Policy Summit Session Details

Join us for a conversation featuring Nicole Kivisto, President and CEO of MDU Resources Group, and Arik Spencer, President and CEO of the Greater North Dakota Chamber. As both organizations celebrate their 100th anniversaries, this session will explore their rich histories and future visions. MDU Resources Group, North Dakota's first publicly traded company, and GNDC, the state’s premier business advocacy association, have helped shape North Dakota's economic landscape. Kivisto and Spencer will share their thoughts about what has contributed to the success of their organizations and discuss key economic trends, policy impacts, and strategic leadership insights essential for navigating the future.

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NICOLE KIVISTO is President and CEO of MDU Resources Group, a member of the S&P MidCap 400 index that provides essential products and services through its regulated energy delivery and construction services businesses.

Prior to her current role, she served as President and CEO of the corporation’s utility group that includes four subsidiaries that serve 1.2 million electric and natural gas customers in eight states. Before assuming that role, she served as vice president-operations for two of the utility subsidiaries, as well as vice president, controller, and chief accounting officer for MDU Resources for nearly four years. She joined the corporation in 1995.

Nicole is a Beulah, North Dakota, native. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Minnesota-Moorhead, is a graduate of the Carlson School of Management Minnesota Executive Program and the Utility Executive Course from the University of Idaho. Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband, four adult children and two grandchildren, along with friends and extended family. When she has free time, you’ll find her outdoors, most likely hiking.

Nicole was named to GNDC's 2024 list of Women You Need to Know in ND Business.

ARIK SPENCER is the President & CEO of the Greater North Dakota Chamber (GNDC), North Dakota’s premier business advocacy association who is solely dedicated to promoting and defending the free enterprise system on behalf of businesses of every size and in every sector.

Spencer has more than two decades of experience in government relations and public policy advocacy, as well as non-profit management. Other areas of expertise include operational planning, coalition building, organizational strategy, and membership services.

Before joining GNDC in 2018, Spencer was the Executive Vice President of the North Dakota Motor Carriers Association and had previously worked for the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department. He serves on the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute Advisory Board, the North Dakota Workforce Safety and Insurance Coordinating Committee, and is the Chair of the North Dakota Transportation Coalition.

Spencer has a Bachelor’s in Business Management from the University of Mary. He and his wife, Wendy, are the parents of three children and live in Bismarck.

With an economy heavily reliant on exporting commodities and agricultural goods worldwide, North Dakota's economic prosperity is intrinsically tied to the global trade landscape. Maintaining positive international relationships and openness to foreign investment, especially in value-added industries, remains a key priority for the state. Rapidly evolving policies and shifting geopolitical dynamics can have major ramifications - potentially encouraging or deterring North Dakota's global economic engagement. 

MODERATOR

DREW COMBS, the Executive Director of the North Dakota Trade Office, grew up raising beef cattle, where he experienced his first foray into the international market by assisting in importing cattle from Europe and Africa. In addition to his experience in agriculture, Drew has well over two decades of international and domestic experience in energy, defense, and government contracting. He has lived and worked in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

Prior to his involvement with the North Dakota Trade Office, he worked at the North Dakota Department of Trust Lands as the Director of Minerals Management, where he assisted in managing 2.6 million acres, most of which is within the hydrocarbon-rich Williston Basin. Drew has a bachelor’s degree in history and political science with an emphasis in international relations from West Texas A&M and a master’s degree in energy business from the University of Tulsa and is currently working on his Ph.D. in International Relations. Additionally, Drew serves as Canada’s Honorary Consul in North Dakota.

DOUG GOEHRING has been North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner since 2009.

A third-generation farmer, Commissioner Goehring, along with his son, Dustin, operates a 2,800-acre, no-till farm near Menoken in south central North Dakota, where they raise corn, soybeans, spring wheat, sunflowers, and barley. In the past, the Goehrings have also produced winter wheat, durum, canola, mustard, millet, safflower, alfalfa, lentils and field peas, and have had a feeder cattle operation.

Commissioner Goehring is the past president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), a nonpartisan, nonprofit association which represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries, and directors of the departments of agriculture in all fifty states and four U.S. territories. He is also past president of the Food Export Association of the Midwest, a non-profit organization composed of 13 Midwestern state agricultural promotion agencies that use federal, state, and industry resources to help U.S. suppliers increase product sales overseas.

