NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION - Key Persons
As a development coordinator, Allison develops reports, manages portfolios, and provides support to directors of development and the managing directors.
Outside of work, Allison's daughter and Great Dane get her full attention. She also enjoys running and being outdoors. In 2020, she completed her first marathon, and in 2022 she earned her degree in business administration and management.
Job Titles:
- CFO
- Senior Vice President of Finance and Operations / CFO
As CFO, Allyson focuses on the long-term protection and investment of NDSU Foundation assets and fulfilling fiduciary responsibilities to donors. She leads the Finance and Operations teams at the Foundation including, accounting, information services, compliance, and human resources. Allyson is responsible for monitoring and directing all financial and operational aspects of the NDSU Foundation. She is a proud NDSU graduate with a bachelor's degree in accounting and a minor in fraud investigation. Outside of work, Allyson enjoys spending time with family, reading, photography, and being outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Director of Corporate Relations
As director of corporate relations, Alyssa's goal is to help corporations make connections across campus that are mutually beneficial to the University and the industry.
Alyssa is a lifelong learner who is finishing up her doctoral degree in education. She is committed to living a life filled with joy, which she experiences through being involved in the Fargo community, cheering on her favorite sports teams, spending time with her dog, Gordon, and tasting her way around the world one brunch at a time. Building community is at the cornerstone of who she is, and her personal and professional experiences allow her to meet and learn about many incredible people.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Development - College of Engineering
As a senior director of development, Andy focuses on securing financial support for academic programs, endowed positions, student scholarships, unrestricted funds, and facility construction and renovation for the College of Engineering.
Andy grew up in Wisconsin, which eventually led to his first professional career working in the nonprofit sector. He and his wife, Beth, have six children and six grandchildren. They look forward to future travel and the time they spend with their family.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of Events & Programs
As an assistant director of events and programs, Autumn plans and executes events designed to cultivate, recognize, education, and steward NDSU alumni, supporters, and friends. Autumn Schaeffer Read More » NDSU Foundation Team Member since 2023 As an assistant director of events and programs, Autumn plans and executes events designed to cultivate, recognize, education, and steward NDSU alumni, supporters, and friends.
Benita is an avid reader and always has a book in progress. She enjoys playing games with her granddaughters who live in Bemidji.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Alumni & Donor Connections
Job Titles:
- Director of Development
- Assistant Director of NDSU 's Division of Performing Arts
- Director of Development - Performing Arts
Bill is the assistant director of NDSU's Division of Performing Arts and in 2015 was also named the division's director of development to lead fundraising for scholarships, equipment, and operations for the Challey School of Music and the Department of Theatre Arts. He is also executive director of BisonArts, an organization working in support of NDSU's Division of Performing Arts.
Job Titles:
- Director of Development
- Director of Development - College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources
Brandon grew up in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. He attended the University of North Dakota, where he graduated with a business administration degree and was a four-year letterwinner for the UND baseball team. He earned his Master of Business Administration from NDSU. After graduating, he spent nine years working for NDSU Team Makers, assisting with the annual fund for NDSU Athletics. Brandon and his wife, Misty, live in West Fargo, North Dakota, with their son, Caden, daughter, Noah, and dog, Baylor.
Brandon, a director of development in the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources, promotes the goals and priorities of NDSU by building relationships with alumni and securing financial support for student scholarships, academic programs, endowed faculty positions, and facilities.
As the stewardship manager, Carrie is responsible for the development and management of an institution-wide donor stewardship plan. With a donor-centered mindset, Carrie coordinates and delivers personalized and individualized correspondence, impact reports, impact stories, and other communications inspiring new and continued philanthropy to support NDSU. Carrie Feigum Read More » NDSU Foundation Team Member since 2023 As the stewardship manager, Carrie is responsible for the development and management of an institution-wide donor stewardship plan. With a donor-centered mindset, Carrie coordinates and delivers personalized and individualized correspondence, impact reports, impact stories, and other communications inspiring new and continued philanthropy to support NDSU.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director
- Senior Director of Gift Planning
Curtis, the NDSU Foundation's senior director of gift planning, works with benefactors who fund transformational gifts by making commitments today that will impact NDSU forever. Cutis got his start in gift planning with The Salvation Army in Washington, D.C., almost 25 years ago and has been able to use what he learned there to have an impact everywhere his career has taken him since. He and his wife, Lisa, have two sons, Duncan and Connor, who both live in Salt Lake City, Utah. They also have a yellow lab named Jake. Curtis is passionate about fly fishing and looks forward to exploring the trout streams of Minnesota.
In his role, Dereck oversees the deliver of information and process automation to boost productivity and create efficiencies to meet the Foundation's needs. He performs data analysis; develops, documents, and maintains reports and dashboards; and develops workflows designed to automate identified Foundation business processes.
