Staff
Brenda Nagel
President | CEO
Brenda Nagel
Brenda came to the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC in 2023 after having served for six years as the VP for Public Affairs at the University of Mary, and prior to that, spent 25 years as a senior operations officer for Aetna.
Brenda has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business from the University of Mary. Brenda has been involved in the community for many years, including service on the United Way Board of Directors, YMCA Board of Directors, as Chair of the Leadership Bismarck Mandan Steering Committee, and as a former Chamber Board Chair.
In her role at the Chamber EDC, she is most excited to share her expertise with her staff to help them grow and develop, and to impact economic growth for the communities of Bismarck and Mandan through the efforts of the Chamber EDC.
Brenda and her husband, Tony, live in Bismarck, have raised three great kids here, have a granddaughter, and farm near Hazelton.
You can reach Brenda at 701-223-5660 or at bnagel@bmcedc.com.
Rachel Neff
Director of Membership Development
Rachel Neff
As a native of Bismarck, Rachel is passionate about this community and everything it has to offer.
She joined the organization in November 2023 as the Membership Sales and Retention Director and developed a deep understanding of the Chamber EDC's membership base, which led her to her current role as Director of Membership Development. In this capacity, she serves as part of the Membership Engagement team overseeing sponsorships, advertising, and events, ultimately working to create exceptional experiences for members. She continues to sell new memberships, retain existing ones, and serve as the staff representative for the Ambassador Committee.
Rachel graduated from the University of Mary in 2022, where she earned her bachelor's degree in communication and a minor in public relations. She was also a proud member of the women's soccer team.
When not working, you can find Rachel at the airport or in her car traveling just about anywhere and everywhere. She also enjoys hiking, running, yoga, biking, and spending quality time with her family, nieces and nephews, and dog!
You can reach Rachel at 701-223-5660 or at rneff@bmcedc.com.
Jennifer Doll
Director of Public Affairs
Jennifer Doll
Jennifer grew up in New Salem, North Dakota, and earned her bachelor’s degree in mass communication from the University of North Dakota and her master’s degree in communication from Iona College in New York. She went on to spend nearly 20 years in the Minneapolis area working in corporate communications for Wells Fargo before she and her family moved back to the area in 2022.
Jennifer has been an active member for more than 20 years with the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and is currently the president of the Great Plains chapter. She also volunteers with her daughter’s local Girl Scouts troop and puts on plenty of miles driving her two kids to and from activities and practices.
In the summer her family loves to camp, spend time at Lake Tschida and attend country music festivals.
You can reach Jennifer at 701-223-560 or at jdoll@bmcedc.com.
Alex Kowski
Vice President of Economic Development
Alex Kowski
Originally from Sauk Centre, Minnesota, Alex came to Bismarck to attend the University of Mary to play baseball and pursue degrees in Accounting and Finance & Banking Services.
Alex began his career with Cornerstone Bank as an intern before graduating and quickly moved into a variety of different roles of increasing responsibility (e.g., Customer Service Representative, Commercial Credit Specialist, Lead Credit Specialist, and Business Banker).
Alex is passionate about growing the Bismarck-Mandan community, promoting all the wonderful programs and events, and connecting with different members of the community. He serves on the BSC Foundation Board of Trustees as well as the treasurer for the Bismarck Gymnastics Academy.
Outside of work, Alex enjoys traveling the world, attending Minnesota sporting events, golfing and scuba diving.
You can reach Alex at 701-223-5660 or at akowski@bmcedc.com.
Adam Vogel
Office Manager
Adam Vogel
Adam Vogel is the Office Manager at the Chamber EDC. He plays a key role in supporting the organization's day-to-day operations and fostering a positive environment for both our members and staff. With a strong background in office administration and customer service, Adam is dedicated to ensuring the smooth functioning of the Chamber EDC's various initiatives and programs. He thrives on building relationships with local businesses and community leaders, contributing to the growth and success of the region's economic development efforts.
Originally from Melrose, Minnesota, Adam decided to make Bismarck-Mandan his home. He is an active musician, performing in the local music scene. Outside of work, he enjoys supporting local initiatives and exploring the outdoors in the Bismarck-Mandan area. Adam's attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to service make him an invaluable addition to the Chamber EDC team.
