Collin Kudrna

AGE: 32 PRESIDENT

OPTIMUM THERAPIES OF NORTH DAKOTA, INC BISMARCK, ND

Collin Kudrna, PT, DPT, OCS and wife Brittany grew up in Dickinson, N.D. Collin attended the University of Mary in Bismarck where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Collin, Brittany and their children are making the Bismarck-Mandan area their home. Collin once stated, “One of my career highlights is RETURNING HOME TO BENEFIT MY COMMUNITY THAT I LOVE!”

Optimum Therapies of North Dakota is an independent private practice provider with direct access. As a direct access provider (no referral necessary) Optimum Therapies is dedicated to helping people and employers restore and improve movement and function.

Collin’s clinic has brought to Bismarck and the surrounding areas a patient centered approach to treatment by therapists and staff that are truly passionate about helping people become the best version of themselves physically, emotionally and spiritually. Optimum Therapies uses evidence-based treatment techniques while treating the whole patient, not just the disease. Patients can count on receiving quality manual-based treatment by an Orthopedic Certified Specialist for acute or chronic injuries. Using innovative and compassionate techniques to treat and/or manage chronic pain rather than harmful opioid medications will help the patient avoid “just another failed treatment”.

In January, 2018 Dustin was named Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, managing the Office of Student Affairs including student activities; residence life; food service; campus safety; conferencing; strength, conditioning, and campus wellness; and buildings, grounds and facilities departments. The office’s focus is on fostering a healthy, safe and inclusive campus where students can maximize their personal potential while pursuing their educational dreams.

Dustin served as the Managing Director of Operations/Chief Operating Officer for the Colorado Golf Association (2015-2017) where he oversaw the competitions, handicapping, junior golf, and course rating departments. During this time, Jensen developed and launched the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado, a collaborative effort which streamlined the junior golf landscape for participants and partner organizations.

Other previous positions include UJ Jimmie Booster Club Executive Director and Director of Alumni Relations (2011-2014) and Head Coach, Golf (2012-2015, 2017), and for the CGA, Director of Youth Programs (20042011), and Assistant Director of Rules and Competitions (2002-2004).

A Jamestown native and UJ graduate, Jensen earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Economics and is currently completing his master’s degree in College Student Personnel Services from Arkansas State University.

Erik Hatch

AGE: 39

CEO & OWNER OF HATCH REALTY & HATCH COACHING. FARGO, ND

Erik is the proud husband to his smoking hot wife Emily, dad to his 5-year-old princess Finley and his 3-year-old T-Rex, Simon, and a passionate leader of the best people on earth at Hatch Realty and Hatch Coaching.

Erik is an author, speaker, do-gooder, entrepreneur (18 entities and counting), and leader who is motivated to be a chapter in as many people’s books as possible.

Erik’s real estate team has been #1 in ND since 2012 and has ranked in the top 50 in the country for the last three years. Additionally, Erik has been recognized as one of the top 25 real estate coaches in the country. His 1st book, “Play for the person next to you,” launched in September.

Dr. James Leiman is an executive professional, change agent, professor, mentor and small business owner that has successfully completed several governmental transformation efforts across the United States. James currently serves as the Director of Economic Development and Finance for the North Dakota Department of Commerce as well as Interim Director of the Workforce Division. Prior to joining Commerce in May 2018, James was a City Administrator in Minnesota. Before arriving in the Midwest, James managed a significant transformation portfolio at the Department of Veteran’s Affairs in Washington, DC resulting in a 30% reduction in the national claims backlog. As the lead for Integration and Synchronization, James oversaw a $140 million per year program and hundreds of employees which revamped the business process for thousands of employees.

Before joining VA, James managed several National Security programs at the Departments of Homeland Security, State and Agriculture where counter terrorism efforts were the focus; areas of operation included the US-Mexico border, the Caribbean and Persian Gulf. James also served in the Army and is a proud veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom where he was recognized for achievement overseas by serving as an Intelligence Analyst and interpreter.

Jay Kruse

AGE: 34

CREDIT UNION ASSOCIATION OF THE DAKOTAS SIOUX FALLS, SD

Jay Kruse is a graduate of Dakota State University, Madison. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Professional Accountancy and a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Finance. As Chief Advocacy Officer at Credit Union Association of the Dakotas, he is responsible for communication with elected representatives at state and federal levels. Jay is a registered lobbyist in both North and South Dakota. His time is focused on legislative and government affairs impacting credit unions throughout the Dakotas, but is also a certified Credit Union Compliance Expert (CUCE) and planning session facilitator. There are always new challenges imposed on credit unions, and Jay is out in front of these issues. Advocating for credit unions is important to him, believing strongly in our mission: “Not for profit, not for charity, but for service.”

Jay resides in Dell Rapids, S.D., with his lovely wife, Teri, and their four dogs: Zazu, Kota, Hadley, and Cheeks.

Jillian Reiner

AGE: 37 PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT ALEXANDRIA, MINN.

Jillian moved to the Alexandria area in 2017 as the only Landscape Architect working in the area. She has embraced her role at Hagstrom Engineering where she is the main point of contact for potential clients and coordinates all plan production as the manager of the landscape architecture department. She continues to further the community’s knowledge by showing the value a landscape architect can bring to the planning process.

Jillian’s believes her job as a landscape architect is to create an experience for the user by designing inspiring spaces that have a positive effect on people’s lives. Whether the design is to develop a plan for an entire community or create an intimate space for a family, she approaches every design project with enthusiasm, attention to detail, and the client’s needs in mind.

Originally from the Minneapolis area, Jillian enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children and was drawn to her profession because of her love for the outdoors where she enjoys golf, fishing, skiing and triathlons.

Jim Mertz

AGE: 32

GIS SPECIALIST BOLTON & MENK, INC. FARGO, ND

Jim began his career in 2011 and assists with data analysis, database development, transportation planning and project communication at Bolton & Menk. During his career, Jim has gained experience working with GIS and website/app building programs, which have been used in a variety of engineering and planning projects. He has experience across North Dakota and Western Minnesota, including web application development, city infrastructure mapping, community and transportation planning. Whether he’s presenting at conferences throughout the year or writing technical articles for publications throughout the area, he is constantly pushing the envelope to advance the engineering field. Jim has an incredible cross-technical knowledge of planning with GIS implementation. He is passionate about talking to clients and providing solutions to help them with their problems.

Joel Brown

AGE: 28

PRESIDENT MINERALTRACKER WATFORD CITY, ND

Joel Brown cofounded MineralTracker in 2017 with the goal of developing innovative technology to meet the needs of the underserved North Dakota mineral owner community. Joel grew up in Watford, N.D. and graduated with a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering from the University of North Dakota. Joel brings experience and expertise to offer a full suite of services in the support of local mineral owners in the Bakken.

In 2016, Joel fulfilled a lifelong goal to move his family back to his hometown of Watford City, where he and wife Emily raise two young children. Placing a high priority on community involvement, Joel serves on several boards including, President of the McKenzie County Job Development Authority, Treasurer of the Save the Maah Daah Hey Foundation, board member of the UND Petroleum Engineering Advisory Committee, the Rough Rider Fund Committee, the District 39 GOP Executive Board, and the Watford City Assembly of God Board of Deacons.