First International Bank & Trust pledges $200,000 to Minnesota school district

STAPLES, Minn. • First International Bank & Trust said it has pledged a $200,000 donation to Minnesota’s Staples-Motley Independent School District over the course of 2022 and 2023.

The contribution, of which $100,000 has already been delivered, will support the school district on its upcoming activities and wellness facilities addition.

“We are looking forward to the outstanding improvements that the Staples-Motley Independent School District has planned,” said Jef Cichos, president of FIBT’s Staples and Motley branches. “We’re happy to support their efforts with this donation and help the district positively impact the community.”

FIBT said it strongly believes this collaboration to enhance phase one of the school’s improvement plan will contribute to a healthier community for all and a pooling of resources will result in smart, collective, and impactful investments.

“One of the main missions of First International Bank & Trust is to leave a mark on our communities and one of the best ways to do that is to empower the health and well-being of our community members,” FIBT President Peter Stenehjem said in a statement. “An enhanced community facility will provide additional opportunities for the members of the Staples-Motley community to be healthy where they live, work, learn, and play.”

Lori Schmidt Steve Johnson

Essentia Health welcomes two new providers

FARGO, N.D. • The Essentia Health-Fargo Family Clinic recently welcomed Lori Schmidt, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner who will specialize in family medicine. Schmidt received her education from Minnesota State University Moorhead.

The clinic also welcomes Dr. Steve Johnson, who will specialize in family medicine. Dr. Johnson received his medical degree from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine in Grand Forks and completed his residency at the University of North Dakota Family Practice Center in Bismarck.

Essentia Health welcomes two new providers

BISMARCK, N.D. • KLJ Engineering recently welcomed four new environmental planners – Lexee Craig, Robert McClellan, Casey Engelhard, and Anna Gamez – to multiple North Dakota office locations and its Billings, Montana, office.

Craig, who will be located in KLJ’s Dickinson, North Dakota office, recently earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and an associate degree in geology from Dickinson State University. She brings four years of experience in agriculture.

McClellan has a bachelor’s degree in natural resource management-biotic resources from North Dakota State University in Fargo. Additionally, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years where he coordinated the fire protection of aircraft and personnel. McClellan will be working from KLJ’s headquarters in Bismarck.

Engelhard will be working out of KLJ’s West Fargo office. He earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Valley City State University in Valley City, North Dakota, and is pursuing a master’s degree in environmental health management. Engelhard has six years of experience and is certified in erosion and sediment control in both North Dakota and Nebraska.

Gamez, who will be located in KLJ’s Billings, Montana office, has a bachelor’s degree in animal science from California State University, Chico in Chico, California. She has 10 years of experience working in wildlife conservation and education.

Gate City Bank promotes employee

GRAND FORKS, N.D. • Mara Berdal has been promoted to universal banking supervisor at Gate City Bank. She previously served as universal loan officer.

Mara Berdal

Outside of work, Berdal serves as state director for the National Barrel Horse Association, and she and her husband are heavily involved in the Petersburg (ND) Fire Protection District, KEM Shriners and Dahlen (ND) Lutheran Church.

KLJ hires safety manager in West Fargo

WEST FARGO, N.D. • KLJ Engineering recently welcomed Cody Hedberg to its West Fargo office, where he will serve as a safety manager.

Hedberg is a Construction Health and Safety Technician as designated by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. He is an experienced trainer in Mobile Elevating Work Platform, Power Industrial Truck, and Fall Protection. Hedberg is also an authorized Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) construction outreach trainer.

Cyndee Thormodson

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota hires chief financial officer

FARGO, N.D. • Cyndee Thormodson has been hired as chief financial officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota.

In her role, Thormodson is responsible for providing executive leadership and direction for the enterprise financial function, including financial reporting, finance, investments, budgeting and internal controls. She also has oversight of the internal audit and actuary teams.

Thormodson has served in a variety of strategic finance and audit roles at Catholic Health Initiatives, Crowe Horwath (formerly CHAN Healthcare Auditors) and RSM. Most recently, she served as chief administrative officer at Noridian Healthcare Solutions, an affiliate of BCBSND.

A graduate of Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, Thormodson holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and is a certified public accountant.