EAST MEETS WEST TOUR
Aug. 26-27 2025
ATTENDEE PACKET
YOUR STRATEGIC GUIDE FOR THE 2025 EAST MEETS WEST TOUR
Staff Contacts
If you require any assistance, please reach out to any staff members listed on these pages
Attendees
View the list of business leaders, community champions and change-makers joining you on the tour.
Sponsors
View the list of event sponsors so you know who to thank for making this event possible
Flight Groups
Here’s where you’ll find your flight assignment so you know which plane you will be on.
Agenda-at-a-Glance
Want a snapshot of what’s ahead? Our at-a-glance agenda highlights key meetings, briefings, and networking opportunities
Full Agenda
The full agenda is packed with details and high-impact moments. Review the schedule and start planning how you’ll engage.
Resources
These resources are meant to educate you on topics of discussion during the event.
Learn more about the city of Dickinson in this one-page community profile
Speakers and Legislators
Get to know our event speakers and legislators. Bios provide a quick overview of their backgrounds and areas of focus.
Name Company Email
Doug Arvin
Cody Cashman
Michael Casper
Kevin Christianson
David Cook
Andrew Curley
Amy Denz
Derrik Ellingson
Ryan Grussing
Kevin Hochman
Carl Jackson
Kara Jorvig
Kurt Lysne
Tara May
Tami Norgard
Levi Otis
Shawn Paschke
Jim Roers
Shannon Roers Jones
Taya Spelhaug
Shane Waslaski
Julie Whitney
Todd Zabel
Essentia Health
Red River Valley Fair Association
Collective
Christianson Companies
North Dakota State University
Midco
Moore Engineering, Inc.
Ellingson Companies
Cornerstone Bank
Great States Construction Inc
Moore Engineering, Inc.
Allegro Group
Moore Engineering, Inc
R.D. Offutt Company
Vogel Law Firm
Ellingson Companies
Xcel Energy
ROERS
ROERS
Microsoft Vistal
Bremer Bank
Bell Bank
douglas.arvin@essentiahealth.org cody@redrivervalleyfair.com michael@greatstates com kc@christiansoncompanies com david.j.cook@ndsu.edu
andrew.curley@midco.com amy.denz@mooreengineeringinc.com dellingson@ellingsoncompanies com ryan.grussing@cornerstone.bank kevin@greatstates.com carl.jackson@mooreengineeringinc.com kara.jorvig@allegro-group.com kurt lysne@mooreengineeringinc com tmay@rdoffutt.com tnorgard@vogellaw.com lotis@ellingsoncompanies.com shawn t paschke@xcelenergy com jroers@roers com shannon@roers.com taya.spelhaug@microsoft.com shane.waslaski@vistal.com juliewhitney@gatecity bank tzabel@bell.bank
PREMIER SPONSOR
DINNER SPONSOR
PLANE SPONSORS
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Plane 1: RDO
Katherine Grindberg, FMWF Chamber
Tara May, RDO
Taya Spelhaug, Microsoft
Levi Otis, Ellingson Companies
Jim Roers, ROERS
Amy Denz, Moore Engineering
Plane 3: Christianson Companies
Shannon Full, FMWF Chamber
Kevin Christianson, Christianson Companies
Dave Cook, North Dakota State University
Shane Waslaski, Moore Engineering
Derrick Ellingson, Ellingson Companies
Cody Cashman, Red River Valley Fair Grounds
Julie Whitney, Gate City Bank
Plane 2: Great States
Cale Dunwoody, FMWF Chamber
Michael Casper, Great States
Kevin Hochman, Great States
Tami Norgard, Vogel Law Firm
Andrew Curley, Midco
Ryan Grussing, Cornerstone Bank
Plane 4: Bell Bank
Nicolette Bresnahan, FMWF Chamber
Todd Zabel, Bell Bank
Kara Jorvig, Allegro Group
Shawn Paschke, Xcel Energy
Kurt Lysne, Moore Engineering
Doug Arvin, Essentia Health
Shannon Jones Roers, ROERS
PLANE SPONSORS
Thank you to East Meets West Tour plane sponsors, Bell Bank, Christianson Companies, Great States Construction and R D Offutt Company for making our flights possible!
