Board of Directors

Advance Thief River is a regional economic development initiative, seeking to grow the economy of Thief River Falls and the surrounding communities.

Our Vision

Advance Thief River is a driving force for economic development in the Thief River Falls area, enabling business owners and residents to benefit from an unparalleled living and working environment.

Advance Thief River Board of Directors

The Advance Thief River Board of Directors is comprised of business and community leaders who volunteer their time and expertise to grow the area’s economy and create jobs for area residents. Their collective experience and knowledge guide the organization.

PRESIDENT

Tony McLean

President
Border State Bank
218-689-4319

Vice President

Nate Haase

Attorney
Ihle Sparby & Haase PA
218-681-7373

Secretary

Diedre Nordin

Broker/Owner
Nordin Realty
218-681-7789

Treasurer

Jessica Muller

Certified Public Accountant
Brady, Martz & Associates, P.C.
218-681-6265

Director

Ben Erickson

Owner and President
Ericco Manufacturing
218-523-5600

Director

Tyler Ust

Tyler Ust

Executive Director
Sanford Medical Center Thief River Falls
218-683-4400

Director

Kermit Genereux

Broker
USA Realty
218-681-4663

Director

Missy Hall

Vice President, New Market Development
DigiKey
800-338-4105

Director

Diane Retka

Diane Retka

Strategic HR Manager
Textron Specialized Vehicles, Arctic Cat Division

Director

John Syvertson

John Syvertson

Vice President
Northern State Bank
218-683-7612

Ex-Officio

ROY SOURDIF

Pennington County Commissioner

Ex-Officio

Angie Philipp

City Administrator
City of Thief River Falls
218-681-2943

Ex-Officio

Steve Narverud

City of Thief River Falls
Alderman at Large
218-689-4244

Ex-Officio

Donita Stepan

Dr. Chris Mills

Superintendent
TRF Public Schools
218-681-8711

Ex-Officio

Carly Lunsetter

Carly Lunsetter

Executive Director
TRF Chamber of Commerce
218-681-3720

Ex-Officio

Joe Hedrick

Manager
Thief River Falls Regional Airport

Advance Thief River Staff

Michelle Landsverk

President
Landsverk and Associates, Inc

Director

Michelle Landsverk, President of Landsverk and Associates, Inc., is an economic development consultant and serves as Executive Director for Advance Thief River.

Michelle’s business knowledge and economic development experience have been an asset to several northwest Minnesota communities.

Michelle grew up on a farm 14 miles northeast of Mahnomen and now makes her home near Fosston, MN. She loves small towns, small businesses and rural life. Her passion is to build a thriving economy which provides opportunity for people to live and work in small towns and rural areas.

Work Worth Doing

“Theodore Roosevelt said that ‘Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.’

“I find great satisfaction in ‘work worth doing.’ My work with Advance Thief River is a great example of work worth doing. The Board of Directors is 100 percent committed to this community and its success. I consider it a privilege and honor to work with them and their partners to support area businesses and grow the economy.”

Michelle Landsverk

Brittany Rolf

BRITTANY ROLF

Consultant

Join Us Thief River Project Coordinator

Brittany Rolf joined the Advance Thief River team in 2024 as Project Coordinator for Join Us Thief River, funded by a grant from the Northwest Minnesota Foundation’s Welcoming Communities Program. Join Us Thief River is a project of Advance Thief River, focusing on recruitment and retention of new residents.

Brittany holds a bachelor’s degree in business and has successfully managed various roles in property and service management. Coming from a small town, she understands the importance of creating a welcoming environment that transforms a place into a home. On her family’s farm, Brittany gained valuable experience working with international employees, fostering an appreciation for diverse backgrounds and the need for a supportive community.

Our Partners

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
NoW Innovators Network

Advance Thief River

Mailing Address
PO Box 773

Thief River Falls, MN 56701

Office
By appointment only
Spark Hub

1412 3rd Street West
Thief River Falls, MN 56701

Contact Us

Drop us a message to let us know what you need and we'll get back to you as soon as we can!


Advance Thief River Growing the Area Economy!