He is the former president and chairman of the board of Nodak Mutual Insurance Co. and a former director of American Agricultural Insurance Co.

Long active in farm organizations, Commissioner Goehring has served as vice president of the North Dakota Farm Bureau and is a member of the North Dakota Stockmen's Association, the North Dakota Grain Growers, the North Dakota Soybean Association, the North Dakota Corn Growers Association and the National Association of Corporate Directors. An early supporter of agriculture-based, renewable fuels, he is an investor in the Red Trail Energy Ethanol Plant at Richardton.

Commissioner Goehring is past president of the Midwestern Association of State Departments of Agriculture. He is a former director of the United Soybean Board where he served as chairman of the sustainability committee, domestic research committee, industrial uses and international marketing committee. He was a former director of the North Dakota Soybean Council, a former secretary/treasurer of the North Dakota Grain Growers Association and a member of USDA’s Area 4 Research Farm Steering Committee. He is the former president of the Menoken School Board and a past member of the Bismarck Mandan Chamber Agriculture Committee.

Beyond his responsibilities to North Dakota's agriculture industry and research, his portfolio as Commissioner includes oil and gas, water, trade, business development, tax equalization, and infrastructure.

Commissioner Goehring attended Bismarck State College and is a licensed medical laboratory technician.

Commissioner Goehring and wife Annette have six children and 11 grandchildren. 

JIM SWEENEY graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of North Dakota. In addition to co-founding Fargo Jet Center in 1995 to provide world-class aviation services in Fargo, North Dakota, Jim is the vice president of Weather Modification International (WMI), a world leader in atmospheric sciences. Jim also serves as president of Premier Jet Center, serving the Minneapolis, MN market, and oversees operations and new business development at all locations.

At WMI, Jim’s expertise in marketing and business development has been pivotal in securing contracts and fostering long-term relationships with clients. His strategic approach to business has helped WMI expand its reach and solidify its reputation in the industry. Jim's ability to identify new business opportunities and nurture existing partnerships ensures sustained growth and innovation at WMI.

Jim is active in the National Air Transportation Association and has previously served as chairman of the Board of Directors. He is also active in the National Business Aviation Association, is the past board chairman of the Fargo Air Museum, served as a board member for the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation, and is active in the Minnesota Business Aviation Association.

In 2019, Jim was inducted into the University of North Dakota’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences Hall of Fame and has also been a guest lecturer at the college for many years.

ALLAN J. EDWARDS, Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner based in Minneapolis with responsibility for Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska.  Allan has been in the Trade Commissioner Service for 30 + years with 6 other postings in South Africa, Japan, Taiwan and the US.  Allan is passionate about wholistic, two-way trade that values the needs of business as defined by business and hopes to bring that passion to his new friends in the Upper Mid-west.

All lives in Minneapolis with his wife and his two younger kids.  He also has a daughter living in British Columbia and a son who is attending university in Ottawa.  All loves fishing, rugby, classical music and cooking.

BUSINESS RESPONSE

PETER MATTHAEI is the CEO and Owner of DakotaMB.  He is the fifth generation managing his family company.  DakotaMB (DMB) DakotaMB has locations in both St. Louis, MO and Fargo, ND where it is headquartered.  DMB is a leader in providing custom milled, blended, and toasted ingredients to the wholesale baking, cereal, and snack manufacturers both domestically and around the world.  Internationally DMB manages the Roman Meal brand a bread company that Peter’s great grandfather started.  It is a leading variety bread in Japan and Korea and has a presence in several other SE Asia countries as well.  Peter is a graduate of Washington State University, and earned his MBA at North Dakota State.  Peter also enjoys working on the boards of The Northern Crops Institute, Greater North Dakota Chamber, Allied Trades of the Baking Industry, and the Board of DakotaMB.  In his free time Peter enjoys spending time with his three kids, wife, black lab as well as hunting, fishing, and golfing.

BUSINESS RESPONSE: After each Policy Summit panel discussion, stay tuned for the Business Response. An engaged leader from the business community will provide insights and react to the comments and conversations from the preceding panelists. This direct response ensures the private sector's voice remains at the forefront, driving policy decisions that promote economic growth and prosperity.

The "Ballot Briefs" mini-session will feature 7-minute presentations from each proponents and opponents of measures on the upcoming general election ballot. This allows each side to make a concise pitch to persuade attendees to support or oppose the proposed measure, without it being a debate format. Attendees can then evaluate the arguments before voting on these consequential ballot initiatives that could impact North Dakota's policy landscape.

