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.

Blog Post: Policy Summit Preview: State Leadership Perspectives

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
• Justin Pickar, Geronimo Power
• Brady Janzen, Riverview, LLP
• Howdy Lawlar, McKenzie County Commissioner 
• Business Response: Jonas van Stappen, NextEra Energy Resources

Blog Post: Policy Summit Preview: Local Ordinances. Statewide Impact.

Blog Post: Policy Summit Preview: The Business Community Gets the Last Word

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.  

As Vice President of Strategic Origination, JUSTIN PICKAR leads strategic origination efforts across Geronimo Power’s development portfolio, including identifying and advancing new Powered Data Park opportunities. In this role, he focuses on originating the next generation of energy infrastructure by pairing utility-scale power projects with data-driven development opportunities, while building and maintaining strategic relationships with utilities, customers, and stakeholders nationwide.

Justin brings nearly two decades of renewable energy experience and has been with Geronimo Power since 2008. Over the course of his tenure, he has held leadership positions spanning development, project origination, and strategic origination, helping grow the company’s development pipeline across wind, solar, energy storage, and emerging infrastructure technologies. Prior to his current role, he served as Senior Director of Origination, Senior Director of Project Origination, Director of Project Origination, Director of Development, Development Manager, and Development Associate.

Before joining Geronimo Power, Justin worked in business development, recruiting, and consulting roles and founded EHFAR, LLC, a consulting firm focused on business development, marketing, and public relations. His renewable energy career began in his hometown of Wimbledon, North Dakota, where he worked with local landowners and farmers to advance what would become the Courtenay Wind Farm, a 200-megawatt project that now helps power more than 100,000 homes annually.

Justin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications. A proud North Dakota native with deep agricultural roots, he enjoys working out, skiing, and spending time with family and friends.

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

JONAS VAN STAPPEN is executive director of development at NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, the largest energy infrastructure developer in the United States. In this role, he oversees development of the company’s utility-scale generation, storage, data center and capacity projects in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
 
He joined NextEra Energy Resources in 2023 and has held several positions of increasing responsibility within the development organization. Jonas’ team delivers energy infrastructure solutions that create lasting economic impact for North Dakota communities and meet growing power demand. He is experienced in advancing energy generation, energy storage and data center projects that expand the local tax base, support workforce development, strengthen the energy grid and positions communities for long-term economic growth.
 
Prior to his role at NextEra Energy Resources, he was a consultant in McKinsey & Company’s renewable energy practice, working with utilities and other independent power producers optimize their development processes.
 
Jonas holds master’s degrees in Renewable Energy Engineering from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm and Ecole Polytechnique in Paris.

BALLOT BRIEF: Measure 1: 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

Blog Post: Policy Summit Preview: Voting Education

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.

DISCUSSION: Legacy Fund: Stewardship, Strategy, Opportunities

The Legacy Fund was created to benefit future generations of North Dakotans. Today, it's no longer just a concept—it's a significant financial asset with growing influence. These presentations and discussion will explore where the fund stands today, how it's managed, why it matters to North Dakota's economy, and what business leaders should watch as it continues to mature.

• North Dakota State Treasurer Thomas Beadle
• Jodi Smith, ND Retirement and Investment Office
• Kodee Furst, 50 South Capital

Blog Post: Policy Summit Preview: Legacy Fund

THOMAS BEADLE was elected North Dakota's 34th State Treasurer in 2020. He is committed to transparency, accountability, and efficiency while safeguarding taxpayer dollars and promoting fiscal responsibility.

Before serving as State Treasurer, Thomas worked in commercial real estate investment and brokerage. He also represented District 27 in the North Dakota House of Representatives from 2010 to 2020, where he served on the Appropriations Committee and championed policies focused on economic growth, workforce development, and emerging technologies.

