Board of Directors

Current Board Members

President

Doug Fredrickson '10

St. Cloud, MN

Doug Fredrickson has served on the BSU Alumni & Foundation Board of Directors since 2018, bringing years of experience and leadership to the organization. Now retired, he remains committed to supporting Bemidji State and its mission. He earned his bachelor's degree in Industrial Technology from BSU in 2010, a degree that helped shape his leadership and management skills.

During his time as a student, Doug experienced a pivotal moment that set the course for his future. After two years in his initial degree program, a department head recognized his academic success but questioned whether he would find long-term fulfillment in that field. Encouraged to pursue a degree more aligned with his strengths, this guidance became a turning point in Doug's life. The mentorship he received at BSU had a profound impact on his career path, and he remains deeply grateful for the lasting influence of his education.

Doug's biography

Treasurer

Scott Kurtzweg

Bemidji, MN

Scott Kurtzweg has been a valued member of the BSU Alumni & Foundation Board of Directors, bringing his expertise in finance and business banking to support the university. He earned dual degrees in Finance and International Business from Bemidji State University, where he built lasting connections and developed the foundation for his career. His education, combined with the mentorship of faculty and peers, prepared him for his leadership role as senior vice president at Security Bank USA. Scott remains committed to giving back to BSU and fostering opportunities for future generations of students.

Scott's biography

Secretary

Lisa Kittleson '16

St. Michael, MN

Lisa Kittleson has been a dedicated member of the BSU Alumni & Foundation Board of Directors since 2020. She earned her bachelor's in Marketing Communications with a minor in Business Administration from Bemidji State University, where she gained valuable insights that have shaped her career. Now serving as senior manager of consumer insights at Polaris, she leverages her expertise in marketing and business strategy to drive consumer-focused innovation. Her BSU experience, including the EuroSpring study abroad program and close faculty connections, played a pivotal role in her professional growth. She remains passionate about giving back to the university that helped shape her success.

Lisa's biography

Jane Berman '85

Boston, MA

Jane Berman joined the BSU Alumni & Foundation Board of Directors in 2019. A 1985 graduate of Bemidji State University, she earned a bachelor's degrees in English and education. Now retired, she resides in Boston, Massachusetts.

Throughout her time at Bemidji State, Jane was deeply influenced by the faculty and staff who shaped her academic and professional journey. Their mentorship and dedication played a pivotal role in her development, leaving a lasting impression that extended far beyond the classroom. The relationships she built with professors and peers continue to inspire her commitment to education and lifelong learning.

Jane's biography

Xihao Hu '97

Moorestown, NJ

Xihao Hu has been a member of the BSU Alumni & Foundation Board of Directors since 2021. A 1997 graduate of Bemidji State University with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, he now serves as the Controller and Chief Accountant at TD Bank Group and resides in Moorestown, New Jersey.

Reflecting on his time at BSU, Xihao is especially grateful for the attentive and dedicated faculty in the accounting department who went out of their way to support him during his senior year as he pursued opportunities with Big 4 accounting firms. He also cherishes the welcoming environment for international students, crediting the International Students Office and campus leadership for making BSU feel like home for those who had traveled far to study abroad.

Xihao's biography

Ron Leisey '78

Glendale, AZ

Ron Leisey, a 1978 graduate of Bemidji State University, joined the BSU Alumni & Foundation Board of Directors in September 2023. He resides in Glendale, Arizona, and is currently retired.

During his time at BSU from 1974-78, Ron met his future wife, and they married a week after graduation. He was active in intramural sports and pursued a Communication Media degree with an emphasis in photography. He worked as a photographer and photo editor for the Northern Student and contributed to the News Bureau under Al Nohner. Ron also completed an internship with the Bemidji Pioneer. Two professors who had a lasting impact on him were Dr. Art Lee and Robert Smith.

Ron's degree led to a successful 36-year career in the camera industry, working for two major Japanese camera companies as a technical sales representative and district account manager. He considers it an honor to serve on the BSU Alumni & Foundation Board, helping to take the university to the next level.

Ron's biography

Kay Mack '86

Bemidji, MN

Kay Mack joined the BSU Alumni & Foundation Board of Directors in 2021. A Bemidji State University graduate, she earned a bachelor's degree in Finance with an Accounting minor. Kay built a distinguished career in public service, retiring as Beltrami County administrator. She resides in Bemidji.

One of the most impactful parts of Kay’s college experience was her ability to fast-track her education, completing three years’ worth of coursework in just two. This allowed her to start a full-time job at Beltrami County, finishing her degree through night classes and study sessions during lunch breaks. A pivotal moment in her journey was taking Intro to Business with Bill Scheela, whose enthusiasm for business inspired her to shift from a science major to business administration — a decision that led to a long and rewarding career.