6:30 a.m. CDT
7 a m CDT
| Arrive at Airport
| Departure
Fargo Hector International Airport
Fargo Hector International Airport
Below times are in Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) to reflect Dickinson’s time zone
7:15 a.m.
8:45 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a m
11 a.m.
Noon
12:15 p.m.
12:25 p.m.
1:30 p.m.
3 p m
3 p.m.
3:45 p.m.
4:15 p.m.
5:15 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
7:30 p m
9:45 p.m.
| Arrive in Dickinson
| Welcome Briefing
| Education Tour
| Networking w/ Legislators
| Lunch w/ Legislators
| Break | Load Bus
| Travel
| Education Tour
| Load Bus
| Hotel Check In
| Load Bus
| Happy Hour
| Dinner | Load Bus
| Medora Musical
| Optional Happy Hour
Dickinson T.R. Regional Airport
Southwest Area CTE Academy
Southwest Area CTE Academy
Southwest Area CTE Academy
Southwest Area CTE Academy
Southwest Area CTE Academy
Southwest Area CTE Academy
Medora
Theodore Roosevelt Library
Theodore Roosevelt Library
Rough Rider Hotel
Rough Rider Hotel
Bully Canyon
Bully Canyon
Bully Canyon
Medora
Emily and Rolf Sletten’s Residence
Below times are in Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) to reflect Dickinson’s time zone.
6:50 a.m.
7 a.m.
8:15 a.m.
9:15 a m
9:30 a.m.
9:45 a.m.
11:15 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
Noon
1 p m
1:15 p.m.
2:30 p.m.
2:45 p.m.
6 p.m. CDT
| Load Bus
| Travel to Dickinson
| Agriculture Briefing | Load Bus | Travel | Manufacturing Tour | Load Bus | Travel | Lunch and Energy Briefing | Travel | Energy Tour
| Load Bus and Travel
| Arrive at Airport
| Arrive in Fargo
Rough Rider Hotel
Dickinson State University
Dickinson State University
Dickinson State University
Baker Boy
Baker Boy
Baker Boy
Phat Fish Brewing
Phat Fish Brewing
Marathon Oil Corporation
Marathon Oil Corporation
Marathon Oil Corporation
Dickinson T.R. Regional Airport
Hector International Airport
Tuesday Day 1 Aug 26
6:30 a.m. CDT
Attendee Arrival
Hector International Airport 2801 32nd Ave. NW, Fargo
7 a.m CDT
Flight to Dickinson
Hector International Airport 2801 32nd Ave NW, Fargo
Below times are in Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) to reflect Dickinson’s time zone
7:15 a.m
Arrival in Dickinson
Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt | Western Edge Aviation 11160 42nd St SW, Dickinson
7:30 a.m.
8:00 a.m.
8:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
11 a.m.
Noon 12:15 p.m.
Load Bus
Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt | Western Edge Aviation 11160 42nd St. SW, Dickinson
Travel
Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy 271 34th St. W, Dickinson
Welcome and Event Briefing
Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy 271 34th St W, Dickinson
Speakers: Shannon Full (President/CEO, FMWF Chamber), Scott Decker (Mayor of Dickinson), Carter Fong (City of Dickinon) Light breakfast provided
Education Tour
Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy 271 34th St. W, Dickinson
Networking with Legislators
Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy 271 34th St W, Dickinson
Lunch with Legislators
Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy 271 34th St W, Dickinson
Break
Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy 271 34th St. W, Dickinson
Load Bus
Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy 271 34th St. W, Dickinson
Tuesday Day 1
Aug 26
12:25 p.m.
1:15 p.m.
1:30 p.m.
3 p.m.
3:15 p.m.
3:45 p.m.
4 p.m.
4:15 p.m.
5:15 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
9:45 p.m.
