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
Andrea Schokker, PhD, P.E., LEED AP
UMD Professor of Civil Engineering, Head of Civil, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Board Focus: Andrea's focus is materials and commercialization.
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.
Mark Phillips, Former Commissioner, Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board
Board Focus: Mark's focus is diversifying the economy of northeastern Minnesota.
Yvonne Prettner Solon, Consultant on energy policy, former State Senator representing District 7 and Lt. Governor for State of Minnesota.
Board Focus: Yvonne is focused on the NRRI Charter and legislative and agency engagement.
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."
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 Services, Great River Energy
Board Focus: Tom is focused on innovation in the energy industry and public engagement.
Al Rudeck, Safety and External Affairs Officer, ALLETE Clean Energy
Board Focus: Al is focused on the NRRI charter and assistance to energy and industry.