Advisory Council

Council Officers

Evan Anderson, President (2010-2012)

Rick Lowenberg, Vice President (2010-2012)

Robert Hellem, Past President(2008-2010)

 

Council Members

Evan Anderson
CEO
Innovative Solutions, LLC
2101 Lovett Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58504
701-751-1919
evan@innovativesolutions-llc.com

Evan is the owner and CEO of Innovative Solutions, LLC, a product development, prototyping and manufacturing company. Evan and his team work on projects with clients ranging from Goodrich Aerospace and Ingersoll Rand to individuals with new product ideas. Some recent projects include aviation components for Boeing 777 cargo handling systems and medevac helicopters, electrical harness test system for a manufacturing environment, automation solutions, consumer electronics products, medical devices, and sporting goods.

Some of the products he personally invented include a repair stand for bicycle mechanics and a Halloween tool for carving pumpkins.

The repair stand, RackStand, was awarded patents in 2003 and 2004, was a finalist in Colorado's Most Innovative Products, and entered into a licensing agreement in 2004. The Halloween tool, The Pumpkin Gutter, was featured on Martha Stewart and entered into a licensing agreement in February 2008.

Evan holds a Master of Science degree in Industrial Technology from the University of North Dakota.

 

Ganya Anderson
Owner
Proactive Business Solutions
2101 Lovett Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58504
701-202-7204
ganderson@pbsixsigma.com

Ganya Anderson has over 17 years of experience as a business performance manager, working with both service and manufacturing companies. As a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, she brings a disciplined, fact based, proven method to solving chronic business problems and improving critical processes. Her work has involved stakeholders from the boardroom to the front line. Anderson has a strong background in adult education and learning facilitation having been an instructor for the University of Phoenix, University of Colorado at Denver, Six Sigma Qualtec, and Starquest Learning Systems. She served as Chair of the Rocky Mountain Business Excellence Conference in 1996 and presented a paper titled "Getting Back to Basics" at the 2000 conference. She holds a Master of Economics degree from the University of North Dakota and a Bachelor of Economics degree from Smith College.

 

Elizabeth Becker
Instructional Multimedia Designer
Center for Instructional and Learning Technologies
University of North Dakota
370 Oxford Street, Stop 7098
Grand Forks, ND 58202-7098

Office 701-777-4266
elizabethbecker@email.und.edu

Elizabeth Becker is the Instructional Multimedia Designer at the Center for Instructional & Learning Technologies (CILT) at the University of North Dakota. In addition, she teaches courses in graphic design and multimedia production for the Department of Technology at UND. Elizabeth has her Master’s degree in Industrial Technology and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Teaching & Learning.

 

Chuck Crummy
Project Planner
TrainND Office at UND
4300 James Ray Drive
Grand Forks, ND 58202
701-777-4266
charlescrummy@mail.und.nodak.edu

Chuck received his bachelor's degree in Industrial Illustration from Minnesota State University, Moorhead. He has been a student, lecturer, advisory council member, and advocate for the Department of Technology at UND for many years.

Throughout his career, Chuck has been employed in manufacturing, education, and the utility industry. He is currently employed as a Project Planner for the Office of Professional Services at UND. His expertise in graphics, photography, and technology has been the emphasis of his work experiences. Chuck is currently involved in developing interactive training modules for business and industry with an emphasis of building consistent training for clients in the workforce throughout the region.

Chuck's passion for learning and his curiosity of new technology has been rewarded. Chuck said, "Being a board member of an enthusiastic group of board members and faculty of the Department of Technology has been fantastic."

 

Jack Cummings
Consultant
Health, Safety and the Environment
P.O. Box 1462
Evansville, WY 82636
307-265-2648
cummings45@hotmail.com

Jack's professional background includes 30 plus years in the Fire Service and Occupational Health, Safety and Environment fields. This background, education, certifications and experience has given him insight into improving health, safety and environmental issues.

Jack earned a B.S. degree in Occupational Safety & Health and has received certifications as a CSP-Certified Safety Professional, CMSP -Certified Mine Safety Professional and hold certification as an OHST -Occupational Health and Safety Technologist. Jack's degrees and certifications are internationally and nationally recognized. He served one term with a Gubernatorial Appointment to the OSHA Commission for the State of Wyoming. His career includes an extensive fire service/emergency medical service background with the City of Casper, WY, and Corporate/Regional Health, Safety and Environmental Director for a large industrial construction company and oil field operations company. He is currently self-employed as a Health, Safety and Environmental consultant.

