Staff
Brenda Nagel
Nagel comes to the Chamber EDC from the University of Mary where she has served since 2017, most recently as Vice President for Public Affairs since 2020. Prior to her role at the University of Mary, Nagel was employed at Aetna CVS Health from
1994 - 2017 in a number of leadership roles, most notably as the Senior Director of Operations leading the company's Bismarck office along with others around the globe.
"For nearly 20 years, l've been honored to serve the Chamber EDC in a number of different volunteer roles including Chair of the Leadership Bismarck-Mandan Steering Committee and Board Chair in 2017," said Nagel. "So I can't think of a better opportunity to give back to a community that has already given me and my family so much."
Nathan Schneider
I am excited to lead the Economic Development efforts for the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC. As part of my position, I lead the Chamber EDC's business attraction business retention and expansion, entrepreneurial development, workforce development and talent attraction efforts.
As a fourth generation North Dakotan and Harvey native, I am excited to be part of the growth of this state. I truly believe that Bismarck-Mandan is a shining star in the upper Midwest for both business and talent and try to showcase everyday why business should expand or a person should relocate here. This is a great time to be a part of this community and this organization.
When I am not promoting Bismarck-Mandan to industry and talent, I can be found enjoying our outdoor recreational opportunities with my wife and our two kids, Hudson and Harper.
Christine Nelson
As a Bismarck-Mandan native, I take pride in all that our community has to offer. After graduating Century High School, I continued my education at the University of North Dakota. I traveled the United States and lived in many places, but knew that North Dakota was home. My career path lead me to 8 years of senior living sales experience in five different states (Texas, New Mexico, Illinois, Missouri and North Dakota). I am truly thankful for all the meaningful relationships that were a part of my life.
As the Vice President of Sales & Events, and part of the Leadership team, I oversee all the events and sales that take place here at the Chamber EDC. I also sit as staff liaison on the Chamber EDC Local Issues Committee.
Today, I am happily married to my husband Philip, and we cherish our dog, Lily, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and our Ragdoll cat, Peony. We love to travel and look forward to our yearly trips to a tropical paradise.
Rachel Neff
I am so excited and honored to be apart of the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC team! As a native of Bismarck, I am passionate about this community and everything it has to offer. Graduating from the University of Mary in April of ’22, I obtained my Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication with a Minor in Public Relations. After spending some time in the gas and energy industries, I am thrilled to now be serving my home community of Bismarck-Mandan.
As the Membership Sales & Retention Director, I look forward to helping our current members and thrive to continue building our membership base.
When I am not working, you can find me in the airport or my car traveling to just about anywhere and everywhere. I also enjoy snowboarding, yoga, cooking, and spending quality time with my niece and nephews!
Frankie Barry
I’m thrilled to be the Membership Engagement Coordinator at the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC. I’m eager to connect with our local members and businesses, and to support their growth and success within the North Dakota community I have grown up in and loved.
In my role, I’ll engage with members, support event sponsors, and coordinate monthly mixers to foster networking and connections. I’m also looking forward to being a communication point for our members, the chamber and the community.
My background includes a variety of roles that have strengthened my communication and business relation skills. I recently graduated from the University of Mary with a B.S. in Strategic Communication and minors in Photography/Design and Marketing. I’ve had the pleasure of working with the St. Mary’s High School Cheer Team, Huff Hills Ski Area, and the Bismarck Larks where I created engaging content, helped to create memorable experiences for locals, and gave me valuable experience in public and community relations. This background has led me to the Chamber because it aligns with our city-focused mission and allows me to use my professional skills to serve my hometown.
When I’m not at work, you’ll likely find me outside with friends, whether it’s on the water, traveling, or skiing during North Dakota winters. I also cherish any moment spent with mytwo nieces - who you might hear me brag about often.