You can reach Adam at 701-223-5660 or at avogel@bmcedc.com.
Tate Mills
Event Manager
Tatelyn Mills
After graduating from the University of Mary with a bachelor's degree in communication focused on public relations, Tate built her professional experience through multiple internships in event planning, community engagement, and strategic communications. She joined the Chamber EDC in November 2023 as Event Manager putting all her skills to use.
Tate takes pride in serving the Chamber EDC membership by creating events that are meaningful, well-executed, and community driven. She is constantly looking for new ways to improve our programming, increase engagement, and make each event more impactful than the last for the business community.
In her free time, she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband, Joey, and dog, Tuli, whether simply walking on a trail or hiking up a mountain at a national park.
You can reach Tate at 701-223-5660 or at tmills@bmcedc.com.
Frankie Barry
Membership Engagement Coordinator
Frankie Barry
As the Membership Engagement Coordinator at the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC, Frankie enjoys connecting with local businesses to support their growth and success within the community she's grown up in and love. In her role, she works with members to increase their visibility through sponsorship and advertising opportunities that align with their goals. She enjoys helping members build meaningful connections, highlight their stories, and stay engaged within the Chamber EDC community.
She is a graduate of the University of Mary with a bachelor's degree in strategic communication and minors in photography/design and marketing. That, along with her experience with the St. Mary’s High School Cheer Team, Huff Hills Ski Area, and the Bismarck Larks, helped her develop expertise in community engagement and public relations.
Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and being with her nieces, whom she love to brag about!
You can reach Frankie at 701-223-5660 or at fbarry@bmcedc.com.
Noah Vroman
Business Development Coordinator
Noah Vroman
Noah Vroman is the Business Development Coordinator at the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC. In his role, Noah assists in the Chamber EDC's economic development efforts, working with both established businesses and new entrepreneurs to grow the Bismarck-Mandan community. Noah will also spearhead our Business Retention & Expansion program, where he looks forward to meeting with our community members to learn about how the Chamber EDC can help better our local business climate.
Originally from Minnesota, Noah moved to North Dakota in 2020 to attend the University of Mary. During the next four years, he fell in love with the Bismarck-Mandan area and all the unique happenings, businesses, and amenities that it has to offer. When he graduated in the spring of 2024, Noah knew he wanted to stay in the area. The opportunity to work at the Chamber EDC to assist in developing these important elements of our community is exciting, as it allows him to pair together his work and community. When he's not at work, Noah enjoys spending time outside during all four of North Dakota's seasons, going on road trips, and spending time with friends and family.
You can reach Noah at 701-223-5660 or at nvroman@bmcedc.com.
Mel Hammons
Workforce Development Coordinator
Mel Hammons
Originally from Willcox, Arizona, Mel relocated to Bismarck in 2019 and after living in several North Dakota cities, he realized how much he missed the Bismarck–Mandan community. That appreciation ultimately led him back to the area in January 2026.
His professional background is in recruiting and relationship management where he specializes in connecting people with meaningful opportunities and helping organizations build strong, sustainable teams. He's passionate about creating inclusive, people-first solutions that support career growth and long-term workforce success.
Outside of work, Mel enjoys traveling, hiking, and camping with his partner and their dog, Molly.
You can reach Mel at 701-223-5660 or at mhammons@bmcedc.com.
Bridget Stillwell
Content & Communications Coordinator
Bridget Stillwell
Originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin, Bridget spent her first two years of undergrad at the University of Mary in Bismarck before transferring to a small college in Michigan. She earned her bachelor's degree in English studies with a minor in business administration from Adrian College. After spending some time away, she is thrilled to be back in the Bismarck-Mandan area.
As the Content & Communications Coordinator, she enjoys connecting with members and businesses throughout the area and contributing to the creation of the monthly Chamber EDC Connection magazine.
In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities such as running, hiking, and skiing. She also loves spending time with friends and family and being the “cool auntie” to her nieces and nephews.
You can reach Bridget at 701-223-5660 or at bstillwell@bmcedc.com.