TOPIC: Recreational Marijuana Measure
MEASURE 5

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STEVE BAKKEN has worn many hats throughout his career. His passion for radio ignited at the young age of 12. After attending the University of North Dakota, he continued his radio journey, working in major markets across the country but always returning to his home state. In 2011, Bakken settled in Bismarck, where he met his wife Wendy, a local teacher. Over his 34-year career in radio, his shows, including "What's on Your Mind?" and "Energy Matters" on KFYR 550, showcased his ability to tackle complex issues and build relationships with leaders across various sectors.

Bakken's career took a political turn in 2016 when he sought the Republican nomination for a state House seat. In 2018, he successfully ran for mayor of Bismarck, championing water commission reforms, riverfront development, and stronger ties with the University of Mary. His political journey continued in 2023 with an appointment to the Burleigh County Commission, where he was promptly elected chair. Bakken also runs a consulting firm, leveraging his extensive experience in business development to grow opportunities at local, state, and national levels.

Throughout his career, Bakken has been involved with numerous organizations, including the North Dakota Petroleum Council, the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, and the North Dakota GOP. His conservative values have guided his goals in both business and politics. In a surprising twist, Bakken now chairs the Sponsoring Committee for New Economic Frontier, spearheading efforts to legalize recreational marijuana in North Dakota.

Molly Barnes is the Executive Vice President and Equipment Manager of Northern Improvement Company, a fifth generation family owned construction company. Focusing on roadbuilding, Northern Improvement has offices throughout North Dakota.

Molly began her construction career as a flagger in Bismarck in 1992. From there she worked at a gravel pit as a welder, then an equipment operator, moving into an estimator/project manager role before becoming the Equipment Manager and Executive Vice President of Northern Improvement Company

Molly grew up in Bismarck, North Dakota. She holds an Associate’s degree in Civil Engineering and Land Surveying Technology from North Dakota State College of Science, a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice from Moorhead State University, and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Mary. Molly enjoys spending time with her husband and three children.

The "Ballot Briefs" mini-session will feature 7-minute presentations from each proponents and opponents of measures on the upcoming general election ballot. This allows each side to make a concise pitch to persuade attendees to support or oppose the proposed measure, without it being a debate format. Attendees can then evaluate the arguments before voting on these consequential ballot initiatives that could impact North Dakota's policy landscape.

TOPIC: Constitutional Change
MEASURE 2

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JANNE MYRDAL currently serves as North Dakota State Senator for District 19 which encompasses Pembina and  Walsh Counties in North Eastern North Dakota.  She was first elected in 2016 in then D10 and reelected in 2020 and 2022. She currently serves on the Senate Judiciary, Chairs Delayed Bills Committee and as Vice Chair of Senate Ag during Session. She is Chair of 2023-25 interim Judiciary and serves on Legislative management.

Janne Myrdal, a native of Norway now a U.S. citizen, has been involved in public policy issues since the early 1980s. Having grown up in a family who experienced dire hardship during the Nazi occupation of Norway in World War II, she was raised with a keen awareness of the freedoms her generation was given. And she learned at an early age that freedom and justice do not just "happen" but must be protected and fought for at all times. After completing her education in Norway, she worked with Youth with A Mission, YWAM, an international Christian mission and relief organization, from 1981 to 1993. This took her to relief and orphanage assistance work in Central America, international inner-city work amongst drug addicts and prostitutes in Europe and the U.S., and pro-life/adoption work in the U.S. She is a lifetime Pro-Life activist, and a tireless advocate to end human trafficking, something that has followed her into her work in the North Dakota Senate. "Spending twelve years in missions and relief work is the best education I ever had, setting the foundation for all I do," says Myrdal.

Janne met and married Mark Myrdal and moved to North Dakota in 1994, where she volunteered as the Co-Director of the Pregnancy Help Center in Park River, North Dakota, (1997 - 2009).  

Myrdal served on the NDGOP Rules Committee for several years. She has written blogs for national policy websites and been published in Washington Times, American Thinker, Townhall, SayAnythingBlog, Fargo Forum and has been a speaker at CPAC, the nation’s largest annual gathering of conservatives. Janne spent ten years as State Director for Concerned Women for America (CWA) of North Dakota and is currently on CWA's National Board of Trustees. CWA is the nation's largest public policy women’s organization.

