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
Business Administration, '09

Alissa Adams

Steve Blazek

VP - Senior Commercial Loan Officer
Koda Bank
Business Administration, '89
Master of Business Administration, '91

Steve Blazek

Bob Challey

Chairman of the Board
Park Place Group
Chemistry, '67

Bob Challey

Shawn Dobberstein

Executive Director
Hector International Airport
Animal Science, '86
Master of Business Administration, '92

Shawn Dobbersteine

Marilyn Froelich, CFA

Investment Consultant
Home Economics, '76

Marilyn Froelich

Joe Heilman

Financial Advisor
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
Business Administration, '09

Joe Heilman

Leif Hemstad

Services Practice Leader
Microsoft
Business Administration, '92

Leif Hemstad

Todd Knain

Senior VP, CIO
Noridian Healthcare Solutions, LLC
Management Information Systems, '03
Master of Business Administration, '10

Todd Knain

Brad Kraft

President
Ascensus Trust
Accountancy, '01
Master of Business Administration, '06

Brad Kraft

Michelle Larson

Senior Vice President of Sales
WEX Health Inc.
Hotel Restaurant Management, '99

Michelle Larson

Chris Lee

Executive Vice President | Chief Financial Officer
Gate City Bank
Accounting, '03

Chris Lee

Kirk Lindemann

Partner
Eide Bailly LLP
Accounting, '99

Kirk Lindeman

Laura Oberst

Executive Vice President, Head of Central Region
Wells Fargo
Business Administration, '84

Laura Oberst

Ronald G. Olson

President
NYT Franchise Company
Economics, '62

Ronald G Olson

Danielle Paulus

Executive Search Consultant
Sagency
Business Administration, '05

Sagency

TJ Russell

Chairman
Cloverdale Foods
Business Administration, '88

NDSU Business Advisory Council

Jill Staffne

Director of Human Resources
Scheels
Business Administration, '01

jill

Chris Stith

VP Human Resources
Marvin

Chris Stith

Andy Westby

President & Managing Broker
Goldmark Commercial Real Estate, Inc.
Management Information Systems, '02

Adam Westby

Rebecca Wood

Owner
Cloud 9 Salon & Day Spa
Business Administration, '05
Master of Business Administration, '24

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