Looking back on your career journey, how did you get to where you are today?

I’ve always been in service since I graduated from college, but not always in public service. I did a stint in the restaurant business, then in a hospital/nursing home in the private sector. From there, I managed a large propane company and worked my way up from being a bookkeeper all the way to general manager.

I’ve been with the North Dakota Department of Transportation for 20 years now. I started in State Fleet, worked my way up to State Fleet Director in 2012, and in 2019 was appointed deputy director. It’s been quite a journey at the DOT. I love it here. We’re just like a big family.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Obtaining my Certified Automotive Fleet Manager credential is probably the accomplishment I’m most proud of. I equate it to getting your CPA [certified public accountant license]—it involved completing eight modules within a three-year period. Even after earning the designation, you have to recertify every five years through speaking engagements, writing or being featured in articles and staying actively involved in industry organizations.

Secondly, having the DOT director appoint me to this position out of all the people he could have interviewed was very humbling. I started the role in November 2019, and then COVID hit just a few months later. So those first years were
a whirlwind of learning the highway safety, motor vehicle and driver’s license worlds while navigating the pandemic. Looking back, it’s hard to believe it’s been almost seven years.

How would you describe your leadership style?

My leadership style is really about building relationships and listening first. I also believe it’s important to understand what our team members do every day. Last summer, I did what I called a “day in your work life,” where I spent a couple of hours shadowing employees across motor vehicle, driver licensing and highway safety. It gave them a chance to tell me what they love, what frustrates them and what challenges they face. It also helps me be a better leader because I can better understand and advocate for their work.

What has your involvement with AAMVA been like so far?

I started getting involved with AAMVA in 2020 during COVID, so everything was virtual at first. I started with the Finance, Investment and Audit Committee, and things progressed pretty quickly from there. What I’ve really enjoyed is building relationships—not only with other jurisdictions but also with our federal partners and vendors. It’s been a great opportunity to learn from others and better understand the challenges we’re all facing.

What are you hoping to accomplish as chair?

I’d really like to continue advancing AAMVA’s strategy and ensure we remain responsive to our members’ needs. The organization does a great job adapting to changes in the motor vehicle, driver licensing and safety space, and I hope we continue to meet those challenges in stride.

What do you like to do in your free time?

My husband and I love to travel and spend time outdoors. We’ve gotten into hiking and whitewater rafting over the years, and we also enjoy hunting, golfing and spending time on our pontoon on the Missouri River during the summer. Most of all, I enjoy spending time with my family, including my daughters, granddaughter and our three dogs.