Janne’s non-profit activities involved work on state as well as federal level, including policy expertise, research, lobbying, public speaking, legislative studies and volunteer coordination. With numerous visits to Congress, media appearances and grassroots activism, as well as extended work during North Dakota’s Legislative sessions this past decade, her knowledge on a wide variety of policy issues combined with her extensive grassroots work and engagement in many NDGOP campaigns undergirds her leadership skills and her service in the ND Senate. Janne has worked both Capitol Hill and State level on public policy issues including national security, rural development, AG industry, education, economy and workforce, family values and fighting sex trafficking. Janne strongly advocates that core action to keep America and its' values on course with Constitutional principles happens first and foremost at the grassroots level!

Myrdal finished her second and last term on the School Board at the Valley Edinburg school district yet continues to carry a passion for making North Dakota the best K-12 education in the nation. “I think we have great communities, great families and kids. Along with our state being fiscally sound and the values we hold, I see no reason why North Dakota’s kids should not lead the nation in math, science and language/arts,” says Myrdal. “It is a goal we need to work across all boundaries to accomplish.”

ROBERT HARMS is a retired lawyer and formerly served as a consultant and owner of The Harms Group, a government affairs firm that specialized in energy development, health care and communications.

He served as Governor’s Counsel and senior policy advisor for Governors Schafer and Hoeven for 11 years. He was chairman (2013-2015) of the North Dakota Republican Party and was senior advisor to Doug Burgum during his successful campaign for governor in 2016.

Prior to joining the Governor’s office, Harms co-founded and operated his own law firm in Tioga and Williston for 12 years.

Harms has a long history of political activism and was instrumental in establishing the North Dakota Legacy Fund - which saves 30% of all oil revenue for future generations, and now has nearly $10 billion in reserves. 

He has a Bachelor’s degree from NDSU; a law degree from the UND and was admitted to practice law in North Dakota in 1980. He and his wife, Cherie have two adult sons, who are married and one adorable grandson. They live east of Williston, ND.

North Dakota's reliance on volatile commodities revenues underscores the need for comprehensive tax reform to balance budgets, provide relief, and maintain a competitive environment for businesses. This panel will tackle the crucial tax policy issues shaping the state's future, including reform of income and property tax, weighing corporate tax changes to foster investment, and striking the right equilibrium between relief and ensuring adequate funding for services. We know this will be a topic to dominate legislature time during the upcoming session. 

MODERATOR

ANDREA PFENNIG is the Director of Government Affairs at the Greater North Dakota Chamber (GNDC), North Dakota's premier business advocacy association who is solely dedicated to promoting and defending the free enterprise system on behalf of businesses of every size and in every sector.

Analytical by nature, she has a talent for creating order through structured, collaborative approaches to work with a goal in mind. Pfennig’s passion for the success of North Dakota is evident in her professional work and experiences.

Prior to joining GNDC, Pfennig worked for the State of North Dakota managing programs related to energy, childcare, revitalization, and conservation. Her most recent past position with the Industrial Commission allowed her to further deepen her interest and knowledge in energy, finance, and policy as it applies to business and government regulation.

Pfennig has a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Minnesota State University Moorhead. She lives in Bismarck with her husband, Allen, and two daughters - who have convinced her to also house a dog, cat, 4 chickens, and a fish. Recently, her house has also acquired a rabbit.

TONY GRINDBERG joined Xcel Energy as the North Dakota Manager in 2020, bringing with him vast experience from the private sector in economic development, workforce development, and aviation technology.

Prior to his role at Xcel Energy, Grindberg served six terms in the North Dakota State Senate from 1992 to 2014. During his legislative career, he was dedicated to fostering a strong pro-business environment, lower taxes and pragmatic government solutions.  His legislative leadership included investments in economic development, technology, investment tax credits, renaissance zones, and strategic infrastructure including expansion of the ND Heritage Center and securing state funding for the FM Flood Diversion project in 2013.

Beyond his legislative career, Grindberg has served as a Fargo City Commissioner and currently holds a position as a Cass County Commissioner. He holds degrees in business and aviation from Minnesota State University-Moorhead and North Dakota State College of Science, along with certificates from the University of Oklahoma and the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University. A licensed private pilot, Tony and his wife Karen take pride in their three grown children.