 

Tom Emerson
Senior Project Engineer
BAE Systems/Land & Armaments Division
4800 East River Road/Mail Stop M440
Minneapolis, MN 55421
Office: 763-572-7673
tom.emerson@baesystems.com

 

Dave Gravdahl
Technology Education Instructor
Sheyenne 9th Grade Center
800 40th Avenue East West
Fargo, ND 58078
701-356-2169
gravdahl@west-fargo.k12.nd.us

David Gravdahl received his MSIT from UND in 1996 with primary focus on Filament Wound Composites. Prior to his recent career in education Dave worked with thermosetting composites at Nordic Fiberglass, zirconium-based ceramics at Coors Ceramics, and metal fabrication at Young Manufacturing.

Dave has previously been awarded the North Dakota Young Educator of the year award, North Dakota Young Entrepreneur of the year and is a recipient of the Kurt Mueller Entrepreneurial Scholarship from UND's Center for Innovation. Dave has been teaching at West Fargo Public Schools in the Career and Technology Education Department and as a lecturer at UND's Department of Technology since 1997.

 

Dan Goebel

Quality Engineer
Cargo Systems/Goodrich Interiors
2604 Hwy 20 N
Jamestown, ND 58401
Office 701-746-5160
daniel.goebel@goodrich.com

Dan Goebel is former student of the Department of Technology and been working as a Quality Engineer for Goodrich Cargo Systems since May 2008. Current responsibilities include Statistical Process Control (SPC), internal audits, 3rd party audits (AS9100, Nadcap, and Digital Product Definition), Real Time Problem Resolution (RTPR), and document authoring/control. While at Goodrich he has been trained in Root Cause Corrective Action, Lean, and Six Sigma.

During his time in the Technology Department Dan was leader in NAIT group which designed & built an award winning robot for the 2007 NAIT Robotic Manipulator Competition. The group contributed to raising $14,000 for the organization to purchase robot materials & to provide the means for nineteen students to attend the convention in Panama City Beach, Fl. Dan is the recipient of the 2007-2008 Department of Technology Student Excellence and the Alpha Tau/NAIT Outstanding Student Member Awards.

 

Eric Giltner
Business Development Specialist
Small Business Administration
102 North 4th Street, Suite 125
Grand Forks, ND 58203-3738
701-746-5160
eric.giltner@sba.gov

Eric has worked for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as a Business Development Specialist since January, 1998. His principle duties involve providing one-on-one counseling to new and existing businesses in areas of marketing, management, and financing. He has presented numerous workshops to small business owners throughout the state on a variety of topics including: customer service, marketing, business plan design, starting a business, home-based business, negotiation skills, personal selling, advertising keys, cash flow management, short-term debt management, and credit and collections. He also works closely with area lenders to ensure SBA loan programs are available to small business owners. He has also authored several articles on small business issues for Prairie Business magazine. Prior to joining the SBA, Mr. Giltner was on the faculty in the UND College of Business and Public Administration, beginning in 1985, and served as the Program Director for the Master of Business Administration degree program. He currently serves on advisory boards for the UND Technology Department and the Grand Forks Housing Authority. His educational background includes a Master of Business Administration (UND-1985) and a Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering (UND-1982).

 

Bob Hellem
Vice President, Procurement
Product Supply/ConAgra Foods, Inc.
9 ConAgra Drive, 9-175
Omaha, NE 68102-5094
402-595-5774
bob.hellem@conagrafoods.com

Bob heads up the procurement for all ConAgra Foods Capital, MRO, SG&A, and Marketing/A&P since June 2009. Prior to this role Bob was responsible for all Packaging and Non-Commodity Ingredients procurement and has been with ConAgra for more than four years. Bob has over 20 years of Procurement experience in addition to more than 5 years experience in Logistics Engineering and Supplier Quality Engineering and has worked for various industries including Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical, OEM, Medical Device, and the Aerospace and Defense industry. Bob has worked for several Global companies and has significant International Procurement experience. He holds a B.S. in Industrial Technology from the University of North Dakota and a M.B.A from St. Thomas University.