Kay's biography

Abby Meyer '01

Brooklyn Park, MN

Dr. Abby Meyer joined the BSU Alumni & Foundation Board of Directors in January 2023. A 2001 graduate of Bemidji State University, she earned a biology degree with minors in chemistry, exercise science and Spanish. She went on to receive her master's degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 2005, completed her Otolaryngology residency at the University of Minnesota in 2010, and a Pediatric Otolaryngology fellowship at the University of Washington/Seattle Children's Hospital in 2011. In 2018, she earned an MPH in Epidemiology from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. She currently serves as a pediatric otolaryngologist and medical director of ENT and Audiology at Children’s Minnesota and resides in Brooklyn Park.

Reflecting on her time at BSU, Abby values the opportunity she had to be involved in a wide range of activities, including intercollegiate athletics, music, theater and athletic training. The ability to explore diverse interests enriched her college experience and helped shape the well-rounded professional she is today.

Abby's biography

Jake Richmann '04

Anoka, MN

Jake Richmann, a 2004 graduate of Bemidji State University with a degree in Marketing Communications, is an accomplished entrepreneur and seasoned executive leader with over two decades of experience driving progress in hyper-growth companies. He has held top leadership roles, including president, CEO, and vice president of sales, and he has a strong track record in sales strategy, new business development and global expansion. Jake founded Boundless Inc., a strategic growth consulting agency, and the BeBlessed Foundation, focusing on acts of kindness and community impact. His expertise spans consumer goods, ERP software and international distribution, with a proven ability to lead teams to achieve significant revenue growth.

In addition to his professional achievements, Jake was a standout student-athlete at BSU, excelling in javelin and shot put while earning Dean’s List honors. He also gained a global perspective through a study abroad program in China. Jake's leadership style is rooted in integrity, strategic vision and a commitment to fostering success in others.

Jake's biography

Roger Reierson '74

Fargo, ND

Roger A. Reierson joined the BSU Alumni & Foundation Board of Directors in 2020 and currently serves as executive chairman of RR46. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Bemidji State University in 1973 after also attending UND and Northland Community College. He is based in Fargo, North Dakota.

Initially unsure of his career path, Roger focused on math and law before discovering his passion for marketing at BSU — thanks to an inspiring professor. This led him to pursue marketing communications, shaping his future career. He fondly remembers BSU’s welcoming atmosphere and the outdoor adventures that made his college experience unforgettable.

Roger's biography

Dave Sorensen '72

Lino Lakes, MN

Dave Sorensen, a 1972 Bemidji State University graduate, has a long history of dedication to BSU and its alumni. He previously served on the BSU Alumni & Foundation Board of Directors from 2004-12 and rejoined in 2025. Now retired, he resides in Lino Lakes.

During his time at BSU, Dave was deeply involved in campus leadership, serving as inter-resident hall president, student body president and student council president. The social and entertainment movement of the 1960s and early 1970s provided a unique environment for strategic campus leadership, shaping his personal growth and career path. Above all, the lifelong friendships he built during these transformative years remain one of his greatest takeaways.

Dave's biography

Mark Shanfeld

Bemidji, MN

Dr. Mark Shanfeld joined the BSU Alumni & Foundation Board of Directors in September 2024. He is an ophthalmologist with Sanford Health and completed his residency in Bemidji. His academic journey includes a bachelor's degree in Chemistry and Zoology from Miami University (1980), a doctorate in Physiology from St. Louis University (1987), and a master's from the University of Missouri (1989), followed by an ophthalmology residency at Case Western Reserve University (1993).

Though not a BSU alumnus, Mark has been deeply involved with the university, drawn to its vibrant community of students, faculty and athletics. His passion for supporting BSU is evident in his football endowment and hockey scholarship, which help future generations thrive.

Mark's biography

Jim Walrath '71

Chippewa Falls, WI

Jim Walrath has been a dedicated member of the BSU Alumni & Foundation Board of Directors since 2017. He resides in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and remains deeply connected to his alma mater.

Jim fondly recalls the lifelong friendships formed at Bemidji State, with annual reunions to reminisce about their college adventures — many of which, he says, are best left as memories. His advisor, Dr. Edgington, played a key role in securing his first job, while his involvement as a B-Club officer proved to be highly influential. Jim's love for BSU extends beyond his own experience, as his family has established an endowment to give back to the university that shaped their lives.

One of the most defining moments of his time at BSU was meeting Mary, who remains his wife to this day — a true testament to the lasting impact of his college years.

Jim's biography

Ex-officio Members

John L. Hoffman

Bemidji, MN
President of BSU and NTC

Allyssa Joseph

Bemidji, MN
BSUAF executive director

Board Emeriti

Cynthia Cashman '85
Joe Grabowski '80
Elwood Largis '65

Join the Board

You can apply to join the Bemidji State Alumni & Foundation's Board of Directors, or nominate another qualified candidate for consideration. Board members can serve one or two three-year terms and make a difference in a variety of ways and areas of expertise.

Board application