First elected in 2010,  Rep. VICKY STEINER (D37) has served on the Judiciary, Government Veterans Affairs, and Finance & Taxation committees.  She previously served as the Executive Director of the North Dakota Association of Oil & Gas Producing Counties. She’s worked on energy tax policy since 1987. She’s currently a real estate agent with Home And Land Company in Dickinson specializing in Lake Sakakawea cabin property near Beulah. She and her husband, Cal, have four grown children and 11 grandchildren.

BRAD BEKKEDAHL has served as a North Dakota State Senator representing District 1 since 2015. Bekkedahl's commitment to public service began with his role on the Williston Park Board from 1988 to 1996. He has served as the Williston City Finance Commissioner since 1996, guiding the city through significant economic changes, including infrastructure development and population growth challenges.

He has been an advocate for infrastructure and transportation initiatives through his work with the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway, NDDOT Strategic Statewide Transportation Forum, and North Dakota's oil and gas producing counties. In the ND Legislature, he currently serves as the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and leads the pipeline infrastructure portfolio for North Dakota. His committee memberships additionally include the Energy Development and Transmission Committee, Employee Benefits Programs Committee, and the Redistricting Committee.

Bekkedahl served in the United States Army Reserves from 1996 to 2002 before joining the North Dakota National Guard in 2002. He achieved the rank of Colonel and served with distinction, including a tour in Iraq at Camp Adder in Tallil. His military honors include the Global War on Terrorism Medal, North Dakota National Guard Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal. He remained an active member of the Guard until 2022.

Bekkedahl earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Jamestown, a Bachelor of Science from the University of Minnesota, and a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. He began his career in dentistry and has continued to practice alongside his public service roles. He is deeply involved in his community, supporting organizations such as Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Boy Scouts, Amateur Hockey, and various resource conservation and economic development councils. 

BUSINESS RESPONSE

DANEEN DRESSLER, rural North Dakota native has been serving in the agribusiness community for over 22 years. She graduated from North Dakota State University with a BA in Management Information Systems and then became  2nd generation business owner of Stone Mill, and a champion for the Ag community. Working with growers in the communities she lives in, she’s committed to making the agriculture way of life sustainable for the families who are so passionate about it.

Daneen Dressler is Co-owner and VP of Stone Mill, an agriculture industry-leading food-grade, specialty crops manufacturer based in Richardton, ND. Daneen is the lead on both Purchasing and Sales, overseeing the company’s growth in both non-GMO and organics. She oversaw an extensive expansion in 2010, and again in 2017. Surrounded by a family of engineers, Daneen took a different approach to processing ingredients, utilizing automation and technology to design a state-of-the-art food-grade facility focusing on farm-to-table, identity-preserved ingredients being shipped throughout world.

She has served on the Planning and Zoning Boards for both Stark County and the city of Richardton, and is a member of the ND Organic Advisory Board. 

Personally she enjoys watching her kids in their sports activities, travelling, yoga, and is a self-proclaimed “foodie”. 

BUSINESS RESPONSE: After each Policy Summit panel discussion, stay tuned for the Business Response. An engaged leader from the business community will provide insights and react to the comments and conversations from the preceding panelists. This direct response ensures the private sector's voice remains at the forefront, driving policy decisions that promote economic growth and prosperity.

With 71% of Greater North Dakota Chamber members indicating childcare affordability and accessibility pose significant challenges for their organizations, few issues are as crucial to our state's workforce and economic prosperity. The 2023 Legislature made a historic $65.6 million investment in addressing this crisis through a comprehensive childcare package. But has this funding made enough progress in supporting working families and the needs of employers? Our expert panel will provide an insightful assessment.

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MODERATOR

Named as GNDC's 2023 Women to Watch in ND Business, ANNA NELSON is a small-town girl, turned city girl, who has found a home in Williston, North Dakota. From Oregon to Alaska to North Dakota, she spent most of her formative years in Rolla, North Dakota.  

She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Retail Merchandising at North Dakota State University with minors in Business Administration and Psychology. She immediately moved to Los Angeles where she was the lead sales representative for a prominent showroom, then worked as an apparel buyer for an elite boutique in Oklahoma City. During those years, she earned her MBA with a certificate in marketing. 

Upon returning to North Dakota in 2018, she landed a job as a news producer and anchor at KFYR-TV in Bismarck; then assumed those roles for its sister station in Williston, KUMV-TV, in 2021. The community quickly stole her heart with its warm, friendly people, small town feel, and vibrant economy.  April 2022, Anna became the President of the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce in April 2022.

