College of Business Advisory Council

The Advisory Council is a group of business, industry, and professional leaders committed to advancing NDSU’s College of Business. Members help strengthen academic programs, expand support, and foster meaningful partnerships between the college and the business community.

  • Influence the future of business education
  • Network with leaders across industries
  • Make a lasting impact on students and the region

Membership

The council includes up to 24 members who are appointed by the Dean with executive committee concurrence. Members serve three-year terms and may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. The council meets twice per academic year, typically in the fall and spring.

Expectations

Council members advise college leadership on program relevance and operational efficiency, help connect faculty and students with industry, provide leadership and advocacy among alumni, and offer financial support to help achieve college goals.

  • Active engagement in meetings and initiatives
  • Financial contribution at a level meaningful to you (Participation in giving is expected).
  • Commitment to supporting the college’s mission and students

College of Business Advisory Council

Alissa Adams

Chief Operating Officer
West Acres Development, LLP

Alissa Adams

Steve Blazek

VP - Senior Commercial Loan Officer
Koda Bank

Steve Blazek

Bob Challey

Chairman of the Board
Park Place Group

Bob Challey

Shawn Dobberstein

Executive Director
Hector International Airport

Shawn Dobberstein

Marilyn Froelich, CFA

Investment Consultant

NDSU Business Advisory Council

Jim Hambrick

Business Development Officer
Cornerstone Bank

Jim Hambrick

Joe Heilman

Financial Advisor
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Joe Heilman

Leif Hemstad

Services Practice Leader
Microsoft

Leif Hemstad

Todd Knain

Senior VP, CIO
Noridian Healthcare Solutions, LLC

Todd Knain

Brad Kraft

President
Ascensus Trust

Brad Kraft

Michelle Larson

Senior Vice President of Sales
WEX Health Inc.

Michelle Larson

Chris Lee

Executive Vice President | Chief Financial Officer
Gate City Bank

Chris Lee

Kirk Lindemann

Partner
Eide Bailly LLP

Kirk Lindemann

Laura Oberst

Executive Vice President, Head of Central Region
Wells Fargo

Laura Oberst

Ronald G. Olson

President
NYT Franchise Company

Ronald G. Olson

Danielle Paulus

Executive Search Consultant
Sagency

Sagency

TJ Russell

Chairman
Cloverdale Foods

NDSU Business Advisory Council

Jill Staffne

Director of Human Resources
Scheels

Jill Staffne

Chris Stith

VP Human Resources
Marvin

Chris Stith

Andy Westby

President & Managing Broker
Goldmark Commercial Real Estate, Inc.

Andy Westby

Rebecca Wood

Owner
Cloud 9 Salon & Day Spa

Rebecca Wood
Kathryn Birkeland, PhD

Get Connected

Email Kathryn Birkeland to learn more about the Advisory Council and how you can get involved.

Kathryn Birkeland, Ph.D.

Ronald G. and Kaye S. Olson Dean | College of Business
NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
kathryn.birkeland@ndsu.edu