Meet the Staff Working on Your Behalf

​Education:
University of Mary: Business management

Group Associations & Affiliations:
< Council of State Chambers
< National Association of State Manufacturing Associations
< U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100
< ND Transportation Coalition - Chair
< ND WSI Coordinating Committee
< Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute Advisory Board

Previous Positions:
> North Dakota Motor Carriers Association: Executive Vice President
> State of North Dakota: Parks & Recreation Dept. 

Favorite Food at the Capitol Cafeteria:
Chicken salad sandwich

First Job:
Paper Delivery Boy

​
ndchamber@ndchamber.com
701.222.0929

Contact me for:

> Business climate concerns 
> GNDC vision and mission direction
> GNDC Board of Director inquiries
> ND Chamber PAC information
> ND Transportation Coalition inquiries

​Arik Spencer is the President & CEO of the Greater North Dakota Chamber (GNDC), North Dakota’s premier business advocacy association, which is solely dedicated to growing North Dakota’s economy and creating the best business climate in the nation 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, Chairs the North Dakota Workforce Safety and Insurance Board Nominating Committee, and is the treasurer of the North Dakota Transportation Coalition. Spencer also serves on the strategic planning committee for the National Association of State Chambers and is a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Committee of 100.

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.

​
Education:
Minot State University: BA, English, BA, Psychology

Group Associations & Affiliations:
< Assoc. of State Chamber Professionals (ASCP)
< Assoc of State Chamber Professional Board of Directors
< ND Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Advisory Board

Previous Positions:
> State of North Dakota: ND Dept. of Commerce, Job Service North Dakota, Dickinson State University
> Advertising Account Executive

Favorite Food at the Capitol Cafeteria:
Breakfast Burritos

First Job:
Hay Baler

​
amanda@ndchamber.com
701.354.7512

Contact me for:

> Collaboration opportunities
> Membership Investment and Engagement Strategies
> Publications and/or communications
> Media inquiries
> Websites and social media 
> GNDC speaking requests

​Amanda Remynse is the Vice President of Strategic Engagement for the Greater North Dakota Chamber (GNDC), of the Greater North Dakota Chamber (GNDC), North Dakota’s premier business advocacy association, which is solely dedicated to growing North Dakota’s economy and creating the best business climate in the nation on behalf of businesses of every size and in every sector.

Remynse’s background is a blend of creativity, content creation, and public policy. Additionally, she constantly works to promote GNDC through her strengths in collaboration and relationship building. Unafraid to ask questions, she is willing to try various solutions to work toward a goal.  

Before joining GNDC in 2019, Remynse was employed by the State of North Dakota focusing specifically to address the state’s workforce challenges. Her background also includes a stint at an advertising firm where she promoted various businesses and tourism events in North Dakota.

Remynse has two Bachelor’s from Minot State University, English and Psychology. A mom of three and wife of one, she has a neglected blog, loves to travel, and calls herself a foodie. Her golf swing has improved over the years and she despises people that mow in the morning.  

​Education: 
Minnesota State University Moorhead: Communications

Group Associations & Affiliations:
< U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Leads Fellow
< MISO Affiliate Sector Representive

Previous Positions:
> North Dakota Industrial Commission: Deputy Executive Director
> State of North Dakota: ND Dept. of Commerce, ND Highway Patrol

Favorite Food at the Capitol Cafeteria:
Pumpkin Fluff

First Job:
Waitress at a donut and bakery café

​
andrea@ndchamber.com
701.354.7505
 

Contact me for:

> Legislative advocacy
> National and state policy
> Chamber Champion status and information
> ND Chamber PAC 
> ND Manufacturing Council

​Andrea Pfennig is the Vice President of Government Affairs of the Greater North Dakota Chamber (GNDC), North Dakota’s premier business advocacy association, which is solely dedicated to growing North Dakota’s economy and creating the best business climate in the nation 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 rabbit.

Education
Bismarck State College: AA

Group Affiliations
< Assoc. of State Chamber Professionals (ASCP)

Previous Positions:
> Real Estate, Dept Manager and Escrow Closing Assistant
> Banking, Loan Officer

Favorite Food To Grab Close to the Office:
Eat Thai or Anything Mexican

First Job:
Bank Teller

kristinw@ndchamber.com
701.354.7504

Contact me for:

> Billing - AR or AP
> Invoices
> Member login/access
> Member dues information, including ACH info
> GNDC Foundation information

Kristin Wollmuth serves as the Administrative Coordinator of the Greater North Dakota Chamber (GNDC), North Dakota’s premier business advocacy association, which is solely dedicated to growing North Dakota’s economy and creating the best business climate in the nation on behalf of businesses of every size and in every sector.

Kristin brings a keen eye for detail and efficiency to her role. With a smile on her face, she dives into spreadsheets, asks the right questions, and ensures operations run smoothly. She plays a key role in maintaining financial processes that align with GNDC’s mission.

With over 15 years of prior experience in customer service and a strong accounting background in banking and real estate, Kristin developed extensive expertise in real estate transactions and team leadership. She thrived in fast-paced environments where attention to detail, meeting deadlines, and building strong client relationships were essential. 

