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.  Here is our Board Charter.

• Jeff Ward, Co-founder, Prime Pork (Animal Pathway), Chair
• Bob Zelenka, Past Executive Director, MN Grain and Feed Association (Plant Pathway)
• Todd Martin, Service Director, Arnold's (Power, Structural and Technical Systems Pathway)
• Glenn Thuringer, Business Development, Tru Shrimp (Animal Pathway)
• Neal Paszkiewicz, Training and Development, Wakefield Pork (Animal Pathway)
• Kent Rodelius, Relationship Manager, Prinsco (Environmental Pathway)
• Travis Stewart, Business Development Lead, AXA Climate (Agribusiness Pathway)
• Karen Blatter-Schieler, Finance & Strategic Partnerships, Compeer Financial (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)
• Steve Olson, Principal, Steve Olson Consulting, LLC (Agribusiness Pathway)
• Reid Olson, Seed Dealer, Pioneer (Plant Pathway)
• Dan Lingen, General Manager, RDO Equipment (Power, Structural and Technical Systems Pathway)
• Bruce Drager, Technology, Bayer Crop Science (Biotechnology Pathway)

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
• Lucas Sjostrom, Executive Director, MN Milk Producers
• Val Aarsvold, MN FFA Foundation, Executive Director
• Kelly Schmidt, CEO, MN Beef