and activate our community to improve lives and foster a united community where everyone has opportunities to thrive. He’s a Crucial Conversations certified trainer, a mediocre golfer, an exceptional pontoon captain and can often be heard crying out “It’s for the kids!” just before embarrassing himself at his favorite non-profit fundraisers.

PANEL: Local Ordinances in a Statewide Economy: Finding the Balance

As North Dakota grows, local decisions carry statewide impact.

This discussion looks at how local ordinances shape development, infrastructure, and the future of our communities. Where is the right balance between local control and policies that support broader economic growth?

We’ll also address a growing challenge: keeping public dialogue grounded in facts. In a fast-moving information environment, misinformation can influence outcomes. That raises a simple question—what responsibility do leaders, developers, and citizens share in getting it right?

As property tax policy shifts and revenue pressures increase, local decisions matter more than ever. Panelists will explore how those decisions—along with public input and organized opposition—affect whether projects move forward and what that means for the long-term strength of both local communities and the statewide economy.

• Moderator: Sen. Dale Patten
• Jay Hesse, Geronimo Power
• Brady Janzen, Riverview, LLP
• Howdy Lawlar, McKenzie County Commissioner 
• Business Response: NextEra Energy Resources

MODERATOR

DALE PATTEN represents District 26 in the North Dakota Senate, where he serves as Chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Before joining the Legislature, he spent 33 years in community banking and served 12 years on the McKenzie County Commission. A lifelong resident of western North Dakota, Dale is passionate about supporting responsible economic development that strengthens local communities and creates opportunities for future generations. He and his wife, Joy, are grateful to live close to their children and grandchildren, an experience that continues to shape his commitment to North Dakota’s future.  

JAY HESSE is Senior Director of Project Development at Geronimo Power, where he leads development teams and oversees project management, community relations, and real estate development for Powered Data Parks and utility-scale solar, wind, and energy storage projects.
With more than 15 years at Geronimo Power, Jay has played a key role in advancing large-scale power and infrastructure projects across the ERCOT, SPP, and MISO markets, including projects in North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Minnesota.
Jay lives in Kindred, North Dakota, and enjoys spending time with family and friends at the lake and cheering on his children in their activities.

BRADY JANZEN is a partner at Riverview, LLP, in Morris, Minnesota, and has been with the company since 2008. Riverview is a family- and employee-owned agricultural business focused primarily on dairy farming and is currently developing its first milk processing plant.
Brady directs legal services and manages external affairs for Riverview. He has also led environmental permitting and development efforts for new dairy operations. Brady earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota Morris and a Juris Doctor from the University of St. Thomas School of Law.

HOWDY LAWLAR is a fifth-generation rancher and farmer with Lawlar Angus, where he continues his family's legacy of producing quality cattle and advancing North Dakota agriculture. He earned a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Education from North Dakota State University and began his career teaching in Berthold, North Dakota, before returning home to farm and ranch full time.

Howdy has served for eight years as a McKenzie County commissioner, helping shape policies that support responsible growth, infrastructure, and rural communities. He currently serves on the McKenzie County Planning and Zoning Committee and the McKenzie County Ag Expo Committee, contributing to the region's continued growth and agricultural success.

In addition to his local leadership, Howdy served for eight years on the North Dakota Stockmen's Association Board of Directors, where he advocated for the state's livestock producers and the long-term strength of North Dakota's beef industry.

Through his work in agriculture, local government, and industry leadership, Howdy remains committed to preserving the traditions of family agriculture while supporting the future of ranching and rural communities across North Dakota.

Howdy and his wife, Jodee, live on the family farm with their two sons, McCoy and Colt. Their daughter, Jayde, her husband, Ryan, and their daughter, Sylvie, live in Bismarck.

BUSINESS RESPONSE

NextEra Energy Resources

BALLOT BRIEFS: 60% Threshold

North Dakota voters will decide several important ballot measures this election, and understanding what's at stake is essential. During these fast-paced 7-minute presentations, representatives from both the supporting and opposing campaigns will present their case on each ballot measure. Rather than a debate, each side will have dedicated time to explain its position, outline the potential impacts, and make its case directly to attendees.

