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AMY ARENZ is the Job Service North Dakota - Bismarck Workforce Center Manager, leading one of nine statewide centers that administer employment programs including WIOA services, job training, and labor market insights. Prior to Job Service, she supported victims of domestic violence and sexual assault for over eight years at the Abused Adult Resource Center. Amy holds a degree in Applied Psychology with a minor in Women’s Studies from St. Cloud State University. Originally from Brooklyn Center, MN, she now lives in Mandan with her husband, Joe, and their two sons.
MATTHEW CHAUSSEE is the CEO and Co-founder of CareerViewXR, a North Dakota-based educational technology platform. CareerViewXR uses virtual reality to help students and adult learners explore real-world, in-demand careers. Available statewide, the platform inspires career exploration by answering the timeless question: "What do I want to be when I grow up?"
BECCA CRUGER is the Director of Workforce Development at the Grand Forks Region EDC, where she leads initiatives like InternGF, the Northern Valley Careers Expo, and Way Cooler Than You Think! She also serves her community through CVIC, the Women’s Fund, and the Community Foundation, all while running her art business, Damsel in Distressed.
DENAE JOHNSON is a Government Relations and Funding Strategist at KLJ Engineering, where she helps communities secure funding and plan infrastructure projects. With over 15 years in transportation and construction, she thrives on moving projects from concept to completion. Denae serves on the NDAGC Construction Leadership Committee and led the 2024 Demo Day in Bismarck-Mandan, introducing students to hands-on trade experiences. She is passionate about expanding career awareness in the construction industry.
KAY LARSON is the Director of the Early Childhood Section at North Dakota Health and Human Services. With over two decades of experience in early childhood education, she leads efforts to improve quality, access, and workforce support for children birth to age five. Her work includes overseeing licensing, quality ratings, family support, and the ND Child Care Initiative. Kay holds a bachelor’s in elementary and early childhood education from UND and is dedicated to strengthening child care systems across the state.
ANN POLLERT is the founder of AMP Consulting, where she focuses on professional development, workforce recruitment, and leadership training. A social work and criminal justice graduate from UND, Ann brings a deep commitment to connecting people to purpose. She leads a RWIP grant project with the Devils Lake Chamber and serves as a career coach for a mobile VR-based classroom. A lifelong North Dakotan, Ann is passionate about helping students discover careers they never thought possible.
ROBYN SCHMALENBERGER is the Reentry Program Manager at the ND Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Since 1993, she has worked in numerous roles including warden, parole officer, and disabilities advocate. She supports justice-involved individuals in reintegrating successfully by building community connections and expanding opportunities. Robyn holds a BS in social work and behavioral sciences from the University of Mary and is a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command.
KRISTY SIMMONS is an Admissions Recruiter at Lynnes Welding Training. With a background in coaching and teaching, she’s passionate about guiding students into skilled trades. A native of Edmore, ND, Kristy studied history and health sciences at Bismarck State, Minot State, and M State. She is a proud mom of three grown children and a grandmother. Her passions include family, advocacy, and animals.
TAYA SPELHAUG is the Microsoft TechSpark Lead for North Dakota, building partnerships to grow economic opportunity in rural and smaller communities. Her career includes leadership roles at United Way and NDSCS’s TrainND program. A farm girl from Kindred, ND, Taya holds degrees in Psychology and Mental Health Counseling from NDSU. She lives in Horace with her family and serves on several boards, including Grand Farm and TechND. She was named YWCA’s Woman of the Year in Technology in 2019.
HOLLY TRISKA-DALLY is North Dakota’s State Refugee Coordinator, elected to the SCORR executive board in 2024. She began her career as a Peace Corps volunteer in Central America, later managing NASA’s STEM programs for underrepresented students. With a master's in International Economic Development, Holly has spent 15 years connecting newcomers to networks and opportunities. She’s passionate about shaping refugee resettlement policies and building welcoming communities across the state.
NICHOLE WISCHNAK is the Director of Workforce Affairs and Sales at TrainND SE, where she leads workforce training and upskilling programs for southeastern North Dakota. With 13+ years in workforce development, she also oversees budgets, policy, and operations. She holds a master’s in business management and a bachelor’s in psychology and music. A longtime Fargo resident, Nichole enjoys golfing, live events, and sleeping in when she can.
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