Travel
Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
350 3rd Ave., Medora
Arrive in Medora - Break
Theodore Roosevelt Presedential Library
350 3rd Ave , Medora
Education Tour
Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
350 3rd Ave., Medora
Load Bus and Travel
Theodore Roosevelt Library
350 3rd Ave., Medora
Hotel Check In and Break
Rough Riders Hotel
301 3rd Ave , Medora
Load Bus
Rough Rider Hotel
301 3rd Ave , Medora
Travel
Bully Canyon
3731 Bible Camp Rd., Medora
Happy Hour
Bully Canyon
3731 Bible Camp Rd , Medora
Dinner
Bully Canyon
3731 Bible Camp Rd , Medora
Load Bus and Travel
Bully Canyon
3731 Bible Camp Rd , Medora
Medora Musical
Burning Hills Amphitheatre
3422 Chatteau Rd., Medora
Optional: Evening Social
Emily and Rolf Sletten’s Residence
301 5 St., Medora th
Wednesday Day 2 Aug 27
6:45 a.m.
7 a.m.
7:45 a.m.
9 a.m.
9:15 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
9:45 a.m.
11:15 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
Noon
12:45 p.m.
Load Bus
Rough Rider Hotel
301 3rd Ave., Medora
Travel
Dickinson State University
400 State Ave , Dickinson
Agriculture Briefing
Dickinson State University - Agriculture Building
400 State Ave , Dickinson
Speakers: Rep Ty Dressler, James Oderman, Sen Greg Kessler
Breakfast provided
Agriculture Tour
Dickinson State University - Agriculture Building
400 State Ave , Dickinson
Load Bus
Dickinson State University
400 State Ave , Dickinson
Travel
Baker Boy, Inc.
170 Gta Dr , Dickinson
Tour: Manufacturing
Baker Boy, Inc.
170 Gta Dr., Dickinson
Load Bus
Baker Boy, Inc
170 Gta Dr., Dickinson
Travel
Phat Fish Brewing
1031 W Villard St , Dickinson
Lunch and Energy Briefing
Phat Fish Brewing
1031 W Villard St , Dickinson
Speaker: Dick Vande Bossche (V P of Operations, ONEOK Rockies Midstream)
Load Bus
Phat Fish Brewing
1031 W Villard St , Dickinson
Day 2
Tuesday
Aug 26
1 p.m.
1:15 p.m.
2:30 p.m.
2:30 p.m.
Travel
Marathon Oil Corporation 3172 Highway 22 N, Dickinson
Tour: Energy
Marathon Oil Corporation 3172 Highway 22 N, Dickinson
Load Bus
Marathon Oil Corporation 3172 Highway 22 N, Dickinson
Travel
Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport 11120 42nd St. SW, Dickinson
2:45 p.m Arrive at Airport
Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport 11120 42nd St SW, Dickinson
3:45 p.m.
Departure from Dickinson
Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport 11120 42nd St SW, Dickinson
6 p.m. CDT Arrival in Fargo
Hector International Airport 2801 32nd Ave. NW, Fargo
RESOURCES
If viewing this packet virtually, click each item’s name below to view. When viewing this packet’s hard copy, scan the QR code below to access these resources from your printed packet on your mobile device.
FEDERAL AND STATE PRIORITIES
Read the specifics of our Federal and State priorities. Topics include:
North Dakota Priorities Workforce Business Education Community Federal Priorities Workforce Business Military Community Investments
LEGISLATIVE REVIEW GUIDE
This review outlines the outcomes of The Chamber's top priorities of the 2025 Sessions, including the voting records of local legislators on these critical issues.
PUBLIC POLICY GUIDE
This guide outlines the region’s legislative landscape and an overview of the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber’s public policy stances and efforts.
PUBLIC POLICY BLOG ARTICLES
See what The Chamber has been up to, from reviewing Legislative Outcomes to covering the most relevant topics hitting our region and state with blogs like:
Inside the N.D. Legislature: What Businesses Need to Know from the 2025 Session Discussions in D.C. | Key Priorities from FMWF Business Leaders
Advocating for Our Region in the Nation’s Capital
LINK TREE
Your one-stop shop for digital access to all of the above resources.