 

Jennifer Johnson
Transmission Engineer
Minnkota Power Cooperative, Inc.
1822 Mill Road
Grand Forks, ND 58208
701-795-4316
jjohnson@minnkota.com

Jennifer has 29 years of engineering experience, which has allowed her to develop extensive knowledge of Minnkota's generation and transmission system as well as member co-op personnel and needs. In addition to effectively managing a capitalized budget at MPC of at least $500,000 and a construction budget of varying amounts.

Through her elected role with the Larimore School Board, she has worked with shareholders ranging from teachers to legislators in tackling specific school funding legislation for the state in 2007 and 2009.

 

Cornel Kilber

Industrial Technology Teacher
Schroeder Middle School
800 32nd Avenue South
Grand Forks, ND 58201
701-746-2330
cornel.kilber@gfschools.org

Cornel earned a B.S. teaching degree from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD in 1979. He taught high school for seven years prior to coming to UND. Cornel then attended UND from 1986 to 1988 and earned a Master's degree in 1988 in Education with an emphasis in Industrial Technology. He taught Industrial Technology courses for four years at Bemidji State University after leaving UND. For the past 19 years he has been a middle school teacher in Grand Forks. Cornel has used most everything he learned to improve his teaching skills and attempt to encourage and stimulate the minds of his students.

 

Ross Klebe
Senior Program Manager
Benchmark Electronics
19 2nd St SE
Dunseith, ND 58329
701-244-6830
ross.klebe@bench.com

 

Jim Knutson
Product Engineering Manager
Maxon Furniture, Inc.
520 Grace Church Road
Salisbury, NC 28147
704-638-5475
knutsonja@maxonmail.com

 

Janna Kruckenberg
Senior System Administrator and Database Developer
Center for Instructional and Learning Technologies
370 Oxford Street, Stop 7098
Robertson-Sayre Hall, Room 107
Grand Forks, ND 58202-7098
Office 320-766-9974
jannakruckenberg@mail.und.edu

Janna was born and raised in Bismarck, ND. During High School she started working as phone technical support for Gateway Computers for three and a half years.

In 2000, Janna transferred from Bismarck State College with an AA in art and design to complete her studies at University of North Dakota. While attending school she worked as a System Administrator for Simplicity Systems, Inc. in East Grand Forks and as a Computer and A/V technician at Best Buy.

In 2003, Janna graduated with a BS in Computer Science and minors in Fine Arts and Mathematics. That same year she began working for UND as a mainframe operator and then as a Desktop Support Specialist.

In 2005, she started her Master’s Degree with the Technology Department at UND with Dr. Lynda Kenney as her advisor. In the Spring of 2007 Janna graduated after completing her independent study research about student perceptions of color usage in operating system user interfaces.

In October 2007, Janna began work as the Senior System Administrator and Database Developer for the Center for Instructional and Learning Technologies at UND. She serves as the primary administrator for the campus Blackboard system.

 

Rick Kvasager
Manufacturing Specialist
Enterprise Minnesota
715 South Lehomme Dieu Drive NE
Alexandria, MN 56308
320-766-9974
rick.kvasager@enterpriseminnesota.org

Rick Kvasager serves as Enterprise Minnesota's Business Development Specialist for west-central Minnesota. He provides clients with his experience in engineering and manufacturing including work on lean enterprise, value stream mapping, facility planning, project management, and human factors engineering to guide them through improving their business.

Prior to joining Enterprise Minnesota, Rick worked for more than 30 years in industrial engineering for manufacturers in the high-tech industry. He worked as an industrial engineer at both Square D Co. and Honeywell, and then moved on to work as senior industrial engineer at Control Data Corp.

Rick holds a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Technology from the University of North Dakota, and has completed coursework in both human factors engineering and ergonomics at the University of Minnesota.

 

Steve Longhenry
Engineering Manager
Stremel Manufacturing
260 Plymouth Ave North
Minneapolis, MN 55411
612-339-8261 ext.150
slonghenry@stremel.com

 

Rick Lowenberg
President
Minnesota Elevator, Inc.
18460 Gladstone Blvd
Maple Grove, MN 55311
612-910-6147
rick.lowenberg@minnesotaelevator.com

Rich has extensive turnaround/crisis management, manufacturing, distribution, and operations experience. He has demonstrated effectiveness managing multiple companies, divisions and projects, and has the proven ability to build proactive teams, resolve complex issues, and cultivate positive relationships, inside and outside the organization. Rick is recognized for decisive leadership, problem solving and dedication to delivering the highest standards of performance and operational effectiveness. He has excellent communication, negotiation, motivational, and organizational skills.