Dereck was raised in Minot, North Dakota, and currently lives in Fargo with his wife, Rafa, daughter, Rebecca, and their dog, Rudy. His previous work experience has been in the banking, higher education, and technology sectors, and he's excited to bring that background to the Foundation.
As the director of compliance, Derek supports the NDSU Foundation and North Dakota State University through oversight and development of various procedures related to gift acceptance and administration and fulfillment of donor intent.
Derek was born and raised in Minot, North Dakota, and moved to Fargo in 2005 to attend NDSU. He received his Juris Doctorate in 2019 from the University of North Dakota School of Law. He currently lives in Fargo with his wife and two children.
As the Foundation's marketing strategist, Emily develops strategies and marketing content to drive engagement among constituents, alumni, and friends of NDSU using email, social media, and various digital and print platforms.
Emily is originally from West Fargo, North Dakota, and earned her bachelor's degree in English at NDSU. Her favorite pastimes include watching old musicals, traveling with her family, baking cakes, collecting pieces of trivia, and finding breweries with free popcorn. She and her husband, Oscar, live in Fargo with their cat/supervisor, Vera.
Job Titles:
- Team Member
- Vice President of Information Services
Gail, the vice president of information services, leads the information services department and oversees the management and maintenance of the NDSU alumni and friends database, including data security and governance. She works to facilitate the dissemination of information through reports and data analytics to support philanthropy for NDSU. Gail is also responsible for the network infrastructure, cybersecurity, directing all technology needs for Foundation staff, and implementing the technologies needed to operate the Foundation's donation pages, alumni portal, and website.
As a longstanding team member at the NDSU Foundation, Gail is highly invested in the mission and purpose of the Foundation. Outside of work, Gail enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, biking, gardening, and reading.
As executive manager, Gwen provides day-to-day leadership, system, and administrative support to the senior vice president of principal gifts to coordinate principal gifts activities and presidential engagement. Prior to this role, Gwen served as the director of development operations for the Foundation.
Gwen was raised on a farm in Regent, North Dakota. She earned a bachelor's degree in business administration the University of North Dakota. Gwen worked in various industries until her move back to the state in 2004 to raise her family; it was during this time that her focus transferred to nonprofit work. Gwen loves spending time with family and friends and enjoys reading, completing puzzles, and being outdoors. She and her husband, Jim, have five children and one grandchild.
Job Titles:
- Events and Programs Coordinator
As the events and programs coordinator, Hannah provides support to the directors of events and programs in preparation for events and oversees NDSU Watch Sites and event registration.
Hannah has a passion for making others feel seen and known, and she's very active with Cru, a college campus ministry, where she helps mentor and lead students. She enjoys adventuring outdoors with her husband, home DIY projects, and plants. She earned her associates of applied science in business: management, marketing, and sales at Minnesota State Community and Technical College and loves how her job allows her to assist others in the organization.
Job Titles:
- Accountant
- Accountant at the Foundation
As an accountant at the Foundation, Isaac works closely with the general ledger accounting, investments, donor pledges, and scholarships.
Isaac was born and raised in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. In his free time, he enjoys watching sports, traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with family, including his wife, Rachel, and their children, Luke and Emma.
Job Titles:
- Associate Athletic Director for Development
As an executive assistant, Janna performs a range of administrative, clerical, and technical duties along with project and meeting management for the vice president of finance and operations and the vice president of information services at the Foundation. Janna helps plan and organize the day-to-day operations of their offices, which requires management of multiple, rapidly changing priorities.
Janna is a life-long North Dakotan and has worked in higher education for more than 19 years. She and her husband, Brian, have been married for more than 30 years and have two sons, Kyle and Casey. They enjoy spending time with daughter-in-law, Chelsey, and three grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Development Coordinator
- Team Member since 2023
As a development coordinator, Jeff supports directors of development with a variety of tasks in their efforts to steward donors and their gifts to NDSU.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director of Development - College of Engineering
- Team Member since 2023
As an associate director of development for the College of Engineering, Jenna's promise to NDSU students is to work hard every day, all day by engaging alumni and friends who want to help students achieve their dreams of affording college and graduating with a degree that will propel them into their career.
Job Titles:
- Senior Prospect Research Manager
In her role as senior prospect research manager, Jennifer analyzes internal and external data to help identify friends and supporters of NDSU.
Jennifer currently lives in Fargo with her husband, Brian, and their dog, Sadie. She loves traveling, reading (mostly mystery and sci-fi) and playing strategy, board, and card games. She grew up near Bemidji, Minnesota, where her parents and older brother's family live.
As a senior accountant, Jennifer works with scholarships, North Dakota State challenge grant funds, pledges tracking, recurring gifts, capital project reporting, financial donor reporting and helps maintain the financial database.
