Strategy & Advocacy Advisory Board
NRRI's Advisory Board represents a blend of stakeholders and community leaders. Their purpose is to inform, guide and advise NRRI leadership in pursuing mission-focused initiatives.
Board Chair
Nels Ojard, President / CEO, Krech Ojard & Associates, Inc.
Board Focus: Nels' focus is in supporting NRRI’s work to advance the value chain of Minnesota’s economy. "NRRI is truly working to create the economy of the future and I am pleased to be a part of that opportunity."
Kurt Anderson, Director of Environmental and Land Management at ALLETE
Board Focus: Kurt's focus is environmental compliance, land management, sustainability, and supporting the clean energy transition.
Marianne Bohren, Executive Director Western Lake Superior Sanitary District
Board Focus: Marianne’s focus is environmental compliance and innovation in the water quality and clean energy sectors.
Dale Hoff, Ph.D., Division Director, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Board Focus: Dale is focused on providing input on Federal level research on aquatic toxicology and ecosystem research and monitoring.
Brendan Jordan, Vice President, Great Plains Insitute
Board Focus: Brendan is focused on linking technology to policy in the energy sector.
Tom Lambrecht, Manager, Economic Development, Great River Energy
Board Focus: Tom is focused on innovation in the energy industry and public engagement.
Mike Mlinar, Retired Mining Manager, Board Trustee at Mesabi Trust
Board Focus: Mike's focus is minerals, environmental, and administration.
Ida Rukavina, Commissioner, Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board
Board Focus: Ida's focus is diversifying the economy of northeastern Minnesota.