Mayor Scott Decker City of Dickinson
Mayor Scott J. Decker is a native of Dickinson, North Dakota. He is a graduate of Dickinson State University (DSU), as well as the University of Oklahoma’s College of Law with a master’s in Natural Resources and Energy Law.
He served 21 years in the United States Army and in the North Dakota Army National Guard. He entered service in 1989 as an Infantryman and was initially stationed at Ft Benning, GA. He deployed in 1990 in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and returned in 1991.
Upon his return, he served as the Assistant Operations NCO for the Infantry Officer Basic Course. He then was assigned to Camp Hovey, South Korea from 1995-96. He returned to Ft. Benning and was selected as the lead tester and spokesman for the Land Warrior Project. He helped develop, design and test multiple modern pieces of field equipment and weapon systems for the United States Army.
Mr. Decker separated from the U.S. Army in 1998 and returned to Dickinson. Upon his return to his hometown, he joined the North Dakota Army National Guard and continued his education at DSU.
In July 2000, he was selected to become the full-time recruiter for the North Dakota Army National Guard Southwest Recruiting Station located in the Dickinson. He served as an AGR recruiter and station commander until his retirement in September 2010.
Scott went to work after his retirement in the Bakken Oilfield, first working as a Right-ofWay Agent for Diamond Resources and then later as a Safety Trainer for an oilfield safety company. He currently is the Compliance and Safety Officer for ND Pharmacy, INC.
Mr. Decker was first elected as a Dickinson City Commissioner in 2014 and was elected Dickinson City Mayor and President of the city commission in 2016. Scott is the recipient of the Order of St. Maurice for distinguished contribution and loyal support of the Infantry. He is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign War and is also a member of the American Legion. Decker and his wife, Shelly, have two children, Jake who is a pharmacist and pharmacy practices coordinator in Nashville, TN, and Alaynea who is a Senior Firefighter for the City of Dickinson.
Carter Fong City of Dickinson
After more than four years as the Executive Director at the Dickinson Area Chamber, Carter Fong is now the Marketing and Events Director for the City of Dickinson, while continuing to support the Chamber in its transition. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member in the Dikcinson State University Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program.
Carter is a Dickinson native and a North Dakota State University graduate who spent 12 years as a Social Studies instructor, coach and administrator at Dickinson Trinity High School. He then transitioned to the Chamber in May of 2021. He will now help to sell the community and the region from Dickinson's City Hall.
At the City of Dickinson, Carter is tasked with event programming at Legacy Square, including the Live at Legacy Square concert series. He also guides the high school representatives on the Dickinson Youth Commission to lead by example and to engage with the public on matters that are important to area teens. He hosts "The Square Deal", a weekly YouTube podcast featuring leaders, legends and lifestyle in western North Dakota. Most importantly, he will be a liaison between leaders in Dickinson and Medora as these communities work together to prepare for the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in 2026.
Carter's wife Stephanie Fong worked for the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation when they married in 2012. She is now the Communications Coordinator for the Trinity school system. Carter and Stephanie have three children: Sydney (11), Parker (9) and Peyton (5).
Representative Ty Dressler (R) District 36 Dunn, Morton and Stark Counties
Ag Business Owner and Rancher
BA, Natural Resources Management, North Dakota State University; Past, Richardton-Taylor School Board; Richardton Lions Club
Married (Daneen); 3 children House since 2025
Representative Ty Dressler was first elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives in 2024 representing District 36. Rep. Dressler and his family own and operate Stone Mill, a food-grade, specialty grain processing facility. He is also a rancher, and he previously served as a member of the Richardton-Taylor School Board. He received a BS in Natural Resource Management from North Dakota State University, and he and his wife Daneen have 3 children and live in Richardton.