A North Dakota native, Kristin grew up in a small town and earned her associate degree from Bismarck State College. She is happiest when surrounded by family—her husband, Jared, and their three energetic children, Kenzli, Emrynn, and Brax. Juggling a busy household, she thrives on schedules and activity. Whether coaching, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, she’s always on the move—likely with a snack in hand or close by!

Education
University of North Dakota: Bachelors of Business Administration

Previous Positions:
> Impact Dakota: Marketing Director
> Burleigh County: Project / Election Coordinator

Favorite Food to Grab Close to the Office:
Blarney Stone’s Beef Barley Soup

First Job:
Fast Food Worker at Burger King

​lauries@ndchamber.com
701.354.7513

Contact me for:

> Becoming a member
> Member services
> Sponsorship information
> Advertising marketing 
> Event registration
> Report on Business contributions

Laurie Schaffer is the Member & Marketing Coordinator of the Greater North Dakota Chamber (GNDC), North Dakota’s premier business advocacy association, which is solely dedicated to growing North Dakota’s economy and creating the best business climate in the nation on behalf of businesses of every size and in every sector.

Schaffer brings more than 25 years of experience across non-profit and member-based organizations, with a strong focus on customer service, member engagement, and brand integrity. She is known for her attention to detail, commitment to a strong and consistent brand image, and ability to create positive, value-driven experiences for members and partners alike.

Before joining GNDC, Schaffer developed extensive experience through leadership and coordination roles with organizations such as Impact Dakota and Burleigh County. In these roles, she led marketing initiatives, supported complex projects and elections, and worked across teams to execute high-profile efforts. Her experience reflects a practical, hands-on approach focused on teamwork, execution, and results.

Schaffer holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of North Dakota. She and her husband, Gary, live in Bismarck and have two sons and two daughters-in-law—bringing the household to an equal team at last. Outside of work, she enjoys time at the lake, family adventures, and getting lost in a good book, and is well known for her positive attitude and sunny disposition.

Education
University of North Dakota: Computer Science  

Group Affiliations & Extra Curricular Activities:
< Bismarck Lions Club - Recipient of multiple Melvin Jones Foundation Awards
< Board of Director member for Haiti Eye Mission

Previous Positions & Accomplishments:
> Mayor of Horace North Dakota from 2016 to 2024
> Elected Official of the Year (ND League of Cities), 2021
> Lobbyist for League of Cities
> Software Engineer in various capacities for over 40 years

Favorite Food at the Capitol Cafeteria:
Monster Cookies

First Job:
Working on our farm

​koryp@ndchamber.com
701.354.7508

Kory Peterson is the Government Affairs Specialist for the Greater North Dakota Chamber (GNDC), of the Greater North Dakota Chamber (GNDC), North Dakota’s premier business advocacy association, which is solely dedicated to growing North Dakota’s economy and creating the best business climate in the nation on behalf of businesses of every size and in every sector.

Peterson brings experience in municipal governance, strategic planning, and public-private collaboration. His background supports GNDC’s government affairs efforts through a practical understanding of policy impacts, relationship building, community visioning, and advancing economic growth across North Dakota.

Before joining GNDC, Peterson worked with the North Dakota League of Cities during the 2025 Legislative Session, advocating on legislation affecting city operations and local businesses. Prior to that, he served as Mayor of Horace from 2016 to 2024, leading the community through a period of rapid growth in which the city nearly tripled in population. His experience reflects a hands-on, results-driven approach to leadership, policy, and collaboration.

Peterson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of North Dakota. He and his wife, Pam, moved to the Bismarck area in 2024 to be closer to two of their three children and two grandchildren—who definitely have his heart and a priority ring on his phone.

Education
University of North Dakota; Bachelors of Business Administration

Bismarck State College; Associate of Arts

Previous Positions:
> Substitute Teacher
> UND Office Assistant
> Summer Nanny

Favorite Food To Grab Close To The Office:
Mexican Food

First Job:
Youth Track Coach​

isabella@ndchamber.com
701.354.7504

Contact me for:

> Event Registration
> Comp codes for Cornerstone Members
> Sponsorship benefits
> Event Refunds or Registration Regrets
> Speaker Questions

Isabella Castillo serves as the Event Coordinator Intern 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.

Prior to joining GNDC, Castillo worked as a substitute teacher and office assistant. These positions have equipped her with crucial skills like organization, time management, and conscientiousness to ensure that her job tasks are completed successfully.

Castillo is especially eager for the hands-on experience this internship will provide. GNDC’s direct engagement with businesses and its focus on advancing their success made the opportunity an easy decision. The fast-paced, structured nature of the role aligns well with her driven, detail-oriented approach and high standards for execution.

A recent University of North Dakota graduate, Castillo earned her Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus in marketing and finance. Outside of work, she values time with family and friends—whether that means cheering at a sporting event, getting outdoors, or settling in for a movie night. She’s not picky – from Avengers to Zootopia to a solid McConaughey rom-com, she appreciates a good story and good company.