As State Treasurer, Thomas serves on six boards established by statute or the North Dakota Constitution, including the State Investment Board, which oversees the Legacy Fund and other major state investment programs, the Teachers' Fund for Retirement Board, the Board of University and School Lands, the State Board of Tax Equalization, the State Historical Board, and the State Canvassing Board.

Committed to public service, Thomas serves on the board of the North Dakota Autism Center and has been active in North Dakota's speech and debate community as both a coach and judge. He and his wife, Shana, live in Bismarck.

JODI SMITH is executive director of the North Dakota Retirement and Investment Office (RIO), where she oversees agency operations, including coordination of State Investment Board (SIB) activities and the administration of the Teachers’ Fund for Retirement (TFFR).

RIO provides investment management services to the SIB, which oversees approximately $30 billion in assets on behalf of the state’s Legacy Fund, Public Employees Retirement System, Teachers’ Fund for Retirement, Workforce Safety & Insurance Fund, and two dozen smaller government funds. TFFR serves more than 26,000 participants, including more than 12,000 active members employed by public schools and state institutions.

A Montana native, Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Pepperdine University, a Master of Arts in Nutrition from the Nutritional Therapy Institute, and a Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management from Regis University.

Prior to her appointment as RIO’s executive director, Smith was the director of lands and compliance for the Metro Flood Diversion Authority and was commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Trust Lands, where she served as a member of the SIB.

KODEE FURST is a Director at 50 South Capital, a wholly owned subsidiary of Northern Trust Corporation and the General Partner of the North Dakota Growth Fund. She focuses on sourcing, underwriting, and monitoring investments across venture capital, buyout funds, and direct co-investments. Previously, Kodee worked at the Nice Center at North Dakota State University, supporting entrepreneurship and innovation. Prior to joining NDSU, she co-founded Annie Capital where she led efforts to invest in and support female founders.

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
• Business Response: Kayla Kallander, First International Bank & Trust

Blog Post: Policy Summit Preview: Housing

Blog Post: Policy Summit Preview: The Business Community Gets the Last Word

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.

BUSINESS RESPONSE 

KAYLA KALLANDER is a mortgage loan officer with First International Bank & Trust in Fargo, North Dakota, known nationally for her commitment to educating and empowering homebuyers.

She has built her career around a simple philosophy: never prescribe before you diagnose. Whether she’s helping a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, Kayla believes every client has a unique story, and the best solutions begin with genuine curiosity, not assumptions.

Recently recognized as North Dakota’s #1 producing mortgage lender, Kayla is also the co-host of the It’s Real Podcast, one of LinkedIn’s Top 100 mortgage influencers, and a bestselling co-author.

Beyond the mortgage industry, she serves on the Board of Directors for Homeward Animal Shelter. She and her husband are devoted animal lovers and share their home with four rescue dogs.

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.

Blog Post: Policy Summit Preview: State Leadership Perspectives

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: Measure 2: 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

Blog Post: Policy Summit Preview: Voting Education

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: This Time, Some of It Is Actually Different: Energy Supply & Demand in a Period of Change

The dynamic energy industry is not only an important economic sector but also a foundational part of everyday modern life. In this session, we will discuss current themes in energy from global geopolitics to development at a local level. Taking just the power industry as an example, infrastructure from generation plants to transmission lines to large loads face global supply chain challenges – and sometimes strong opposition, yet such projects are also identified as major elements in the future economy. We will consider how public- and private-sector actions are shaping these trends and what lessons are emerging in leading energy markets across the United States.

• Presenter: Martin Lin, Senior Manager, Deloitte
• Legislative Response: Rep. Todd Porter

MARTIN LIN is a Senior Manager in Energy & Infrastructure at Deloitte where he works with clients to analyze energy markets and understand their dynamics, particularly from a fundamentals-based perspective.  These analyses include infrastructure and project development; market projections; impacts of potential regulatory, policy, and market design changes; system and market outcomes under uncertainty; project finance, and planning and strategy.