Currently, Rep. Dressler serves on the following standing and interim committees:
Vice Chair | Interim Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee
Member | Interim Government Finance Committee
Member | House Finance and Taxation Committee
Member | House Transportation Committee
Senator Greg Kessel (R)
District 39
Adams, Billings, Bowman, Golden Valley, Slope, Dunn, Hettinger and Stark Counties
Farmer
Owner and Operator of Arrow K Farms and Missouri West Seed Conditioning; Partner of Two Track Malting
Attended North Dakota State College of Science
Married (Stacey)
Senate since 2022
Senator Greg Kessel was first elected to the North Dakota Senate in 2022, representing District 39. Sen. Kessel and his wife own and operate Arrow K Farms, a farming operation and seed production business, Missouri West Seed Conditioning, a small grains and pulse crop cleaning/ conditioning service, and are partners of Two Track Malting, a craft malting facility. He attended North Dakota State College of Science, and he and his wife Stacey live in Belfield.
Currently, Sen. Kessel serves on the following standing and interim committees:
Vice Chair | Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Member | Senate Industry and Business Committee
Member | Interim Emergency Response Services Committee
Member | Energy Development and Transmission Committee
Jacob Odermann
Odermann Cattle Company
Third-generation Billings County rancher
Part of the Odermann Cattle Company and Odermann Organics family operations
Married (AJ); 4 children
Vice-Chair, North Dakota State University Dickinson Research Extension Center Advisory Board
Jacob Odermann is a third-generation rancher in Billings County, North Dakota, actively involved in the family’s cattle operations alongside his wife AJ and their four children. Their operation emphasizes sustainable grazing practices, conservation of air, water and soil resources, and producing functional cattle that perform well in all aspects of ranching.
Jacob serves as vice-chair of the North Dakota State University Dickinson Research Extension Center Advisory Board and works closely with Extension personnel and range scientists to implement best practices on the ranch. He and his family have utilized advanced management systems such as the twice-over grazing system and the Cow Herd Appraisal Performance Software (CHAPS) to improve herd quality, forage efficiency and overall ranch profitability, continuing a legacy of four generations of Odermann ranching.
Justin Kringstad ONEOK
Director of North Dakota Pipeline Authority for ONEOK
Past Chair, Technical Review Committee for the Natural Gas Pipeline Program
Justin Kringstad is the Director of the North Dakota Pipeline Authority under the Industrial Commission. In 2023, he testified before the House Appropriations Committee on the Pipeline Authority’s operations and funding, including oversight of the $150 million Natural Gas Pipeline Program authorized during the 2021 legislative special session. In that role, he chaired the technical review committee and helped guide pipeline projects supporting North Dakota’s fiscal health.
In 2025, Kringstad continues to provide leadership on expanding natural gas pipeline capacity in the state, including evaluating projects competing for up to $500 million in state-backed financial guarantees. His work focuses on enhancing energy security, supporting economic development and ensuring reliable natural gas supply for eastern North Dakota, while helping Bakken oil producers efficiently deliver gas to market.
Senator Dale Patten (R)
District 26
Dunn and McKenzie Counties
Retired Market President, Cornerstone Bank
BS, Animal Science, North Dakota State University
McKenzie County Commission (2000-2012)
Married (Joy); 2 children
Senate since 2019
Senator Dale Patten was first elected to the North Dakota State Senate in 2018, where he represented District 39, which is now District 26 following the redistricting process. In 2017, Patten retired from Cornerstone Bank as Market President after a distinguished 33-year career in the Banking sector.
Previously, he served as a McKenzie County Commissioner from 2000 to 2012. Sen. Patten graduate from North Dakota State University with a BS in Animal Science, and he and his wife Joy live in Watford City and have two children.
Currently, Sen. Patten serves on the following standing and interim committees:
Chairman | Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Chairman | Interim Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee
Member | Senate Finance and Taxation Committee
Member | Interim Emergency Response Services Committee
Member | Interim Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee
Representative Roger Maki (R) District 26 Dunn and McKenzie Counties
Retired business owner Board, Cross Point Church Married (MaryLynn); 2 children; 4 grandchildren House since 2025
Representative Roger Maki was first elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives in 2024, representing District 26. Rep. Maki is a multi-business owner with experience in the oil and transportation industry. He and his wife MaryLynn live in Watford City and have 2 children and 4 grandchildren.