Very recently, Anna was named the Executive Director of the Williston Economic Development. She is grateful to be able to continue serving the community and its businesses while helping to ensure the economic landscape remains one that fosters continued growth in Williston and the surrounding region. 

KATHY HOGAN represented District 21 in the ND House from 2009 to 2018 and has been serving in the ND Senate since 2019.

She is a retired public servant with a BA in Sociology from Jamestown College and an MS in Educational Counseling from NDSU. She has served on the boards of Fargo/Cass Public Health, the ND Women’s Network, has been recognized as the 2018 Woman of the Year, among many other accomplishments.

Kathy has been married to Dennis Hogan for 53 years and has two children and one beloved granddaughter, Kate. 

CINDY GRIFFIN, PHR, SHRM-CP, is the VP, HR & Corporate Services for Harvestone Low Carbon Partners (HLCP), formerly Midwest AgEnergy, which currently owns and operates Dakota Spirit, in Spiritwood, ND Blue Flint in Underwood, ND and Iroquois Bio-Energy Company (IBEC), Indiana. Cindy started with the company in 2011 as the solo HR member who was responsible for building the HR team, processes, and procedures. She oversaw the development, hiring and construction of the human resource and corporate service functions when the DSA facility was constructed in 2015.

Cindy resides in Bismarck with her spouse, Logan and three children. She is a volunteer at her local parish, her daughter’s volleyball, ND Workforce Development Council member, ND Workforce Executive Committee, Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC Workforce Committee along with planning numerous family reunions and events for friends and family. She enjoys physical fitness, hosting family and friends, great food, traveling and being a part of the HLCP team. She is grateful for the support she gets from her spouse along with Harvestone Low Carbon Partners CEO, Jeff Zueger and her teammates that challenge her to be the best version of herself each day.

Cindy was named as a GNDC Women to Know in ND Business in 2023. 

Originally from Edgeley, ND, EMILY KLYM currently resides northwest of Belfield with her husband and three children. She worked in public accounting out of college at Brady Martz in Dickinson before transitioning to the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation as Controller in 2018. She worked in that role before becoming the first female executive of the organization when stepping into the Chief Financial Officer role in 2022. She is blessed to work with an amazing team to fulfill the company’s vision of connecting people to historic Medora for positive, life-changing experiences. Passionate about the accounting profession, Emily serves on the ND CPA Society board in the Vice President role. She is active in her church and all her kids’ activities. In her limited free time, she enjoys traveling and watching movies.

BUSINESS RESPONSE

As chief executive officer of Flint Group and its parent company RR46, ANDY REIERSON takes on a variety of roles, from strategic planning/direction, fiscal management and personnel matters to working with clients on strategy and direction. He is driven by an insatiable enthusiasm for the ever-evolving industry of marketing. Prior to joining Flint Group in 2006, Andy was a trauma consultant for the orthopedic division of Smith & Nephew, where he developed and implemented strategic initiatives to increase the company’s market share in northwestern Minnesota and eastern North Dakota.

Andy’s leadership goes beyond his role with Flint Group, sharing his time and talents in service on multiple nonprofit boards and coaching youth hockey. He has served on the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors and executive committee and is a Leadership Minnesota alum, sponsored by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. 

Andy earned a business administration degree in finance from the University of Minnesota Duluth Labovitz School of Business and Economics. 

BUSINESS RESPONSE: After each Policy Summit panel discussion, stay tuned for the Business Response. An engaged leader from the business community will provide insights and react to the comments and conversations from the preceding panelists. This direct response ensures the private sector's voice remains at the forefront, driving policy decisions that promote economic growth and prosperity.

This mini-panel will examine the intricate impact of occupational licensure on North Dakota's workforce. Drawing from recent interim studies, panelists will delve into the complexities of licensure requirements and their far-reaching effects on employment within the state. The discussion will offer valuable insights into how these regulations influence workforce availability, as well as explore potential solutions to address the associated challenges.

MODERATOR

Sen KRISTIN ROERS is a nurse, a healthcare administrator, and a policy leader. Raised in South Dakota, after earning her master's degree in 2011, Kristin had the opportunity to move to North Dakota to work for the largest rural health system in the US. She also served as the lobbyist for the North Dakota Nurses Association for two legislative sessions, then ran for the North Dakota Senate in 2018. Senator Roers represents District 27, located in Fargo, ND. She is now the Senate Majority Caucus Leader and the Chair of the Senate State & Local Governments Committee.  

