Leadership Dickinson

03/20/2026

March 4th was our second to last time meeting for this year. We started our day off with going to Ryan Kadrmas’s farm. We learned about the most common seeds from North Dakota. Ryan also explained some processes to us, like how the seeds are picked, how they treat them once planted and how the different seeds require different conditions. Next we went to TMI and got a tour of their facility and learned about all the different processes and jobs required to make their products. We learned that there are many people working behind the scenes to help provide their services in an efficient way.

After our lunch, we were given a presentation about career services at DSU from Marissa Schroeder which taught us about how to be professional when sending an email and how so much can change in the future! Then for our last presentation of the day we met with Dr. Chip Poland of the agricultural department in DSU and he gave us a presentation about everything we needed to know about agriculture and how jobs that you would never think could be involved in agriculture can be! We have had many great sessions this year and we are excited for the last one!

02/26/2026

Our February Leadership Dickinson session is in the books - getting closer and closer to graduation for this bunch!

We had a very eventful day. The day began at the Chamber of Commerce, where we participated in a team building activity. From there, we walked a few blocks to Bravera Bank, where we received a tour from Tim Brooke and Jared Bullinger. We learned about the bank’s history and role in the community. Next, we headed to Dickinson City Hall and had the opportunity to speak with Carter Fong and Xander Beeson about their marketing projects. We also listened to City Engineer Joshua Skulzaech, who shared insights into his work and responsibilities. Afterward, we returned to the Chamber for lunch. In the afternoon, we visited Dickinson Emergency Services, where we toured the facility and learned valuable information about how they serve and protect our community. We heard from Lieutenant Mike Hanel of the Dickinson Police Department and then visited the Fire Department, where Fire Chief Jeremy Presnell gave us a tour. One of the highlights was getting to go up on the ladder. We wrapped up the day back at the Chamber, reflecting on our experiences and discussing everything we’d learned.

01/22/2026

Delayed due to weather in December, the students finally got to go to the State Capitol this month!

Today with Leadership Dickinson was an unforgettable and inspiring experience. We visited the North Dakota State Capitol in Bismarck during the legislative committee meetings, which gave us a real look into how our state government works. We started the day by meeting Governor Kelly Armstrong and the First Lady, who shared his career journey and what it takes to be a strong and effective leader. It helped us better understand the responsibilities and dedication that come with leadership. After that, we toured the Capitol and learned about its history and importance.

We then enjoyed lunch in the Capitol cafeteria before meeting with Attorney General Drew Wrigley, who gave us insight into his career and the responsibilities of his job. It was eye-opening to learn about the legal side of leadership and how much work goes into protecting and serving the people of North Dakota. We ended the day at the Heritage Center, where we explored artifacts and learned more about North Dakota’s past. We are so grateful and blessed to have had this opportunity, and it was both educational and so much fun!

11/18/2025

Thanks to all our Health and Human Service partners for a great Leadership Dickinson Day!

We started the day at Midwest Therapy to learn about career paths for therapists and all the effort and studying that goes into it. Jessica Landis gave us a tour of the building and talked to us about her career path. Afterwards we returned to the Chamber of Commerce where we met with the Domestic Violence and R**e Crisis Center to shed light on things that happen in the community and how we can support people in those unfortunate situations.Shortly afterwards Rich Wardner talked to us about legislation, and our current leaders in the community and how we can reach them.

Around 10:00 we went to the 3rd Ave Able home and Sarah Carlson talked to us about the lifes of disabled individuals. She also talked to us about how we can include them and make them feel more comfortable. For lunch we went to the Rotary Club held at DSU where guest speaker Clarence Sitter the CEO of the TRMF talked about plans for expanding Medora with new attractions, such as the presidential lodge, a new rodeo stadium, and the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Finally to put a great end to our day we took a tour of CHI that included an extremely educational and fun visit to the surgery rooms.

10/08/2025

October 1st was the second session of Leadership Dickinson with our 2025 crew! We started the day off at the Chamber of Commerce with members from Continental Resources presented about different career fields in their company, their day-to-day operations and much more. Continental Resources stayed with us the entire day!

We then headed to Jacam Catalyst, where we learned about the chemical side of oil and gas. Then went down to Denny Electric to see the importance and production of the electrical side of oil rigs, as well as residential.

We want to thank SM Fencing & Energy Services, Inc. for making a wonderful lunch for us and giving us an inside few at cranes and other machinery. We ended the day with a tour of Steffes.

Thank you to everyone who made this day possible!

08/31/2025

Today marked the first of Leadership Dickinson 2025. We met the new crew, engaged in a team building activity, and made our way to Medora. Upon arriving in Medora, we headed to our first stop, the Badlands Ministries High Ropes Course. It was definitely an adventure and we were forced to go out of our comfort zone but it ended up being a great experience. Next we made our way into town and stopped at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park Visitor Center.

After a fun lunch at a local pizza restaurant and a visit with Emily Klym the CFO for the TRMF in Medora, we were given the opportunity to see a 3D model of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Next, we headed out to the library and had a tour led by Addison Olsen. It was a wonderful start for the year for Leadership Dickinson and we can’t wait to experience what lies ahead.

02/14/2025

📢 Calling all Dickinson Juniors!
We are now accepting applications for our 2026 Leadship Dickinson program!

Please follow this link to apply:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dl3dFEK0dGcWACBxTAHso0Gk6cignidR/view?usp=drivesdk

02/11/2025

Awesome work Ella!

Ella is a current Leadership Dickinson student! 👩‍🎓

01/06/2025

Way to go Kaeden Krieg!

Kaeden was a member of Leadership Dickinson program 2023-24 🥳

Former Midgets star is paving the way for younger players in the Dickinson area

12/12/2024

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of welcoming program directors, Suzi Sobolik and Ashley Tillman from Leadership Dickinson, along with students currently participating in their 8-month leadership program, to Steffes! 🙌

Founder, Paul Steffes, personally lead the tour, sharing stories, insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at how our team operates. It was a wonderful chance to connect and showcase the passion and hard work that drives our organization.

Thanks for visiting us, Leadership Dickinson! 👋

11/30/2024

Congratulations to one of our Leadership Dickinson Class of 2024, Kaeden Krieg! 🏒🥅

🚨CALL UP ALERT 🚨

Kaeden Krieg has been called up to the
St. Cloud Norsemen of the NAHL!

Good luck Kaeden!!

11/26/2024

Leadership Dickinson Downtown Day!

"Our Leadership Dickinson group had the opportunity to visit a few businesses in downtown Dickinson. We learned many lessons including what makes these businesses successful and how they serve the community. The group also got to enjoy some donuts at Legacy Square! Thank you to Bravera Bank, KDIX Radio, The Saucy Blonde Boutique, The Dickinson Press, De Porres House of Barbering, Stark Development, and the Eagles Club"! - Camden Kubas

Photos by Alexander Keller