Tatelyn Houle
I have called Bismarck home my entire life. As I completed my Communication degree with a focus in Public Relations at the University of Mary, I was given the opportunity to become more involved in my community. I fell in love with all the amazing things Bismarck-Mandan has to offer and knew I wanted to continue serving this area. I first began working in the Bismarck community with the Bismarck Larks, where I worked as the Event Experience Intern. Following the passion I had for events, I interned again for a corporate event company, 13th Hat Business and Event Strategy. In my final learning experience, I became involved with the marketing company, Agency MABU, as an intern and later came on as an apprentice for their team. In every path I followed, I was able to do what I enjoy by engaging with the people and community around me.
In my personal life, I love exploring the world around me with my fiancé, Joey, and our dog, Tuli. We enjoy hiking and various outdoor activities; we do our best to visit at least one national park each year.
I am thrilled to be joining this Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC as the Event Coordinator!
Rebecca Pelkey
I am doing what I love and loving what I do. I joined the Chamber EDC family in January of 2014 as the Communications Specialist. My responsibilities include designing our monthly Chamber EDC Connection publication, our weekly e-newsletter, and assisting in creating various marketing graphics for all of our Chamber EDC events! I enjoy working with all of our Chamber EDC members to better promote their businesses through our variety of different mediums.
When I’m not working or attending Chamber EDC events, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading the latest celebrity gossip and watching NASCAR.
Summer Sturm
Emily Eback
Born and raised in Devils Lake, ND, I quickly learned the ways of the state: hard work and hotdish. I attended North Dakota State University for Marketing & Finance and completed my Global Business requirements at Universidad del País Vasco in Bilbao, Spain. I spent three years as a Business Engagement Fellow at Dakota Medical Foundation, then moved to Mandan in April of 2023 with my partner in crime, Chris.
I am thrilled to be joining the BMCEDC as the Business Development & Marketing Coordinator. In this role, I develop and distribute marketing pieces as part of our business attraction efforts, work directly with new and expanding businesses to seek growth opportunities and analyze impacts of economic development marketing efforts to ensure effective resource allocation. This role combines my passions and skills all in efforts to share the story and continue the growth of the prospering Bismarck-Mandan area.
In my free time you’ll find me on a walk with friends, petting strangers’ dogs, taking an impromptu trip, out on a run, heading to the green house to find a new plant I’ll accidently kill in a week, and falling asleep during any and every movie (but I’ll insist I get to pick it).
Lyndsey Scheurer
I am thrilled to be expanding my role here at the Chamber EDC as the Creative Marketing Specialist!
I originally started as an intern back in 2018 while I was completing my Graphic Design & Communications degree at Bismarck State College. Now as the full time Creative Marketing Specialist, my responsibilities include designing graphics for our various publication & promotional marketing mediums, social media and website administration, photography, and video production. Every day is completely different, which is what I love most about working at the Chamber EDC, aside from all the events & networking opportunities we share with our members. When I'm not at work, I enjoy spending quality time with my two cats, Ember & Mango, staying on top of the latest fashion trends, and taking on freelance photography and design work any chance I get!
Cathryn Sprynczynatyk Anderson
Communications Specialist | Director of Leadership Bismarck-Mandan
cathryn@bmcedc.com
Cathryn Sprynczynatyk Anderson
I am pleased to be the director of the prestigious Leadership Bismarck-Mandan program. As a 2013 Leadership graduate, married to a 2014 graduate and the daughter of one of the program's original founders, it's safe to say Leadership Bismarck-Mandan runs in my blood. I am passionate because it brings together future leaders to educate and involve them in our community. Leadership Bismarck-Mandan is like taking a Master's class on our community. In addition to directing Leadership Bismarck-Mandan, I provide support to our Communications team, writing for the Chamber EDC Connection features and other projects.
After living in Minnesota and Ukraine for nearly a decade, I am thrilled to put down roots in my hometown of Bismarck with my husband, Jason, and our four boys, Sigurdor, Henrik, Thor, & Magnus.