Ballot Briefs are designed to educate attendees on the measures appearing on the general election ballot by providing an opportunity to hear directly from both perspectives. The goal is to foster informed civic participation by presenting the viewpoints that will shape the conversation leading up to Election Day.

MEASURE 1: This constitutional amendment would increase the number of votes needed to approve a change to North Dakota's Constitution. Under current law, constitutional amendments pass with a simple majority (more than 50% of the vote). If approved, this measure would require at least 60% voter approval for future constitutional amendments to take effect.

• IN FAVOR: Speaker of the House, Rep. Robin Weisz
• OPPOSE: Kathy Tweeten, League of Women Voters of North Dakota

IN FAVOR

ROBIN WEISZ is a farmer and businessman who has served in the North Dakota House of Representatives since 1997. In 2025, he was elected Speaker of the House.

Robin is also chair of Lynn Township and has been recognized for his commitment to public service with multiple Legislator of the Year awards from the North Dakota Emergency Medical Services Association (NDEMSA), the North Dakota Township Officers Association (NDTOA), and the North Dakota Hospital Association (formerly MHA). He is a Henry Toll Fellow, a BILLD Fellow, and a recipient of the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute (UGPTI) Lifetime Achievement Award.

OPPOSE

KATHY TWEETEN is retired from North Dakota State University Extension, where she served as director of the Center for Community Vitality and as a Community, Economic Development and Leadership state specialist. She earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of North Dakota.

Kathy has served on numerous state, national, and international boards and committees, including as the first female president of Business Retention and Expansion International. She currently serves as president of the League of Women Voters of North Dakota, continues to teach Emotional Intelligence (EQ) as a certified instructor, and is a Specialist Emerita in the NDSU Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics.

Kathy and her husband, Howard, have three granddaughters.

PANEL: Housing and Workforce: Building for Growth

Housing has become one of the most pressing workforce challenges facing North Dakota. Employers' ability to attract and retain talent increasingly depends on the availability of affordable, attainable housing.

This panel will explore the connection between housing and workforce development, the challenges facing communities and employers, and policy and market-driven solutions that can help meet workforce housing needs and support economic growth.

• Moderator: Nick Hacker, The Title Team
• Nathan Berseth, Richland County Commission
• Chris Schilken, North Dakota Department of Commerce
• Benjamin Horowitz, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

MODERATOR

NICK HACKER serves as chief executive officer of The Title Team, formerly North Dakota Guaranty & Title, which was founded in Bismarck in 1955. Under his leadership, the company has expanded from six offices to more than 60 locations across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana through strategic growth, acquisitions, and leadership development.

Before joining The Title Team, Nick spent three years in Washington, D.C., with the American Land Title Association's Government Affairs Team and previously worked as a commercial real estate broker and developer with a private equity firm in Fargo.

At age 22, Nick was elected to the North Dakota State Senate, serving from 2004 to 2008, where he vice chaired the Political Subdivisions Committee and the Industry, Business and Labor Committee. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Managerial Finance and Real Estate from the University of North Dakota.

Nick remains active in public service through leadership roles with Workforce Safety & Insurance, the American Land Title Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Free Enterprise Network, the Roughrider Region 48 Board of Directors, and the Delta Tau Delta Educational Foundation. He previously served as chair of both the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education and the Greater North Dakota Chamber.

NATHAN BERSETH serves on the Richland County Commission, the Richland #44 School Board, and as president of the North Dakota State School Boards Association. He is a longtime community leader with experience in business, agriculture, and public service.

Nathan grew up in Colfax, North Dakota, and graduated from Richland #44 before attending North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton and Minnesota State University Moorhead. He began his career at Community First Bank and later served on the staff of U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan in Bismarck. After returning to Colfax, Nathan started several businesses and began farming. In 2020, he sold Aurora Plumbing, Heating and Air to his employees and continues to operate his land development business and family farm. In 2025, he joined Bank Forward as a Business Development Officer.

