Briselda Hernandez Herrera

AGE: 28

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST, SOURIS BASIN PLANNING COUNCIL MINOT, N.D.

Born and raised in Carlsbad, Calif., Briselda Hernandez Herrera moved to Minot in 2013 and joined the Souris Basin Planning Council in 2014. She works closely with entrepreneurs, community leaders and stakeholders in a seven-county region.

She manages a $2 million loan portfolio, in which she helped SBPC achieve a Level A rating through the U.S. Economic Development Administration. She’s currently leading a regional brownfield coalition project to help small communities redevelop Main Streets and dilapidated buildings.

Hernandez Herrera graduated from the University of San Diego with a bachelor’s degree in finance. She’s working on her master’s degree in public administration at the University of North Dakota and is pursuing the Certified Economic Development certification through the International Economic Development Council.

We are so very lucky to have Briselda as a resident and change cultivator in Minot and North Dakota. Briselda stands out among her peers simply for her sheer passion to make the world a better place. She has dedicated her life to helping others, and she does so in a way that every individual she works with – young, mature, no matter what color or socio-economic status – feels valued and respected.

Derek Hoeschen

AGE: 39

GENERAL MANAGER, MCGOUGH CONSTRUCTION CO. FARGO, N.D.

Derek Hoeschen has spent his career building complex projects with a high level of accountability and integrity. His successful project leadership has helped McGough deliver many of the region’s premier construction projects.

Hoeschen’s career began in the field as a brick tender and cement mason for a local contractor. Since then, he has held many field and office positions on some of the largest construction projects across the country.

This wide breadth of experience allows Hoeschen to relate to customers in key ways. For example, Hoeschen has a knack for quickly visualizing the success of the entire project, regardless of its size. This ability helps customers enjoy a construction process that’s free of surprises.

Hoeschen holds a bachelor’s degree in construction management from North Dakota State University. He is an instrument-rated private pilot, a certified Remote Pilot and an Experimental Aircraft Association tech counselor.

Derek approaches all projects – large or small – with professionalism. In addition to that, he is results-driven. This makes him a strong leader within the company as he empowers our people to grow and to build collaborative relationships and exceptional project outcomes and experiences.

Marshall Johnson

AGE: 33

VICE PRESIDENT, NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AUDUBON DAKOTA FARGO, N.D.

As both the youngest and longest-serving vice president and regional director in the National Audubon Society, Marshall Johnson and his team are breaking new ground with a more market-driven approach to conservation in the Dakotas.

If readers have seen beef in their local stores labelled “Raised on Audubon certified bird-friendly land,” they’ve glimpsed Audubon Dakota’s recent work, which strives to align the interests of ranchers, retailers and consumers with those of grasslands, herds and birds.

Born in California and raised in Texas, Johnson graduated from the University of Minnesota with a business degree. He has served on the North Dakota Natural Resources Trust Board of Directors for more than five years and has been executive director of Audubon Dakota for more than seven years.

Johnson pioneered the Urban Woods and Prairies Initiative, now the largest urban habitat initiative in the northern great plains. By 2020, he and his team have the goal of ensuring that 50 percent of North Dakotans are within walking distance of a nature park.

In February, Johnson was presented with the North Dakota Habitat Award from the North Dakota Chapter of the Wildlife Society.

Becoming executive director of Audubon Dakota at age 26, Johnson inherited a program in decline, one with a $200,000 deficit, unmanaged properties and a lack of any projects or staff.

Today, he has a talented staff, a cadre of wise advisory board members, the largest urban conservation program in the Northern Great Plains and America’s largest and most promising market-based grasslands program.

Michelle Klobassa

AGE: 38

PRINCIPAL & SENIOR ARCHITECT, TSP SIOUX FALLS, S.D.

Michelle Klobassa grew up in Fargo, N.D., where she was the only girl in her high school drafting classes. She earned both her bachelor’s degree in environmental design and her master’s degree in architecture from Montana State University.

In 2004, she joined Group II architects in Sioux Falls, S.D., as an architectural graduate. The legacy firm later merged with TSP, Inc., and its integrated, fullservice team of designers, engineers and planners.

Since becoming a registered professional in 2010, Klobassa has moved between architect and project manager duties. She is one of only two women architects who have risen to become a principal in TSP’s nearly 90-year history – and the first woman to serve as a voting member on TSP’s board.

Klobassa and her husband, Ryan, are parents of two young daughters.

Michelle’s chosen career is a challenging one that requires lifelong learning. A current project to create a new campus for blind, visually impaired and hearingimpaired students demanded rethinking every convention.

Collaborating closely with families, administrators and a consulting architect who lost his sight later in life, Michelle is leading the design to consider the unique human experience of those who will feel rather than see the impact environment has on learning.