Mr. Lin has over 25 years of experience in energy market analysis and advisory where the horizon of interest has been as short-term as real-time and cash markets to as long-term as 15 years and longer.  While primarily focused on the North American power sector, his experience includes the wider energy complex, including the increasing interactions among power, natural gas, oil, and related areas such as transmission congestion, renewable energy credits, and emissions.

Mr. Lin also teaches courses in energy markets, electricity economics, and risk management at the Jones Graduate School of Business and the Economics Department at Rice University as well as the Transmission Business School.

LEGISLATIVE RESPONSE

REPRESENTATIVE TODD PORTER has represented District 34 in the North Dakota House of Representatives, where he is recognized for his thoughtful leadership, practical approach to policymaking, and commitment to fiscal responsibility, public safety, and economic growth.
Outside the Legislature, Todd has built a 48-year career in emergency medical services as both a paramedic and small business owner. His firsthand experience serving North Dakota communities provides valuable perspective on the challenges facing families, employers, healthcare providers, and local governments.

Throughout his legislative service, Todd has earned the respect of colleagues through his integrity, professionalism, and collaborative approach. He has been a strong advocate for responsible government, sound infrastructure, quality healthcare, and policies that promote economic opportunity while protecting taxpayers and supporting small businesses.

Todd is known for his commitment to North Dakota's values of hard work, service, and community. Whether working with constituents, collaborating with fellow legislators, or supporting local organizations, he remains dedicated to improving the quality of life for North Dakotans through thoughtful, accountable leadership.

KEYNOTE: Taxes, Datacenters and Competition: Where North Dakota Stands in America

A data-driven look at North Dakota's standing with regards to tax competitiveness, with a focus on property tax relief after the 2024 ballot fight and 2025 legislative response, the asymmetry between the state's 2023 income tax cut and its untouched corporate rate, and how North Dakota's sales tax and data center exemption compare to peer states. 

• Presenter: Joe Bishop-Henchman, National Taxpayers Union Foundation
• Legislative Response: Rep. Craig Headland

JOE BISHOP-HENCHMAN is Executive Vice President at National Taxpayers Union Foundation, leading our work to protect taxpayer rights through research, litigation, and outreach. He has worked with elected officials and stakeholders to achieve major state‐​level tax changes, advised on the interplay between federal and state policy changes, and authored over 100 studies on tax policy and tax law. Bishop‐​Henchman is a class plaintiff in a major lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service seeking refund of $300 million of illegally collected fees, was lead counsel in NTUF’s Halstead Bead litigation that successfully prompted reform of Louisiana’s complex local sales tax practices, and his brief in South Dakota v. Wayfair was cited twice by the U.S. Supreme Court majority opinion.

Bishop-Henchman joined NTUF from the McDermott Will & Emery law firm, where he counseled clients on tax policy and compliance, and prior to that, 14 years at the Tax Foundation, where he co-authored 8 books on tax policy. He has testified to Congress seven times, in 36 state houses around the country, and on anti-corruption tax reform efforts in-person in Kyiv, Ukraine in 2023. He was educated at the University of California, Berkeley and received his J.D. from the George Washington University Law School and a certificate in International Legal Studies from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge and the University of Salzburg. He is admitted to practice law in New York, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Tax Court, and the 4th, 5th, 6th, 9th, and D.C. Circuits.

He serves on the State Advisory Board for Bloomberg Tax, the Board of Directors of the Rainey Center, and is an Adjunct Scholar at the Cato Institute. He lives in Washington, DC with his husband Ethan and their dog, Ulysses.

CRAIG HEADLAND has represented District 29 in the North Dakota House of Representatives since 2003. He serves as chair of the House Finance and Taxation Committee and is a member of the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee. A third-generation North Dakota farmer, Headland lives near Montpelier with his wife, Dawn.

KEYNOTE: The Era of De-Regulation

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.

Blog Post: Policy Summit Preview: Era of De-Regulation

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.