Supporting small businesses across an entire state takes more than programs and resources. It takes insight, experience, and leaders who understand the challenges businesses face every day.
At the ND SBDC, that perspective comes from our State Advisory Board, which plays an important role in helping guide our direction and strengthen our impact across North Dakota. The purpose of the Advisory Board is to provide strategic guidance, support, and advocacy for the ND SBDC. Board members bring real-world insight into the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses, helping ensure that entrepreneurs and business owners are reflected in our mission and the services we provide. Their input helps keep us connected to the needs of North Dakota’s business community and informs how we continue to support them.
This month, we recognize the individuals who serve on our ND SBDC State Advisory Board. The board includes small business owners, economic developers, and lenders from across our service regions, along with representatives from key partner organizations such as the Economic Development Association of North Dakota, Greater North Dakota Chamber, Bank of North Dakota, the SBA ND District Office, and the university system. Together, they help ensure that businesses across North Dakota are accurately represented and supported.
Meet Our 2026 State Advisory Board Members
Adrienne Olson is the Community and Economic Development Director for the City of Casselton, where she leads efforts to support business growth and strengthen the local economy. She brings a background in communications, marketing, and community engagement, including her previous role as Vice President of Communications at Kilbourne Group. Adrienne is passionate about building a strong business climate and works closely with local and regional partners to support community and economic development.
Serving as Executive Director of the Cavalier County Job Development Authority since 2007, Shannon Duerr is an active member of several organizations, including the Economic Development Association of North Dakota and the Mid-America Development Council. She is passionate about ensuring rural communities receive equal access to small business services and programs.
Chris Moen serves as a Financial Advisor and Consumer/Small Business Banking Lender for the Northern Valley Market at Alerus. He specializes in holistic financial planning and is an active member of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. After seeing the impact ND SBDC has had on his referred clients, Chris joined the board to play a more active role in supporting small business growth across North Dakota.
Missy Feist-Erickson is the Vice President of Peoples State Bank of Velva, a locally owned community bank with offices in Velva and Minot. She also serves as treasurer for the Minot Area Chamber/EDC and on the Governor-appointed Commission on the Status of Women. Missy believes that “small businesses are big business” and has seen firsthand the impact ND SBDC has on business success across the state.
Cherie Harms is President and CEO of Leonardite Products in Williston, a mining and processing facility serving agriculture and oil industries globally. In addition to serving on the ND District Export Council, she is a founder of the Humic Products Trade Association and a board member of the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation. She is also a long-term client of the Williston SBDC and was named SBA’s 2024 North Dakota Small Business Person of the Year.
Based in Bismarck, Arnie Strebe is a business consultant, leadership advisor, and founder of Akase Growth Strategies, where he works with organizations to strengthen operations, leadership, and strategic execution. A retired military officer, Arnie brings extensive experience across multiple industries, including banking, manufacturing, and organizational leadership. He is actively involved in statewide efforts supporting workforce development and veterans and is committed to strengthening North Dakota’s business and community landscape.
Carie Boster has served as Economic Development Director for the Dunn County JDA since 2012. A strong advocate for rural business development, she is active in numerous organizations, including the REAP Investment Board, ND Opportunity Fund Loan Committee, and the Killdeer Area Community Foundation. Carie brings more than 20 years of professional experience, including journalism, consumer advocacy, and business district leadership.
Melissa Beach is the Economic Development Administrator at Minnkota Power Cooperative, where she works with communities and businesses to support regional growth and development. With over a decade of experience in economic development, marketing, and communications, she focuses on advancing opportunities in rural communities. Melissa currently serves as President of the Economic Development Association of North Dakota, bringing statewide leadership and perspective to the ND SBDC Advisory Board.
With a background spanning public policy, marketing, and communications, Amanda Remynse serves as Vice President of Operations and Outreach for the Greater North Dakota Chamber (GNDC). She works to promote GNDC through collaboration and relationship building. Before joining GNDC, Amanda worked on state workforce challenges and in advertising, supporting businesses and tourism initiatives across North Dakota.
Ex-Officio Members
Pat O’Neill, Ph.D., serves as interim Dean of the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration at the University of North Dakota. A faculty member since 1987, he has held numerous leadership roles, including department chair and associate dean. With a Ph.D. in Economics from Boston College, Dr. O’Neill has dedicated his career to advancing academic quality and leadership in higher education. He assumed the interim dean role in July 2025, bringing decades of administrative and teaching experience to guide the college through its next chapter.
Kaylen Hausauer is a Business Banker with the Bank of North Dakota, where she has worked since 2012. Starting as a Finance Associate, she advanced to Loan Officer and now plays a key role in supporting businesses across the state. A native of Bismarck, she holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Jamestown and an MBA from the University of Mary.
As District Director for the SBA North Dakota District Office, Al Haut oversees SBA services statewide. His SBA career has included roles such as Economic Development Specialist, Loan Officer, Lender Relations Specialist, and Deputy District Director. Under his leadership, the SBA provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise to help businesses confidently start, grow, and thrive.
The strength of our small business community is driven by the people who support it. Our Advisory Board members bring diverse perspectives and expertise that help guide our work and expand our impact across North Dakota. We appreciate their continued dedication to the ND SBDC and to the success of businesses and communities throughout the state.
If you know any of these individuals, please thank them for their service to our state’s small businesses!
Tiffany Ford, State Director
And all the Staff of the ND Small Business Development Network
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