Currently, Rep. Maki serves on the following standing and interim committees:
Member | House Education Committee
Member | House Transportation Committee
Member | Interim Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee
Representative Kelby Timmons (R) District 26 Dunn and McKenzie Counties
Co-Founder of J and K Plating
Johnson Corners Christian Academy Married (Andrea), 1 son House 2023-24, since 2025
Representative Kelby Timmons was first elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives in 2022 for a two-year term representing District 26. During the 2024 Republican Primary election, Rep. Timmons lost by 13 votes. Later, he was appointed to fill the vacant seat of former Rep. Jeremy Olson who resigned on May 5, 2025. He is a co-founder of J and K Plating, an electroless nickel plating service. He and his wife Andrea live in Watford City and have a son.
Currently, Rep. Timmons serves on the following interim committees: Member | Interim Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee Member | Government Finance Committee
Senator Donald Schaible District 31
Grant, Hettinger, Morton and Sioux Counties
Farmer
AS, Agriculture, North Dakota State University
Past President, Mott/Regent School Board; EMT-1, Mott Ambulance Service; FFI, Mott Volunteer Fire Brigade; Trustee, Zoar Congregational Church
Married (Carmen); 4 children
Senate since 2011
Senator Donald Schaible was first elected to the North Dakota Senate in 2010 representing District 31. Senator Schaible is a farmer and formerly served as the President of the Mott/Regent School Board. In 2023, he served as the Senate President Pro Tempore. He received an AS in Agriculture from North Dakota State University, and he and his wife Carmen live in Mott and have 4 children.
Currently, Sen. Schaible serves on the following standing and interim committees:
Vice Chair | Interim Emergency Response Services Committee
Member | Senate Appropriations Committee
Member | Senator Appropriations – Education and Environment Division
Member | Interim Budget Section Committee
Member | Interim Budget Section Committee – Education and Environment Division
Member | Government Finance Division
Representative Dawson Holle (R) District 31 Grant, Hettinger, Morton and Sioux Counties
Dairy Farmer; Student University of Mary Youngest legislator in North Dakota history; North Dakota Young Republicans House since 2023
Representative Dawson Holle was first elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives in 2022, representing District 31. Rep. Holle is a sixth-generation dairy farmer and is currently a student at the University of Mary. He is the youngest lawmaker in North Dakota history, being elected at 18 years old. He lives in Mandan.
Currently, Rep. Holle serves on the following standing and interim committees:
Chairman | Interim Tribal and State Relations Committee
Member | House Agriculture Committee
Member | House Human Services Committee
Member | Interim Emergency Response Services Committee
Representative Karen Rohr (R) District 31
Grant, Hettinger, Morton and Sioux Counties
Adjunct Faculty Professor in Higher Education
Nurse Practitioner
PhD Nursing and Board Certified Nurse Practitioner
BILLD Fellow; Henry Toll Fellow; Life Protector; ND Chamber Champion; Lignite Protector; NRA “A” Rating; Endorsed by: NDIB, NDFB, NDAR, BisMan Board of Realtors; Kiwanis; PEO; Elks Lodge 1199; ND Nurse Practitioner Association 3 children; 5 grandchildren House since 2011
Representative Karen Rohr was first elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives in 2010, representing District 31. Rep. Rohr is a Family Nurse Practitioner at the Good Samaritan Society and serves as an adjunct faculty professor at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University and Rasmussen University. She received a PhD in Nursing Research and Education from the the University of North Dakota. She has 3 children and 5 grandchildren and lives in Mandan.
Currently, Rep. Rohr serves on the following standing and interim committees:
Member | House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee
Member | House Human Services Committee
Member | Interim Health Care Committee
Member | Interim Human Services Committee
Senator Desiree van Oosting (R)
District 36
Dunn, Morton and Stark Counties
Small Business Owner, LMT
Attended North Dakota State College of Science, Minot State University and the Desert Institute of the Healing Arts
ND American Massage Therapy Association, Secretary (8 years), Outreach (11 years), Assembly of Delegates (4 years), Government relations (4 years)
Married (Bill)
Senate since 2025
Senator Desiree van Oosting was first elected to the North Dakota State Senate in 2024, representing District 36. Sen. van Oosting is a Licensed and Certified Massage Therapist and owner of Life Therapeutic Massage Center. She attended North Dakota State College of Science, Minot State University and the Desert Institute of the Healing Arts. She and her husband, Bill, live in Judson.
