Staff
Maggie Byrd
I was born and raised in Pensacola, FL (yes, you read that right…Florida!) My travels started after I graduated from Full Sail University with a Bachelor’s in Film. My first stop was in New Hampshire, where I was able to work at their ABC News affiliate and for an ECHL hockey team as a production assistant. I loved setting up the studio for all the different segments at the station and being behind the camera at the games. My second stop was Texas, where I expanded my passion in graphic design and was able work for ESPN during a Saturday Night Baylor vs. Oklahoma football game. And now, my third stop, Bismarck, ND. I’m so excited to take on the role of Event Coordinator with the Chamber EDC and become more ingrained in the Bismarck Mandan community! Since I moved here, I’ve had nothing but welcome arms from everyone I’ve met, and I can’t wait to give back with events I’ll be planning.
In my free time, I love to read, watch tv, paint, go shopping, FaceTime my niece and nephews, during the winter watch the snow fall or during the summer sit in the sun on my balcony with my cat, Luna.
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).
Ross Frohlich
Born and raised in Mandan, my roots run deep throughout our communities.
My background is diverse, including warehouse management, phlebotomy, clinical research, skilled laborer recruitment, and most recently, electrical sales. My experiences have allowed me to see not only the wide array of talent and industries that we have in Bismarck-Mandan, but also see what opportunities could be developed! I believe the Chamber EDC is the perfect place to help cultivate ideas and assist in supporting these new opportunities.
I live in Mandan with my wife, two daughters and our dog, Otis. My free time is enjoyed by watching my daughters play soccer, taking family camping trips, riding motorcycle, and being on the water.
Mary Kempenich
I was born and raised in Bismarck, though my family roots span the entire USA. From a young age, I had a sense of adventure instilled in me, and the more of the world I traveled, the more I grew to love the community I called home. Bismarck-Mandan is such a special place, and I am thrilled to have a part in making it even better! I am a people-person, who thrives on collaboration and co-operation. I am excited to grow the workforce in BisMan through community engagement and outreach in my position as the Workforce Marketing Specialist. I believe that people don’t just want to have a job, they want to have a life, and I hope to show the whole world the wonderful life they could have here.
In my free time, I am a reader (with a passion for Stephen King novels), a coffee junkie, runner, hiker, kayaker, and generally busy person. I love the variety of activities available right beyond my front door and appreciate that there are so many unique, local events that keep me on my toes!
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.
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.
Brian Ritter
As a native and life-long resident of this community, it is my honor and privilege to serve as the President & CEO of the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC. Bismarck-Mandan and the surrounding area is home to one of the most vibrant and diverse economies anywhere. Driven by sectors like healthcare, education, energy generation and government, we are poised to grow now and in the future. My role at the Chamber EDC is to aid in that growth by overseeing our operations, implementing our Strategic Plan, advocating for our businesses and developing relationships with public and private sector stakeholders.
While there are challenges to our continued success, there are challenges brought about by growth. The Chamber EDC will always work tirelessly with our partners to address those challenges and do so in the best interest of both our members and our community.
Should you ever have any questions or concerns with how we're doing so, please do not hesitate to get ahold of me or any of our fantastic Staff. The door is always open here. Thank you for your support of the Chamber EDC and I look forward to working with you!
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!
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 son.
Emily Seebold
I was born and raised in Detroit Lakes, MN and after graduating high school, I continued my education at the University of North Dakota. I completed my degrees in Communication and Human Nutrition in 2020. I am people person and am highly motivated by maintaining and nurturing relationships. Some of my responsibilities will include contracting sponsors for our events and finding the right advertisement opportunities in our publications for our members.
When not working, you can find me teaching yoga at SoulHaven Studio, cooking (but not doing the dishes), and loving on my French Bulldog, Butters. Oh, and listening to Taylor Swift.
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.
Kelsey Wirt
I will be serving as the Small Business Outreach Coordinator for the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC! In this role I will be visiting with our small business members to ensure they get the most value out of their membership and connect them with solutions for their business. I grew up in a family of small business owners and can empathize with the struggles and celebrate the victories that come along with it.
While originally from Minnesota, my education and personal life kept me in Fargo, North Dakota since 2012. In 2021, we moved out to the BisMan area for my husband’s job (also a small business!) and currently reside in New Salem with our children: Webb, Monroe, and Gertrude (our dog child). When not at work we enjoy golfing, hunting, and exploring new hiking trails. North Dakota has continued to steal my heart and I look forward to learning more about our new community and meeting the people that make it so incredible!