Director, Community Services Division, ND Dept. of Commerce

Maria Effertz is the Director for the ND Commerce Division of Community Services. She has spent the last twenty-five years exploring the Main Streets and side streets of North Dakota’s rural areas. She knows the best part of rural North Dakota, beside the great food and people, is the imagination and passion rural North Dakotan’s have for their towns and state.  

As Director, she helps a team who manages the Office of Community Development and Rural Prosperity, EDA Placemaking Grant program and HUD and Department of Energy programs distributed by the state.

Maria and her family also own and operate Black Butte Adventures, a rural tourism destination near Sawyer, North Dakota. She has degrees from University of North Dakota and University of Mary.

Entrepreneur, Innovator, and Celebrator of National Days

Marlo Anderson is a multifaceted entrepreneur, best known as the visionary founder of National Day Calendar, a platform that has catalyzed a global movement to celebrate the unique and special moments that unite us. His creation has become an integral part of daily life for millions, recognized and celebrated in classrooms and morning talk shows across the country.

Beyond the calendar, Marlo's contributions to his community and the world at large are profound. For 30 years, he chaired the Independence Day parade in Mandan, North Dakota, orchestrating one of the state's largest and most beloved events. His commitment to environmental innovation is evident in his work with Artificial Photosynthesis, a groundbreaking technology aimed at breaking apart CO2 to create usable products, showcasing his dedication to tackling global challenges through innovation.

Anderson's voice has resonated on the airwaves for years as the long-time host of "The Tech Ranch," a radio show that explores technological innovations and their impact on our lives. Expanding his reach into visual media, Marlo hosts a daily video vignette featuring a National Day, which has become a staple for millions of viewers, spreading joy and awareness of the little things that make life special.

His latest venture, "Destination Celebration," is a weekly TV show that dives into the heart of National Days, exploring their significance and the communities that cherish them. This series exemplifies Marlo's talent for storytelling and his passion for uncovering the stories behind the celebrations.

An inventor at heart, Marlo, alongside his grandson Logan Dutenhafer, has reimagined the game of miniature golf with the creation of Ace Putt, a new way to enjoy the classic game, demonstrating his playful spirit and continuous drive to innovate.

Marlo Anderson's legacy is not just in the national days he's brought into the spotlight but in his unwavering commitment to innovation, community, and celebration. His diverse career, marked by significant achievements in event planning, environmental technology, media, and entertainment, reflects a life dedicated to enriching the lives of others, fostering community spirit, and championing sustainable solutions for our planet.

Program Director, Montana Cooperative Development Center

Davey Madison has been the Program Director for the Montana Cooperative Development Center since 2020. In this role, she plays a key role in developing and supporting cooperative businesses across Montana through technical assistance, training programs, and various initiatives. Prior to MCDC, Davey worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana and as the Project Manager in the Montana Governor's Office of Economic Development, where she led multiple projects, including an award-winning software application and the Innovate Montana Symposium.

She graduated with a BA in English from Carroll College in Helena, Montana. Active in both state and national organizations, Davey currently serves as the president of the Montana Ambassadors and as a board member for CooperationWorks and Big Sky Pride. Additionally, she is an alumnus of Leadership Helena and a past board member for Powerhouse Montana.

Her upbringing on the rolling hills of northeast Montana instilled a deep connection to rural life, where she continues to contribute to her family's ranch. Outside of her professional endeavors, Davey enjoys board games, DIY projects, team roping, and barrel racing.

Executive Director, Pembina County Job Development Authority

Angelle French currently serves as the Pembina County JDA director. She had previously served as the Walsh County JDA director. French holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Minnesota-Crookston and a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Dakota. French currently serves as the President of the Rendezvous Region Tourism Council and an ex-officio member of the Pembina Gorge Foundation Board. French resides near Hamilton, ND with her husband, young son, and a handful of cats and dogs.

Rural Resident, Community Volunteer, Educator, Connector

Lizzie Crowston, Ph.D., is an educator with a passion for rural development. Having  transitioned out of the class, Lizzie now serves as a Senior Instructional Designer for Mayo Clinic.

Lizzie is not only committed to her professional pursuits but also actively engaged in her community. She is serving her second term on the Cavalier School Board, driven by a personal connection as her five children attend Cavalier School. Additionally, she is a small business owner, dedicated to creating resources and growth opportunities for North Dakota.

Passionate about addressing the skills gap between education and the workforce, Lizzie is focusing on STEM and the integration of human connection in the digital age. She advocates for a holistic approach to education that empowers individuals and aligns with regional needs.

Lizzie's vision extends beyond traditional education paradigms, emphasizing the importance of a human-in-the-loop approach in advanced digital environments. Her commitment to fostering new opportunities for students and the community underscores her dedication to transforming education into a tool for empowerment and growth.