Josh Kuntz

AGE: 36

OWNER AND PROJECT MANAGER, PRESTIGE HOMES & DESIGN INC. BISMARCK, N.D.

Josh Kuntz is the sole owner and project manager at Prestige Homes and Design, Inc., a custom residential home building company in Bismarck.

A graduate of the North Dakota State College of Science, Kuntz has a background in architectural design and has been active in the homebuilding business since 2003. In 2010, he founded Prestige Homes & Design. He specializes in creating custom homes with innovative designs specific to the customer’s unique aesthetic.

Kuntz is involved in the home building process from start to finish. He is a member of the Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association, sits on an architectural review board and is vice-president of his local homeowners association.

Kuntz and his wife, Rachel, live in Bismarck with their daughters.

Kuntz’s approach to home building is very forward-thinking. He designs custom homes where the customer sets the direction, and he makes it happen. His designs are innovative and detailed. And on top of being a entrepreneur and community leader, Josh is also a husband and father of two. Knowing Josh personally and professionally, I cannot think of a better person to be given this recognition.

Stephanie Magenau

AGE: 38

CONTROLLER, CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERS

GRAND FORKS, N.D.

Stephanie Magenau holds an accounting degree from the University of North Dakota. She began work at Construction Engineers just before graduating from college in 2002. In 2013, she was promoted to controller and now oversees all aspects of finance.

Magenau is one of 11 Certified Construction Industry Financial Professionals in North Dakota. She is a founding member of the Dakota Chapter of the Construction Financial Management Association and serves as its Immediate Past President. She also chairs the CFMA Chapter Resource Committee at the national level.

She was the 2018 Dakota Chapter Member of the Year.

Magenau is the president of Manvel (N.D.) Public School PTO. She also volunteers with Sharon Lutheran Church, the Community Violence Intervention Center and other charities throughout the year.

She and her husband, Dale, live near Manvel with their children.

Throughout her career, Stephanie has played an important role in the success of Construction Engineers. She has a superior work ethic and a wide range of industry and financial knowledge. She is a talented accounting professional who is extremely dedicated to her career, her industry and the communities she serves.

As can be seen by her participation in industry and community organizations, Stephanie goes above and beyond!

Laura Mitchell

AGE: 35

VICE PRESIDENT OF DIGITAL, LAWRENCE & SCHILLER SIOUX FALLS, S.D.

Laura Mitchell started as an intern at Lawrence & Schiller, and upon graduation from South Dakota State University, joined the marketing and advertising company as an account coordinator.

After a brief hiatus to work on South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard’s campaign, she returned to L&S as a digital strategist. Her roles changed as she took on more responsibilities, and she eventually became the vice-president of digital in 2017.

Mitchell has led strategies for South Dakota Tourism, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Black Hills Central Reservations, Midco and more. She also lends her expertise to the Butterfly House and Aquarium’s board of directors and EmBe’s marketing board.

A loyal Jackrabbit, Mitchell is a frequent guest lecturer at SDSU. She is also a 2016 graduate of Leadership South Dakota.

Laura’s natural curiosity and desire to excel, combined with her easygoing personality and ability to mentor and manage others, make her an invaluable part of the L&S leadership team. Her charisma mixed with a clear ability to communicate to clients and our internal team is what makes her a great leader. Her digital know-how is exactly what businesses need to be competitive in today’s digital age.

Mike McLean

AGE: 34

ARCHITECT/MARKET LEADER, JLG ARCHITECTS GRAND FORKS, N.D.

As the leader of JLG’s Grand Forks office, Mike McLean has dedicated himself to building a better North Dakota since joining JLG more than 11 years ago.

McLean graduated with a master’s degree in architecture from North Dakota State University in 2007.

From 2013 to 2016, McLean led JLG’s office in Williston, N.D. During that time, he was instrumental in helping deliver such high-profile projects as the Mountrail Williams Electric Cooperative Headquarters and the Williams County Highway Complex.

Recently, McLean led a downtown master plan for Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that won a Certificate of Merit Award at the 2018 International Downtown Association Conference.

McLean is involved in several local organizations, including the Young Professionals Advisory Board and the Chamber BGEA Committee. McLean and his wife, Liza, live in Grand Forks with their daughter.

As one of the most successful architects of his age in the state and a standout in a company of more than 120 people, Mike is a true leader. For example, he has led over 50 projects at JLG (a large number for someone his age), and has been involved in five North Dakota American Institute of Architects award-winning projects – a highly prestigious number in our profession and in our region.

Lynn Slaathaug Moen

AGE: 34

PARTNER AND ATTORNEY, BRUDVIK LAW OFFICE

MAYVILLE, N.D.