 

Jerry Madsen

Cranes, Conveyor & Storage Systems, Inc.
Fargo, N.D. 

Jerry Madsen was born and raised in Hunter, N.D. He attended Dakota High School, graduating in 1987. While in high school, Jerry worked with his father in the family business of heating, air conditioning, and electrical work.

Jerry joined the North Dakota National Guard in 1986, and attending basic training in Ft. McClellan, Alabama. He received advanced individual training as a medical specialist at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. Jerry served in the National Guard until 1994.

Jerry graduated from UND in 1992 with a degree in Industrial Technology. He began working for KSC Supplying Industry in Fargo, N.D. in December 1992. In 1996, Jerry and his business partners started Cranes, Conveyor & Storage Systems, Inc. in Fargo. They have been operating this full service material handling business since then.

In his spare time, Jerry enjoys a variety of activities, including hunting (deer, bear, antelope, elk, and caribou) and small street rods. Jerry is currently building a 1940 Ford pickup.

 

Patti Reslock McEnroe
Advertising/Communications Manager
Brown Corporations
P.O. Box 13458
Grand Forks, ND 58208-3458
701-772-0265 ext. 429
pmcenroe@dakotafusion.com

Patti graduated from the University of North Dakota with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education/Elementary Visual Arts. Later, she attended Bemidji State University and majored in Technical Illustration and Graphic Design with an emphasis on Graphic Design and Print Production.

Patti has worked with Brown Corporations in Grand Forks, ND, since 1989, serving as Advertising/Communications Manager for companies such as AGSCO, Ag Depot, Dakota Jet Charter Service, and most recently Brown Corporations Business Park and Properties. Her work has included technical illustrating, logo design, writing, photography, package and brochure design and more. Prior to starting employment with AGSCO, Patti taught general curriculum and Art at area elementary schools, including her own curriculum designed for summer classes titled "The Art of Illustration".

Patti has also coordinated the adult fitness classes at the YMCA Family Center for many years and is a Certified Group Exercise Instructor and Personal Trainer.

 

Steve Moeller
Lean Manufacturing Master Black Belt
The Specialty Manufacturing Company
5858 Centerville Road
St. Paul, MN 55127
612-804-4562
smoeller@specialtymfg.com

Steve was raised on a farm in Blue Grass, Iowa. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1980 with a B.S. in Industrial Technology and a manufacturing emphasis. He worked as a Manufacturing Engineer with Rockwell International-Goss Printing Press Division in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and then Dana Corp-Spicer Axle Division in Plymouth, MN. Steve then worked as a Project Engineer with Remmele Engineering in Big Lake, MN, and later as a Manufacturing Engineering Manager and Fabrication Manager with Caterpillar Paving Products in Brooklyn Park, MN. He was also the Plant Manager of their New Ulm, MN facility, and a Master Black Belt with Caterpillar Production System(Lean) in Caterpillar's Wheel Loader & Excavator facility in Aurora, ILL.

Steve is currently the Director of Manufacturing with The Specialty Manufacturing Company (SMC) in White Bear Lake, MN. SMC designed and manufactured all the internal components for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Torches-17,250 of them.

 

Del R. Nelson
Compliance and Regulatory Engineer
Arctic Cat
601 Brooks Avenue South
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
218-681-7517
dnelson@arcticcatinc.com

Del is a Compliance and Regulatory Engineer at Arctic Cat His primary responsibilities are ensuring Arctic Cat products meet US Federal, State and European Union Directives. This includes exhaust emission certifications thru the US EPA, foreign EPAs and the California Air Resources Board. He has made numerous trips to Taiwan working with Arctic Cat suppliers and has traveled to Europe meeting on European Union Emissions Regulations for ATVs and Snowmobiles.