Education: MS, Nursing and Healthcare Systems Administration, University of Minnesota; BS/BSN, South Dakota State University 

Prior to being appointed commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights in December of 2022 by Gov. Doug Burgum, NATHAN SVIHOVEC served as an attorney with a Bismarck-based law firm representing and advising employers and employees in various protected categories before the Department of Labor and Human Rights, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, federal and state courts, and state administrative agencies. He also has represented employees in tribal employment matters. 

Svihovec previously served as an assistant attorney general for the North Dakota Office of Attorney General from 2017 to 2020, representing and advising state agencies – including the Department of Labor and Human Rights – in employment law matters. He also worked as a law clerk for state district court judges and in human resources for private sector companies.

A native of Watford City, Svihovec earned an associate’s degree from Bismarck State College, bachelor’s degrees in human resource management and business administration from Dickinson State University and his law degree at the University of North Dakota School of Law in Grand Forks. He served in the North Dakota National Guard from 2008 to 2016, achieving the rank of sergeant and being named North Dakota Soldier of the Year in 2009.

LTC JAY SHELDON is currently serving as the Strategic Plans and Policies Officer for the North Dakota National Guard (NDNG), Bismarck, ND and as the Battle Captain in the Joint Operations Center for Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ), Bismarck, ND.

In 1997 LTC Sheldon enlisted into the North Dakota Army National Guard (NDARNG), 1-188 Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Battalion. In 2008 he accepted his commission in the 141 Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB).

LTC Sheldon was raised in Regent, ND where he attended and graduated from Regent Public School, 1997. In 2003 he completed his undergraduate degree at Dickinson State University, Dickinson, ND. Prior to commissioning LTC Sheldon completed the Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. Officer professional military education completed includes Officer Candidate School, Military Intelligence Officer Basic Course, Military Intelligence Captains Career Course, the ADA Re-Classification Course, Intermediate Leader Education, Military Police Captains Career Course, and the Advanced Operations Course.

LTC Sheldon has mobilized/deployed four times. In 2006-07 to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), 2009-10 for Kosovo Forces (KFOR) NATO mission, 2013-14 and 2017-18 for Operation Noble Eagle (ONE) in the National Capital Region (NCR).

LTC Sheldon’s previous full-time officer positions include serving as the NDNG Intelligence Analyst and Geospatial Information Systems Coordinator and the NDNG Intelligence & Security Officer in Charge. LTC Sheldon’s military officer assignments have included Platoon Leader and Battery Executive Officer for C-Battery 1-188 ADA, Commander for A-Battery 1-188 ADA, Commander of the 191 Military Police Company, 1-188 ADA BN Staff Officer, Intelligence Officer for the 141 MEB, Executive Officer for the 131 Military Police Battalion, and Protection Officer for the 141 MEB.

LTC Sheldon has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (2), the Army Commendation Medal (3), the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Combat Action Badge, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Superior Unit Award (2), and North Dakota Meritorious Service Medal. He is also a recipient of the ADA Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. In 2015 LTC Sheldon was recognized as the National Guard Association of North Dakota Company Grade Officer of the Year and in the same year received the National Guard Association of the United States Theodore Roosevelt Leadership Award.

LTC Sheldon and his wife, Elsie, reside in Bismarck, ND with their children, Evelyn and Gilman.

As the November elections approach, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will provide a comprehensive outlook on the national political landscape. This session will cover potential election impacts on legislative priorities and business policies.

Attendees will gain insights into shifting political dynamics, key races, and possible post-election policy changes, providing businesses and policymakers insight into possibilities of the future political environment. The U.S. Chamber's expertise ensures valuable and timely information on issues shaping the future business climate.

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JOHN KIRCHNER, Vice President of the Midwest Region in the Government Affairs Division at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, represents the Chamber throughout the states of Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Kirchner helps develop and implement the Chamber’s grassroots, legislative, and political activities in the area. In addition, he works closely with state and local chambers, as well as with members of Congress in his region to further the legislative priorities of the Chamber.

Previously, Kirchner spent eight years as public relations manager at Marvin Windows and Doors, leading the company’s public affairs and corporate communications efforts. Before that, he was the political director for the Minnesota Republican Party.

Kirchner received his B.A. in political science from St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, and now resides in Edina, Minnesota.