Currently, Sen. van Oosting serves on the following standing and interim committees:
Vice Chair | Interim Senate Health Care Committee
Member | Interim Energy Development and Transmission Committee
Member | Senate Human Services Committee
Member | Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Representative Dori Hauck (R) District 36 Dunn, Morton and Stark Counties
Rancher
BS, Management/Marketing, University of Mary; MS, Business Administration, Park University, Kansas City Board, Richardton Healthcare Foundation Married (Doug) House since 2021
Representative Dori Hauck was first appointed to the House of Representatives in 2021 representing District 36. She was appointed to fill the vacant seat previously held by former Rep. Luke Simons. Rep. Hauck is a rancher, writer and music teacher. She received her BS in Management/ Marketing from the University of Mary and MS in Business Administration from Park University, and she and her husband Doug live in Hebron.
Currently, Rep. Hauck serves on the following standing and interim committees:
Chair | Interim Agriculture and Water Management Committee
Vice Chair | House Agriculture Committee
Member | House Education Committee
Member | Information Technology Committee
Member | Legislative Management Committee
Senator Dean Rummel (R)
District 37
Stark County
Retired, TMI Systems Design Corp.
BA, Business Administration/Accounting, Dickinson State University; Attended University of North Dakota
Board, Dickinson Public School (1999-2010)
Chairman, ND Education Fact Finding Commission; SCORE Mentor; Board, TMI; Board, Badlands Crime Stoppers; Past, Dickinson Rural Fire Department and Rescue Squad; Dickinson Volunteer Fire Department; St Patrick’s Catholic Church Married (Danita); 3 children Senate since 2023
Senator Dean Rummel was first elected to the North Dakota Senate in 2022, representing District 37. Sen. Rummel is a retired President and COO of TMI Systems Design Corp, a manufacturer of institutional furniture for schools, hospital, labs, airports, museums and other public buildings. He received his BA in Business Administration and Accounting from Dickinson State University, and he and his wife Danita live in Dickinson and have three children.
Currently, Sen. Rummel serves on the following standing and interim committees:
Vice Chair | Senate Finance and Taxation Committee
Member | Senate Transportation Committee
Member | Interim Judiciary Committee
Member | Interim Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee
Representative Mike Lefor (R)
House Majority Leader
District 37 Stark County
President, Blackridge Enterprises LLC
Dickinson State University Graduate
President, Dickinson Park Board (2006-2014);
Chairman, CHI St. Joseph Hospital (2008-2014); City Commission (2016); Chairman, Planning and Zoning Commission (1993-2003)
Married (Sherryl); 3 children House since 2015
Representative Mike Lefor was first elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives in 2014, representing District 37, and he is currently the House Majority Leader. Rep. Lefor is the president of Blackridge Enterprises LLC, a residential and commercial property rental company. Previously, he served for eight years on the Dickinson Park Board, a year on the Dickinson City Commission, and chaired the Dickinson Planning and Zoning Commission for ten years. He is a graduate of Dickinson State University, and he and his wife Sherryl live in Dickinson and have three children.
Currently, Rep. Lefor serves on the following procedural and interim committees:
Chair | House Committee on Commitees
Chair | House Delayed Bills Committee
Chair | Interim Budget Section Committee – Leadership Division
Vice Chair | Legislative Management
Member | Interim Budget Section Committee
Member | Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee
Representative Vicky Steiner (R) District 37 Stark County
Real Estate Agent, Home and Land Company
BS, Minnesota State University Moorhead Rotary
Married (Calvin); 4 children; 12 grandchildren House since 2011
Representative Vicky Steiner was first elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives in 2010, representing District 37. Rep. Steiner is a Real Estate Agent at Home and Land Company. She received her BS in Marketing Communications from Minnesota State University Moorhead. She and her husband Calvin live in Dickinson and have four children and twelve grandchildren.
