Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I grew up on a farm in rural North Dakota and attended North Dakota State University, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting. My husband, John, is also an accountant (nerds unite!), and we have two wonderful kids, Harrison and Adeline (Addie).
I’ve been with Eide Bailly for 7.5 years and truly enjoy what I do. My coworkers are the best, and I feel fortunate to be part of such a great team. When I’m not working or chasing our two kids around, I enjoy reading, getting in a good workout, doing puzzles, or catching up on the latest Netflix, Hulu, or Apple TV shows!
Q: Who are some people who have been influential in your journey?
A: My parents have been huge influences in my life. They taught me the importance of hard work, family, and always putting my best foot forward. My dad is a farmer, and my mom was a CFO of a rural hospital in North Dakota before retiring. They instilled strong values and work ethic in me, and I’m incredibly grateful for the role models they have been—and continue to be—in my life.
Q: What drives you?
A: My family, and more specifically, my two kids, Harrison and Addie.
Q: What do you think can be improved in our business community?
A: I would love to see more mentorship programs that connect those entering the workforce or early in their careers with experienced professionals who can offer guidance and support. Having access to mentorship—especially for women and working mothers—can make a significant difference in career growth and confidence.
Q: What are some important life lessons you have learned?
A: You don’t have to outpace anyone—sometimes, it’s okay to grow slowly.
Time is precious, and it moves quickly. I’ve learned the importance of slowing down, being patient with myself, and staying present. In a world full of busyness and distractions, it’s essential to be intentional with how we spend our time and who we spend it with.
Q: What are some of your favorite things to do in our community?
A: We love attending community events, especially Fargo Force and NDSU sporting events. Our family is also very involved with our church, Hope Lutheran.
In the summer, we enjoy spending time outdoors and visiting the many playgrounds in the FM area—we’re fortunate to have so many! In the colder months, we take advantage of the great indoor spaces in our community, like the Rustad Recreation Center, KidCo, Courts Plus, and We Rock the Spectrum.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: In 10 years, I hope to continue growing in my career while building strong relationships with those around me. I plan to stay active and involved in my kids’ activities, supporting them in whatever they choose to pursue. I also hope to continue traveling, spending quality time with family and friends, and being involved in my community.
My goal is to maintain a balanced life where I can succeed at work, enjoy time with loved ones, and make a positive impact in my community.
Q: What are you hoping to gain from the United Way 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program?
A: I hope to further develop my leadership skills and gain a deeper understanding of myself so that I can continue to be a strong and effective leader for my family, community, and workplace.
I’m also excited about the relationships I’ll build throughout this program with the 34 other incredible women!
Q: Tell us about some resources that changed the way you view leadership.
A: I really enjoyed “The Slight Edge” by Jeff Olson. It presents simple yet powerful concepts that can be applied to many areas of life. The book provides practical and actionable approaches that help build daily habits for long-term success. It was an inspiring and motivational read!
For podcasts, I enjoy “The Mel Robbins Podcast” and “The Ed Mylett Show.” I discovered both within the last year, and they’ve really helped me get out of my own way. They cover insightful topics and pose thought-provoking questions that have encouraged both personal and professional growth.
Q: What are your passions outside of work?
A: Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, doing puzzles, and staying active through yoga and workouts.
In the summer, we love going to the lake, and in the fall, we enjoy visiting my family’s farm—especially during harvest season. We also try to take a couple of trips each year. In the past year, we went on a cruise, spent a weekend in Nisswa, MN, and traveled to Florida.
