Keith Leier

Kilbourne Group Fargo, N.D.

Keith Leier is vice president of development and construction for Kilbourne Group, a real estate redevelopment firm focused on mixeduse infill, adaptive reuse, and historic redevelopment projects. From the smallest custom fit-up job to the 18-story RDO Tower in downtown Fargo, Leier sees projects from vision to reality, keeping everyone involved engaged, inspired, and part of lasting, positive change. He is a graduate of NDSU with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and is a licensed Professional Engineer.

A native of Rugby, North Dakota, Leier is a fierce advocate for honoring the state’s history and people. For five generations, Leiers have been building their lives in North Dakota, focused on family, community and being part of something bigger than one’s self. A devoted leader, he shares his vision with all those around him and works passionately to make big things happen.

Leier and his wife, Rachel, are the proud parents of four young sons. From camping and exploring, to building forts and bike ramps, they strive for an adventurous lifestyle while teaching the skills for the next generation of dreamers and builders.

Age: 39

Structural Engineer

TSP, Inc.

Sioux Falls, S.D.

Dakota Wesleyan University Mitchell, S.D.

Melissa Leuthold is both the Adult & Online Enrollment and International Student Services Coordinator at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota.

In 2019, Leuthold served internationally as a short-term missionary in 12 different countries. During this time, she experienced what she would describe as “radical hospitality,” which led to a career in international student services. She serves international students at DWU in a vast range of areas including international orientation, airport transportation, meals at her home and advocacy for more representation and inclusion of these students on campus and in the community.

Leuthold has also taken on the task of growing new initiatives. From alternative two-year and certificate programs to playing a critical role in recruiting one of the largest MBA cohorts in the school’s history, she continues to succeed at supporting recruitment and expanding new programs at Dakota Wesleyan.

Leuthold is an avid traveler who works hard to integrate a missional lifestyle and servant leadership approach to her career and community, while fulfilling her passion of advocating for and serving international students.

Age: 39

Executive Director of Government Programs

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Fargo, N.D.

Lucas Lorenzen is a structural engineer at TSP, Inc., where he provides leadership across the firm’s priority areas of health and wellness, education, and community/government. As a project manager, Lorenzen guides and facilitates conversations, focusing on cost effectiveness and maintaining high-quality design standards. He is a registered professional engineer in South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska.

Lorenzen grew up on a family farm near Pipestone, Minn., and the problem-solving opportunities that accompany life on the farm influenced his decision to pursue a career in engineering. He graduated from South Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a structural engineering concentration. Lorenzen also served in the Minnesota Army National Guard from 2000 to 2009.

He holds various volunteer roles at his local church and is a member of the Harrisburg Economic Development Corp. He also mentors local middle school students and has been instrumental in the success of high school internship and shadowing programs at TSP. Lorenzen and his wife, Kellie, live in Harrisburg, South Dakota, and have four children.

Chelsey Matter serves as the executive director of Government Programs at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) with more than 17 years of experience in health care. As a respiratory therapist with a Master’s Degree in Public Health, her passion for improving the lives of North Dakotans has led her to consistently champion major healthcare initiatives.

She led the North Dakota smoke-free initiated measure, advancing public health by protecting North Dakotans from secondhand smoke exposure. More recently, she served as a key leader in COVID-19 efforts through her role as board chair for the Fargo Cass Public Health, Board of Health. At BCBSND, Chelsey’s led several initiatives to partner with providers to transition to value-based payment models. In her current role, she led BCBSND’s successful implementation of North Dakota Medicaid Expansion, where she is working to improve the lives of historically underserved populations.

On any given day, you can find her advocating for healthier communities across her home state. Her leadership, courage and grit will continue to benefit generations of North Dakotans to come.