Since she first started at the NDSU foundation, Jennifer has held several different positions. She is a North Dakota native, is married, and has four children.
As the senior prospect manager, Jennifer works directly with directors of development, development managers, and the vice president of development at the NDSU Foundation. Together, they manage and work through major gift portfolios. With more than 20 years of experience at the Foundation, Jen has also worked in information services and served as interim director of the Harry D. McGovern Alumni Center.
When she's not at the office, you might see Jennifer on stage. She works in local theatre and musical theatre - both as an actor and behind the scenes as a stage manager. Jennifer lives in Fargo with her husband, Andrew. She has two adult children and enjoys spending time with family.
As the NDSU Foundation president/CEO, John provides vision, leadership, strategy, and program direction of the Foundation's goals and mission in support of NDSU.
John is a native of Rapid City, South Dakota, and has more than 23 years of higher education philanthropy experience. Before coming to NDSU, John served in numerous roles of progressive responsibility with the Iowa State University Foundation in Ames, Iowa, for 13 years. Prior to being named the president/CEO and his time at Iowa State University Foundation, John worked at the NDSU Development Foundation for five years. During that time, he executed annual giving programs. John has a bachelor's degree in journalism from South Dakota State University and has three children.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President
- Controller
As the assistant vice president/controller, Josh oversees the accounting functions at the NDSU Foundation.
Josh grew up in Brainerd, Minnesota, and came to the Fargo-Moorhead area in 2000 to attend NDSU. After graduating, he worked for 10 years as an auditor before joining the Foundation. He and his wife, Becky, have three children Liam, Myka, and Finn.
As assistant controller, Justin handles most of the general ledger accounting, including all investments, properties, stock gifts, and gifts-in-kind. He also produces the monthly budget reports.
Justin is happily married with two kids. He enjoys being active, playing sports, and spending time at the lake in the summer. He also loves to play the drums and his band ThOLe has released four CDs to date.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Development
Justin is a North Dakotan born and raised as he grew up in a rural farming community in Benson County. He's a lifelong learner with a passion for education and received his bachelors and master's degrees from NDSU. He credits NDSU and his education here for many of his personal relationships and professional opportunities.
Justin spent more than a decade working in college athletics administration at the University of Maine, South Dakota State, and NDSU, and says he was honored to join the team at the NDSU Foundation in April 2018. After first serving as a director of development in the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources, he transitioned into gift planning before taking on his current role of managing director of development.
Job Titles:
- Senior Donor Compliance Services Coordinator
Kandi, the Foundation's senior donor compliance services coordinator, provides general support for the donor compliance services department, which includes writing donor agreements and providing fund maintenance, administration, reporting, and compliance.
As senior executive manager, Kari provides day-to-day leadership, system, and administrative support to the President/CEO of the Foundation. She also helps foster an open, transparent environment of governance and fiduciary responsibility by providing administrative support to the Foundation's Executive Governing Board, Nominating and Governance Committee, State and Local Relations Committee, and Compensation Committee.
Kari was born and raised in Dickinson, North Dakota, and left home to attend NDSU, graduating with a bachelor's degree in mass communication in 2004. She married her high school sweetheart, Josh, and they have two daughters. In her free time, Kari enjoys reading nonfiction, cooking family dinners, biking, and spending time with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director
- Associate Director of Data Services
Job Titles:
- Accounts Payable / Payroll Coordinator
Kristi is part of the accounting team at the NDSU Foundation. As the accounts payable and payroll coordinator, she helps ensure payments flow out of the Foundation smoothly.
Kristi, her husband, and three kids are huge Bison fans! When she's not at work or enjoying a Bison game, Kristi loves to spend time reading, doing puzzles, spending time at the lake with friends, and working on handicrafts.
As a human resources generalist, Kyah coordinates human resources functions for the NDSU Foundation. Her role includes employee recruitment, performance management, training and development, and employee retention and appreciation. She is an advocate for and will provide support to the NDSU Foundation and its people.
Kyah spends most of her time with her husband, two children, pup, and extended family. They enjoy going to the lake, playing board and yard games, remodeling their home, snowboarding, gardening, camping, and hiking.
Job Titles:
- Senior Development Coordinator
- Senior Development Coordinator, Supports Directors of Development
Lacie, a senior development coordinator, supports directors of development through the gift process and works to make sure donors know their gift is appreciated. She helps directors of development organize and update their portfolios and assists with other important tasks and projects in her department.
Job Titles:
- Database and Reporting Specialist
As a senior graphic artist, Leah creates cohesive, curated, modern, and engaging graphic designs and digital illustrations for the NDSU Foundation. She brings her creative input and specialization to the table on a variety of projects, including event artwork and branding, website and email design, and magazine layout, among others.
