Learn. Grow. Do.

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is made up of many individuals representing the full spectrum of the agricultural industry. They play a key role in the direction of the Center, program development, workforce training, and continued education.  Members of the Board represent the 8 career pathways represented in the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources industry.  pdfHere is our Board Charter.

  • Bob Zelenka, Past Executive Director, MN Grain and Feed Association, Chairman (Plant Pathway)
  • Jeff Ward, Co-founder, Prime Pork (Animal Pathway)
  • Connie Stokman, President, All American Foods (Food Pathway)
  • Todd Martin, Service Director, Arnold's (Power, Structural and Technical Systems Pathway)
  • Glenn Thuringer, Business Development, Tru Shrimp (Animal Pathway)
  • Jason Gillard, Vice President, Ellingson (Environmental Pathway)
  • Eric Fisher, Director, AGCO Corp (Power, Structural and Technical Systems Pathway)
  • Bill Carter, President, Prairie Moon Nursery (Natural Resources Pathway)
  • Neal Paszkiewicz, Training and Development, Wakefield Pork (Animal Pathway)
  • Kent Rodelius, Relationship Manager, Prinsco (Environmental Pathway)
  • Travis Stewart, Vice President, AssuredPartners Agribusiness (Agribusiness Pathway)
  • Naomi Mortenson, Vice President, Curious Plot (Agribusiness Pathway)
  • Karen Blatter-Schieler, Finance & Strategic Partnerships, Compeer (Agribusiness Pathway)
  • Kent Horsager, CEO, CSC Arbitage Group (Agribusiness Pathway)
  • Matt Drewitz, Measures & Outcomes, MN Board WSR (Natural Resources Pathway)
  • Mark Denn, President/CEO, Citizens Bank Minnesota (Agribusiness Pathway)
  • Nicole Paulsen, VP of HR, PIPESTONE (Animal and Food Pathways)

Ex-Officio Members:

  • Patrice Bailey, Assistant Commissioner, MN Dept of Agriculture
  • Sarah Dornink, Executive Director, Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council
  • Tom Slunecka, CEO, MN Soybean Association
  • Gena Lilienthal, Ag Instructor-South Central MN Agricultural Science Academy 
  • Nicole Griensewic, Executive Director, Region 9
  • Jill Resler, COO, MN Pork Board
  • Sam Ziegler, Director, GreenSeam
  • Dr. Zane Sheehan, Supervisor, MN Dept of Education
  • Steve Olson, Past Director, MN Turkey, Chicken & Egg
  • Lucas Sjostrom, Executive Director, MN Milk Producers
  • Val Aarsvold, MN FFA Foundation, Executive Director
  • Kelly Schmidt, CEO, MN Beef
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