City officials from across North Dakota were recognized for leadership development during the North Dakota League of Cities’ (NDLC) 2026 Spring Workshop & Elected Officials Training held on March 18 and 19 in Dickinson. The honors were part of the League’s Leadership Training Program, a four-tier certificate program that helps municipal officials strengthen leadership skills and serve their communities more effectively.
Participants earn one credit for every hour of training completed. This year, the NDLC recognized 20 individuals with the Innovator Award for 30 hours of training, 10 with the Visionary Award for 60 hours, six with the Leader Award for 100 hours and nine with the 110% Award for 200 hours.
“The Leadership Training Program empowers local officials to strengthen their skills, share ideas and lead with confidence,” said Matt Gardner, Executive Director of the North Dakota League of Cities. “When city leaders commit to ongoing learning, their communities benefit through stronger governance, collaboration and innovation.”
Innovator Award recipients were Chayla Hansen of Harwood, Tami Erman of Lincoln, Corinne Lepp of Venturia, Granville Brinkman of Beulah, Ken Gillespie of Park River, Kevin Forsman of Ashley, Lisa Foster of Kensal, Michael Faught of Casselton, Pam Stewart of Goodrich, Tammy Knutson of Kenmare, Rhonda Schlecht of Medina, Landrie Schmidt of Ellendale, JoAnna Nielson of Portland, David Juma of Williston, Carl Martineck of Valley City, Andrew Presnell of New Rockford, Alwood Huckell of Fort Ransom, Shonella Lemer of Martin, LaDonna Anderson of Fort Ransom and Steve Thorfinnson of Fort Ransom.
Visionary Award recipients were Chayla Hansen of Harwood, Tami Erman of Lincoln, Alesia Senff of Flasher, Devra Smestad of Burlington, Erica Meadows of Washburn, Sandy Raines of Columbus, Dustin Dassinger of Dickinson, Billee Jo Iglehart of Garrison, Lea Massado of Beach and Nicole Gunn of Ellendale.
Leader Award recipients were Brandi Gillespie of Alexander, Jan Dancer of Ray, Sherry Schmidt of Flasher, Whittney Lipp of Wishek, Chelsey Brandt of Washburn and Dave Carlsrud of Valley City.
110% Award recipients were Mary Liz Davis of Velva, Pam Jerome of Carrington, Ronica Pederson of Stanley, Tabitha Arnaud of Kindred, Terry Macdonald of Hazelton,
Doris Greenwood of Munich, Desiree Hanson of Tioga, Jennifer Johns of Velva and Melissa Davis of New Salem.
The North Dakota League of Cities is an organization that encourages dynamic local leadership, provides educational opportunities, and represents the interests of North Dakota communities.
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