Nathan and his wife live on their family farm north of Colfax, where his family first homesteaded in 1874. They have one daughter, Bianca. He has officiated high school and collegiate basketball for more than 27 years and remains actively involved in supporting his community.

CHRIS SCHILKEN serves as North Dakota Commerce Commissioner, where he leads the state's efforts to advance economic growth, strengthen communities, and create new opportunities for businesses and residents. He brings more than 15 years of experience in economic development, project management, community development, and stakeholder engagement.

Before joining North Dakota Commerce, Chris served as commissioner of the South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development. He began his economic development career as executive director of Forward Devils Lake in Devils Lake, North Dakota.

Throughout his career, Chris has led initiatives focused on value-added agriculture, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure development, and workforce recruitment, resulting in more than 300 completed projects and billions of dollars in capital investment. He is recognized for building strategic partnerships, developing high-performing teams, and delivering measurable results. His leadership has been recognized with honors including Prairie Business 40 Under 40, the International Economic Development Council's Accredited Economic Development Organization certification, Strongest Town in America, and South Dakota City of the Year.

Chris earned a Bachelor of Science in Management from Minot State University. He and his wife, Erika, live in Glenburn, North Dakota, with their four children.

BEN HOROWITZ is a senior policy analyst in the Community Development and Engagement Division at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. He researches and writes about housing affordability, early childhood development, and the ways labor market and price changes affect low- and moderate-income communities.

Ben earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Arizona State University and a Master of Public Administration from Princeton University. Before joining the Federal Reserve, he worked for a labor union and in the nonprofit sector.

AWARDS & GAVEL PASS

This segment recognizes outstanding leadership and service within North Dakota’s business community. GNDC will present key awards, formally pass the gavel from the outgoing Board Chair to the incoming Chair, and honor board members who have completed their terms. This moment of recognition celebrates the individuals who have helped guide and strengthen GNDC’s mission across the state.

• ND Legislator's Choice Business of the Year
• ​Legislative Vision Award
• Gavel Pass
  • acknowledgement of outgoing directors
  • announcement of incoming board directors

LEADERSHIP REMARKS

Chief Justice Lisa Fair McEvers will share insights on leadership and the vital role North Dakota's court system plays in fostering a stable, predictable legal environment that supports businesses, strengthens communities, and encourages economic growth.

CHIEF JUSTICE LISA K. FAIR MCEVERS has served on the North Dakota Supreme Court since 2014. She was elected to complete an unexpired term in 2016, re-elected to a ten-year term in 2018, and was elected Chief Justice by the district court judges and Supreme Court justices in December 2025, becoming the first woman to serve as North Dakota's Chief Justice.

Before joining the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Fair McEvers served as a North Dakota District Judge and North Dakota Commissioner of Labor. She also practiced law in both the private and public sectors, including serving as a county prosecutor and as a law clerk for the North Dakota Supreme Court.

Chief Justice Fair McEvers earned her bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota and her Juris Doctor, with distinction, from the University of North Dakota School of Law. Throughout her career, she has chaired and served on numerous judicial boards and committees, with a focus on juvenile justice reform, alternatives to incarceration, and domestic violence. She currently serves on the North Dakota Children's Cabinet and as vice chair of the Conference of Chief Justices Committee on Children, Families, and Vulnerable Adults.

A lifelong North Dakotan, Chief Justice Fair McEvers and her husband, James, have four sons and nine grandchildren.

BALLOT BRIEF: School Lunches

North Dakota voters will decide several important ballot measures this election, and understanding what's at stake is essential. During these fast-paced 7-minute presentations, representatives from both the supporting and opposing campaigns will present their case on each ballot measure. Rather than a debate, each side will have dedicated time to explain its position, outline the potential impacts, and make its case directly to attendees.

Ballot Briefs are designed to educate attendees on the measures appearing on the general election ballot by providing an opportunity to hear directly from both perspectives. The goal is to foster informed civic participation by presenting the viewpoints that will shape the conversation leading up to Election Day.