Lynn Slaathaug Moen is a partner and attorney at Brudvik Law Office. She has played a key role in growing the firm from one location and four employees to eight locations and nearly 30 employees since the company’s inception in 2009.

Slaathaug Moen graduated from the University of North Dakota with a degree in business management and went on to graduate from the University of North Dakota School of Law. She joined Brudvik Law Office in 2010 and became the firm’s first partner in 2017.

She currently serves as a Mayville State University Foundation executiveboard member and is a volunteer on the MayPort Community Club’s Winterfest committee.

She and her husband, Charlie, have two children.

Few women in our region are partners of a law firm; Lynn is one, and she has accomplished this at a very young age. She has been an integral part of the law firm’s growth, and when challenged, she’ll always choose the high road.

Don Morgan is a father of four and has worked in the banking industry for 18 years. He currently serves as the chief financial officer for Starion Bank in Bismarck, N.D.

An avid rodeo athlete, he now spends his free time coaching his children in the sport of rodeo and enjoys traveling around the state competing as a family.

He and his wife Shanda, a realtor with Oaktree Realtors in Bismarck, N.D., own and operate the Branded Envy western boutique store. Both enjoy working with the family ranch, hunting outfitter and wedding destination resort: Black Leg Ranch and Rolling Plains Adventures in McKenzie, N.D. Don is a cowboy, not only because he was a rodeo team member at University of Wyoming (where the mascot is the Cowboys), but in every sense of the word. They say that honor, loyalty and courage lie at the heart of the Cowboy Way, and Don has spent his life learning and honing his professional skills through the lens of a cowboy.

Not one to forget his roots, Don continues to get dirt under his fingernails raising a family of little cowpokes, and all of them are active participants with his wife and in-laws, the eighth- and ninth-generation owners of one of the oldest working cattle ranches in North Dakota.

Raquel Nachatilo

AGE: 37

Dia Northrop

AGE: 37

HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR, MISSOURI VALLEY FAMILY YMCA BISMARCK,

N.D.

Raquel Nachatilo has been honored to serve as the human resources director at the Missouri Valley Family YMCA in Bismarck since 2012. She has 13 years of human resources experience in the areas of employee relations, organizational development, performance management, benefits, compensation and recruitment.

Nachatilo has served as the Central Dakota HR Association Membership Chair since 2014 and was recently elected to the President Elect role for 2019-20. She was awarded the Central Dakota Human Resources Association Top Member in 2015 and 2016 and was a nominee for the North Dakota HR Professional Excellence in Human Resource Management Award in 2017. In 2017, she partnered with Missouri Slope Area United Way as the Council of United Way Agencies president.

Nachatilo is most proud of her YMCA’s recent recognition as a 2018 Prairie Business Magazine’s 50 Best Places to Work.

Raquel is always approachable, patient and accessible to all staff in her role as human resources director. She makes time for anyone who has any issue, large or small, at the Y or in the community. She is kind and caring, and anyone who works with her aspires to be a better co-worker and employee because of her great leadership skills.

ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT/ PERSONAL BANKER, CORNERSTONE BANK WATFORD CITY, N.D.

As an assistant vice president with Cornerstone Bank, Dia Northrop helps customers realize their goals of homeownership as well as retail banking. She began her career with Cornerstone Bank in 2006. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Dickinson State University and in 2012, she graduated from the North Dakota Bankers’ Association Dakota School of Banking and earned the 2017 Cornerstone Award. She has been awarded the local 4H alumni award and is an active member of the community, being involved in her church, Rotary Club and Cattlewomen, and she helps with day-care fundraising efforts.

Northrop enjoys her rural lifestyle with her husband and two children. Dia stands out among lenders with her ability to work with people to establish their credit. If a customer has not yet established credit or has a history of poor performance, she will work with them to find possible products and solutions that meet their needs. She is approachable and helpful, and her customers are comfortable asking for her help. She truly cares about her customers.

Mitch Okeson

AGE: 38

PRINCIPAL ENGINEER, SANDMAN STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS MOORHEAD, MINN.

Mitch Okeson is a structural and professional engineer and is licensed in more than 20 states. As an owner and principal at Sandman Structural Engineers, Okeson leads the company’s operations and is an in-house technical expert.

He joined Sandman Structural Engineers in 2006, from which he helped build the company from the ground up. Since that time, SSE has grown to be the largest structural engineering firm in the region.

Okeson earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from North Dakota State University.

He and his wife, Katie, live in Detroit Lakes, Minn., with their four children. They are active in their church and enjoy spending time outdoors as a family.

Mitch has a rare combination of technical excellence and a true sense of caring for people. He works hard to create a healthy and fun culture at Sandman. That work has been rewarded with the great people Sandman has been able to recruit and retain.

Mitch has been a key leader in the profitable growth of this specialized engineering company.