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: Materials and Commercialization
Mike Mlinar, Retired Mining Manager, Board Trustee at Mesabi Trust
Board Focus: Minerals, environmental, and administrative
Mark Phillips, Commissioner, Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board
Board Focus: 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: Supporting NRRI’s work in advancing the value chain of Minnesota’s economy is important part of my service commitment to this dynamic institution. 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, president, ALLETE Clean Energy
Board Focus: Al is focused on the NRRI charter and assistance to energy and industry.