MEASURE 2: This constitutional amendment would require all public school districts, public schools, and public charter schools to provide one free breakfast and one free lunch to every enrolled student each school day. Schools that participate would be reimbursed by the state after maximizing available federal funding, with reimbursement rates adjusted annually for inflation. If other funding is unavailable, the measure requires the state to use the Legacy Earnings Fund to cover the cost.

• IN FAVOR: Robin Nelson, Together for School Meals
• OPPOSE: Sen. Paul Thomas

IN FAVOR

ROBIN NELSON is a lifelong advocate for children, education, and family well-being. She serves as chair of Together for School Meals, the statewide coalition leading North Dakota's ballot initiative to ensure every student has access to free school meals.

Robin has dedicated her career to advancing policies that support student success. She co-founded the Fargo Police Foundation, serves on the North Dakota Afterschool Network Advisory Committee, and is a board member of the North Dakota Southeast Education Cooperative.

Professionally, Robin has served as chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Red River Valley for nearly 20 years, overseeing programs that serve approximately 1,350 young people annually. She has also been elected six times to the Fargo Board of Education since 2003 and currently chairs its Governmental Affairs Committee.

At the local, state, and federal levels, Robin has worked with policymakers to advance legislation and public policy related to education, childcare, afterschool programs, and youth development.

Robin lives in Fargo with her husband, Russell Peterson, and enjoys spending time with their three children and two grandchildren.

Recent honors include Advocate of the Year from Families United for Self-Empowerment (2026), North Dakota School Boards Association Veteran Board Member with Distinction, induction into both the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Hall of Fame and Midwest Region Hall of Fame, the Champion for Youth Advocacy Award (2021), the Midwest Region Horizon Award (2022), and the Fargo Kiwanis Community Champion for Youth Award (2021).

OPPOSE

PAUL THOMAS grew up on his family's farm near Karlsruhe, North Dakota, and earned a degree in Agricultural Economics from North Dakota State University. His career included work with agricultural commodity organizations in Jamestown, Rochester, and Bismarck before co-founding Progressive Consulting, Inc., which represented agricultural commodity groups before state and federal policymakers.

In 2004, Paul, his wife Karen, and their two sons returned to the family farm near Velva, where they continue to farm today. Since returning, Paul has served in numerous leadership roles within agricultural organizations, his church, and local government, including the Velva City Commission.

Paul was elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives in 2020, where he chaired the House Agriculture Committee and later the interim Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. In 2024, he was elected to the North Dakota Senate. Paul currently serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee, the Education and Environment Appropriations Committee, the Water Topics Committee, and as vice chair of the Senate Education Committee.

KEYNOTE: The Era of Deregulation

Under President Trump’s leadership, we are truly seeing a once in a lifetime opportunity to cut burdensome federal regulation. Hear from Trent Staggs, appointed by President Trump as a Regional Advocate with the US Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy over our six-state region. He is part of an elite “strike force” that identifies and eliminates burdensome regulation across all federal agencies. Trent will discuss how small business can help make changes to federal regulations today, share current economic data and resources that are available for businesses in the area along with the pro-growth agenda of the Trump Administration that positively impact North Dakota businesses.

TRENT STAGGS serves as Regional Advocate for the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy, representing Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. In this role, he works with small businesses, policymakers, and stakeholders to ensure the voice of small business is represented in the federal regulatory process.

Trent brings extensive experience in both public service and the private sector. He served four years on the Riverton, Utah, City Council and eight years as mayor of Riverton, where he took a business-minded approach to local government that reduced property taxes and fees while delivering significant savings for residents. In 2024, he was a candidate for the U.S. Senate.

In addition to his public service, Trent has held executive leadership roles with organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small and mid-sized businesses in the finance, technology, and energy sectors. He also served on the board of an energy company that he helped take public with a NASDAQ listing in 2022.

Trent earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Utah and a Master of Business Administration from Brigham Young University's Marriott School of Business. He and his wife, Alisha, have two children.