 

Jay Neppel
Senior Business Manager
US OEM Segment Endress & Hauser
6493 Serengeti Circle
Littleton, CO 80124
303-720-3749
jneppel@comcast.net

 

Patrick Remfert
President
Remfert Associates, Inc.
602 Baveria Lane, Suite 201
New Prague, MN 56071
952-393-6143
premfert@earthlink.net

Pat is President of Remfert and Associates, Inc. located in New Prague, Minnesota. He works with manufacturers and distributors who want a competitive advantage in the market place, and who want to educate their people to be their very best.

In over three decades of working as an internal change agent in positions as Plant Manager, Director of Manufacturing, and Vice President of Operations, Remfert brings a unique inside perspective. Pat has a proven track record as being an excellent visionary, coach, leader, and mentor. He has helped 5 separate companies significantly increase their profitability and achieve a 95% on-time delivery.

Lean thinking concepts such as lead time reduction, lean inventory record integrity, cellular/focus factory manufacturing, kanban, setup reduction, 5S, integrated supply, and cross functional business teams are tools in which he has expert knowledge and experience. He has excellent teaching skills and is a competent educator at all levels of the organization. In fact, many people have said they have learned more professionally from Pat than any another person they have worked with.

Pat is recognized as a no-nonsense, get it done leader. His approach is to lead by example. He has worked for businesses that varied from the small privately held companies to the largest GE's of the world.

Pat earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Industrial Technology from the University of North Dakota.

He was nationally recognized by the National Association of Industrial Technology (NAIT) as Industrial Technologist of the Year.

 

Bill Sand
President
Ideal Valve Inc.
1475 Lavergne
Grafton, ND 58237
701-352-1164
bsand@idealvalve.com

 

Jim Satrom
President
PS Doors
4212 Gateway Drive
Grand Forks, ND 58203
701-746-4519
satrom@psdoors.com

Jim established PS DOORS during his college years at the University of North Dakota. For more than 35 years PS DOORS-Distribution has been a regional sales and service provider for specialty doors and related equipment to industrial and residential markets. PS DOORS also entered the manufacturing business in the late 1970's, designing and manufacturing custom application specialty industrial doors. The manufacturing division has expanded to include products for specialty industrial doors, safety gates, and flood protection barriers, which are shipped throughout North America and some international markets. Jim's focus in the manufacturing division is in new product design, and guidance to the design and engineering staff.

 

Jeff Scheving
Director of Engineering
Marvin Windows and Doors
PO Box 100 Highway 11 West
Warroad, MN 56763-0100
218-386-4142 ext. 61385
jeffsch@marvin.com

 

Emil Sigtryggsson
Engineering Manager
Marvin Windows and Doors
14835 Highway 17 West
Grafton, ND 58237
701-352-4077
g_emils@marvin.com

Emil was born and raised in Iceland. He became a journeyman in house construction and worked various construction jobs as well as furniture and cabinet making. Emil studied Manufacturing Technology at Bowling Green State University Ohio, and then transferred to UND and graduated with a B.S. degree in Industrial Technology in 1995. Since graduation, Emil has worked in various disciplines in manufacturing, currently as an Engineering Manager at Marvin Windows and Doors in Grafton, ND.

 

Jason Uhlir
Director of Campus Safety & Security/Risk Manager
Safety and Environmental Health/UND
Auxiliary Services Building, Room 203
3851 Campus Road, Stop 9031
Grand Forks, ND 58202-9031
701-777-3444
jasonuhlir@mail.und.edu

Jason C. Uhlir currently works as the Director of Campus Safety and Security at the University of North Dakota (UND). Under Mr. Uhlir's administration are the Environmental Health and Safety Department, University Police, Parking Office, Transportation Department, Campus Risk Management & Insurance Programs, and the University ID Card & Access Systems. Mr. Uhlir also instructs courses for UND's undergraduate program in Occupational Safety and Environmental Health.

Mr. Uhlir was honored as the Outstanding Safety Professional by the North Dakota Safety Council in 2007. He is involved with many campus, local, and national organizations, and has served as Vice President of the Northern Occupational Safety and Health Association (NOSHA).

Mr. Uhlir has a B.S. degree in Occupational Safety and Environmental Health and Industrial Technology, and a M.S. degree in Industrial Technology from UND. Mr. Uhlir's prior experience includes work in private business, hazardous materials management, agriculture, and landscaping.

 

Barry Underdahl
6 Sigma Black Belt
14747 County Road 30
Elk River, MN 55330
763-441-5369
underbn@q.com