LaDawn Schmitt

Age: 38

Chief Credit Officer Starion Bank Bismarck,

N.D.

LaDawn Schmitt has been with Starion Bank for 16 years, and currently serves as the Chief Credit Officer. She oversees the loan portfolio, ensuring the bank remains a safe and stable source of credit and a strong economic engine for community growth and prosperity. Her intelligence, insight, and depth of banking knowledge and experience are central to that function.

Along with protecting the bank and its customers, LaDawn is passionate about teaching. As a mentor to other Starion team members, she is relatable, humble, and a great listener. She lights up every time she sees an employee or customer grow in their confidence, experience, or achieve financial success.

Schmitt holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Minnesota State University Moorhead. In July 2022, she graduated from Graduate School of Banking in Colorado. Outside of Starion Bank, she volunteers at McCabe Methodist Church as a teacher for the Awanas Program and Vacation Bible School. She also volunteers for United Way, for which she received the 2022 Hero Club award. Schmitt resides in Bismarck with her husband Dustin and two boys.

Age: 35

CPA/Partner

Eide Bailly Sioux Falls, S.D.

Mandy Sutton, CPA started her career as an intern at Eide Bailly LLP in 2011 and joined the firm full-time after graduating Summa Cum Laude from Northern State University. She performs tax compliance, planning and consulting services for businesses and individuals, specializing in the real estate industry and investment entities. She is passionate about staff development and teaching others, which has led her to develop and conduct several trainings. Sutton was promoted to partner and the head of the Sioux Falls office tax department in 2021.

When you work with Sutton, you can expect an attentive and empathetic approach with great attention to detail. She will listen to your concerns and provide thoughtful, timely responses. She enjoys taking the time to make sure her clients understand their position and strives to provide ideas that help her clients achieve their business goals.

Outside of the office, Sutton enjoys spending time with her family –husband, Holist, and childrenEmersyn, Cadi, and Duncan, volunteering, and doing whatever DIY project she has dreamed up.

Wade Thompson

Age: 33

Bridge Group Leader

KLJ Engineering

Grafton, N.D.

Wade Thompson serves as the Bridge Group Leader and a structural engineer at KLJ Engineering. He brings more than a decade of professional experience focusing on the design and construction of highway and structure projects for state and county bridge replacements across North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Colorado, and Montana.

Thompson earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of North Dakota and completed additional training to become a certified National Highway Institute (NHI) Bridge Inspector. Additionally, he spends meaningful time volunteering in not only his professional areas of interest but in his personal areas of interest in the local community as well. He is a board member for the Association of County Engineers, past president of the Grafton Curling Club, and active member of the Walsh County Trap and Gun club as well as other community groups throughout Grafton and Park River. He has a wife and two kids and reside in rural Walsh County where they enjoy a variety of sports and outdoor activities.

Tony Wolf

Age: 38 Principal Architect

Zerr Berg Architects

Fargo, N.D.

Tony Wolf began working at ZBA as a student intern in 2006 while pursuing a Master of Architecture degree from North Dakota State University. As an intern Tony threw himself into the professional world of architecture and dedicated himself to the continued learning and honing of his craft. Upon graduation, he joined ZBA’s ranks full time and became a registered architect in 2012. Wolf joined the firm’s ownership team in 2018.

Throughout his time in the professional landscape, Wolf has been dedicated to a people-first leadership model. He is always focused on helping his team and ensuring their development and success through a collaborative and trust-based work ethic. He has always believed in the power of architecture to uplift and enhance the foundations of a community. His project list reflects a deep dedication to local communities and overall regional success.

Wolf resides in West Fargo with his wife, Laura, and their four children. He enjoys family time at the lake, watching his children’s activities, and taking up home projects.