Currently, Rep. Steiner serves on the following standing and interim committees:
Member | House Finance and Taxation Committee
Member | House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee
Member | Interim Administrative Rules Committee
Member | Interim Government Finance Committee
Representative Keith Kempenich (R) District 39
Adams, Billings, Bowman, Golden Valley, Slope, Dunn, Hettinger and Stark Counties
Rancher; Crop Adjuster
Black Hills State Farm Bureau; AOPA
Married (Melinda); 3 children House since 1993
Representative Keith Kempenich was first elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives in 1992, representing District 39. Rep. Kempenich is a rancher and crop adjuster at NAU Country Insurance Company. He is a graduate of Black Hills State University, and he and his wife Melinda live in Bowman and have three children.
Currently, Rep. Kempenich serves on the following standing and interim committees:
Vice Chair | House Appropriations Committee
Member | House Appropriations – Government Operations Division
Member | Interim Agriculture and Water Management Committee
Member | Interim Budget Section Committee
Member | Interim Budget Section – Government Operations Division
Member | Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board
Representative Mike Schatz (R)
District 39
Adams, Billings, Bowman, Golden Valley, Slope, Dunn, Hettinger and Stark Counties
Retired
BS, History and Physical Education, Minot State University.; 101 Post grad hrs.
Education Standards and Practices Board (6 years); President, New England Park Board (17 years); TAFT Institute; ND Stockmen’s Association; ND Coaches Hall of Fame (Lifetime Member); Finalist, National Coach of the Year; ND Coaches Association Hall of Fame (Football)
Married (Patti); 4 children; 4 grandchildren House 1989-1990; 2009-present
Representative Mike Schatz was first elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives in 1988, representing District 39 until 1990 He was reelected in 2008 Rep Schatz is a retired social studies teacher and high school football coach for New England Public School Previously, he served as President of the New England Park board for 17 years He received his BS in Education from Minot State University, and he and his wife Patti live in New England and have four children and four grandchildren
Currently, Rep Schatz serves on the following standing and interim committees:
Member | House Industry, Business and Labor Committee
Member | House Transportation Committee
Member | Interim Education Committee
Secretary of State, Michael Howe
Michael Howe has deep North Dakota roots He is a fifth-generation farmer and is actively involved in operation of their seed farm near Casselton with his family
Michael’s connection to agriculture took him to North Dakota State University (NDSU), and later to Washington, D C , where he served as agriculture policy director for North Dakota Congressman Rick Berg After a stint in D C , he returned to North Dakota to continue policy work for the North Dakota Corn Growers Association. In 2014, he returned to the family farm and served on the Board of Directors for the North Dakota Grain Growers Association.
Michael served rural Cass County in the North Dakota Legislature for six years as State Representative from District 22 prior to becoming Secretary of State. In his second legislative session, he was appointed to the House Appropriations Committee and served as chairman of the Interim Government Finance Committee.
Michael was honored with the prestigious 2025 Horizon Award from NDSU. Since graduating from NDSU in 2010, he has demonstrated leadership and commitment to serving North Dakota while maintaining strong connections to his alma mater He was recognized alongside other distinguished alumni during the NDSU Foundation's 2025 Evening of Distinction ceremony
Michael is actively involved in the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) and currently serves as the Midwestern Region Vice-President on the Executive Board He is a member of the NASS Elections, Cybersecurity and Business Services committees and previously served as co-chair of the NASS Business Services Committee
As North Dakota Secretary of State, he also serves on the following state boards: Board of University and School Lands, Emergency Commission, State Historical Board, State Canvassing Board and Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award
Michael and his wife, Katie, married a year before he became North Dakota’s 15th Secretary of State on Jan 1, 2023 They and their black lab, Cannon, greatly enjoy exploring the beauty of North Dakota