Leah, who is originally from the Twin Cities, earned her bachelor's degree in graphic design from Minnesota State University in Moorhead, Minnesota. She loves camping, hiking, reading, gardening, and listening to 90s-2000s era music. Leah and her boyfriend live in Moorhead with their rescue dog, cat, and 45 house plants.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director
- Assistant Director of Events & Programs
- Assistant Director of Events and Programs, Plans and Executes Events Designed to Cultivate, Recognize, Educate, and Steward NDSU Alumni, Supporters, and Friends
Lexi Warren, an assistant director of events and programs, plans and executes events designed to cultivate, recognize, educate, and steward NDSU alumni, supporters, and friends.
Job Titles:
- Senior Managing Director of Development
In her role as senior managing director of development, Lisa builds enduring relationships that maximize advocacy and philanthropy for NDSU and supports development staff in their efforts.
She has more than ten years of experience in development and previously taught philosophy, humanities, and history courses at a variety of colleges and universities in Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Iowa. Lisa enjoys running, yoga, and making new recipes. She and her husband, Bob, have three adult children, Paul, Maret, and Ingrid.
Job Titles:
- Senior Data & Genealogy Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Director of Development
- Director of Development - College of Engineering
Job Titles:
- Director of Development
- Registered Dietitian
- Senior Director of Development - College of Agriculture, Food Systems & Natural Resources
Megan joined the NDSU Foundation as a director of development to support the vital work of the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources. Coming from a farming family, she says she has seen the value of high-quality agriculture education, research, Extension, and 4-H and wants to support and grow those opportunities at NDSU and make them more accessible to all.
Megan is a registered dietitian, farmer's daughter, and general enthusiast for all things related to food and farming. She grew up in Park River, North Dakota, and her family farms in Pembina County.
Job Titles:
- Editor of Storytelling and Development Communications
As the editor of storytelling and development communications, Micaela is a storyteller, development writer, and creative strategist. She is the editor of the NDSU Foundation Magazine which is shared with more than 100,000 alumni households across the U.S. in the spring and fall and writes for internal and external projects related to programming, development, and stewardship.
Micaela earned a bachelor's degree in English writing and Spanish studies from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, and an MFA in poetry from Eastern Washington University in Spokane, Washington. She loves exploring the outdoors, practicing yoga, reading, trying new foods, watching movies, and spending time with her fiancée, family, and friends.
Job Titles:
- Director of Development - College of Arts and Sciences
Before joining the NDSU Foundation as a director of development for the College of Arts and Sciences, Michael spent six years as the assistant director of bands and director of athletic bands at Bowling Green State University in Northwest Ohio. His role at the Foundation is to create enduring relationships with alumni, community members, and donors to maximize philanthropy at NDSU. He works directly with the CSM Dean to connect donor interests to the college's mission, values, and strategic plan.
Michael grew up in the Greater Lansing, Michigan area. He attended Michigan State University, Central Michigan University, and the University of South Carolina, where he earned advanced degrees in music. He also taught public school in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. In his free time, Michael enjoys traveling, exercising, and spending time with his family, including his wife, Robyn, their two kids, Cooper and Juliet, and their dogs Lars and Gus.
Job Titles:
- Director of Development - College of Business
- Team Member since 2023
Job Titles:
- Director of Development
- Director of Development Operations
As director of development operations, Miranda provides guidance to the development operations team who support directors of development in their fundraising efforts.
Miranda was born and raised in Horace, North Dakota, and she and her husband farm with family in Mapleton, North Dakota. She enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her two dogs, snowmobiling, and shooting sports.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of Principal Gifts
As senior vice president of principal gifts, Monique provides strategy and oversight of principal gifts, presidential engagement, and campaign planning. Principal gifts partners with campus leaders, Foundation team members, and philanthropists who want to make a transformative investment in the mission and vision of North Dakota State University.
Most recently, Monique served as senior vice president of development with the NDSU Foundation. She has worked in this field for nearly 30 years, supporting healthcare, education, and nonprofit organizations. Monique received her bachelor's degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, and a master's degree from NDSU in community and regional planning. She currently lives on a century farm in Becker County, Minnesota, with her husband, Keven.
Job Titles:
- Senior Gift Processing Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of Athletics - Development
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Development - College of Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Trustee Relations
Job Titles:
- Prospect Management Specialist
- Team Member since 2023
In her role as the prospect management specialist, Sewit works with the directors of development to ensure that their portfolios are being managed properly. Sewit graduated from NDSU in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in music, then returned in 2022 to complete a vocal music education degree.
Job Titles:
- IT Specialist and Web Manager
Job Titles:
- Director of Human Resources
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of Events & Programs
- Team Member since 2023
Job Titles:
- Director of Athletic Development
Job Titles:
- Director of Development - College of Health and Human Sciences
- Team Member since 2024
Job Titles:
- Director of Development - College of Health and Human Sciences