Advisory Board

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

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."

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Headshot of Brendan Jordan

Brendan Jordan, Vice President, Great Plains Insitute

Board Focus: Brendan is focused on linking technology to policy in the energy sector.

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Headshot of Tom Lambrecht

Tom Lambrecht, Manager, Economic Development Services, Great River Energy

Board Focus: Tom is focused on innovation in the energy industry and public engagement.

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Profile image Mike Mlinar

Mike Mlinar, Retired Mining Manager, Board Trustee at Mesabi Trust

Board Focus: Mike's focus is minerals, environmental, and administration.

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 Yvonne Prettner Solon headshot

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.

Profile Ida Rukavina

Ida Rukavina, Commissioner, Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board

Board Focus: Ida's focus is diversifying the economy of northeastern Minnesota.

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Headshot of Andrea Schokker

 

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.