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.
![Headshot fo Nels Ojard](/sites/nrri.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_fifth/public/2021-04/nels_ojard_smaller1.jpg?itok=PSaRZWN2)
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."
![Profile Kurt Anderson](/sites/nrri.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_fifth/public/2023-12/anderson_kurt_high-res.jpg?itok=p8OEHYMq)
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 headshot](/sites/nrri.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_fifth/public/2024-05/Marianne%20Bohren.jpg?itok=M2FA9GMp)
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 headshot](/sites/nrri.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_fifth/public/2024-05/Hoff_Dale.jpg?itok=iGQg8JVc)
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.
![Headshot of Brendan Jordan](/sites/nrri.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_fifth/public/2021-08/brendan-jordan.jpg?itok=xCRT65uI)
Brendan Jordan, Vice President, Great Plains Insitute
Board Focus: Brendan is focused on linking technology to policy in the energy sector.
![Headshot of Tom Lambrecht](/sites/nrri.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_fifth/public/2021-04/tom-lambrecht.jpg?itok=DRyeRF_u)
Tom Lambrecht, Manager, Economic Development, Great River Energy
Board Focus: Tom is focused on innovation in the energy industry and public engagement.
![Profile image Mike Mlinar](/sites/nrri.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_fifth/public/2021-08/mlinar-mike.jpg?itok=YCUbXTyT)
Mike Mlinar, Retired Mining Manager, Board Trustee at Mesabi Trust
Board Focus: Mike's focus is minerals, environmental, and administration.
![Profile Ida Rukavina](/sites/nrri.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_fifth/public/2023-05/ida_rukavina_2.jpg?itok=DGMEJxNw)
Ida Rukavina, Commissioner, Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board
Board Focus: Ida's focus is diversifying the economy of northeastern Minnesota.