The Center for Research and Innovation hosts a staff of highly qualified and experienced people who are ready to work with you to meet your organization’s needs.
Dr. David Kingsbury, Executive Director, Corporate and Education Relations:
Dr. Kingsbury has over 20 years experience in the development and management of vocational education programs. In his current position, he is responsible for the overall operation the Center for Research and Innovation and the statewide marketing of the Center. Additionally, he is responsible for the development and implementation of a virtual “Technology Center” designed to match the training needs of business and industry with the appropriate institution within the Minnesota State College and University System.
Mr. Michael Wellcome, Associate Director:
Mr. Wellcome’s experience includes telecommunications system design, electronic commerce, group facilitation, grants administration, and project management. He provides operational management of the CRI including purchasing equipment, budgetary oversight, technical assistance to project managers, and supervision of support personnel. Mr. Wellcome is the Project Officer for the Northern Tier High Technology Corridor project and the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Grant with North Central Door. Furthermore, Mr. Wellcome provides management assistance the Executive Director in the day-to-day operations of the CRI.
Ms. Colleen Falk, Corporate Development Coordinator:
With a B.S. in Business Administration and a M.S. in Industrial Technology, and 17 years as a business owner, Ms. Falk has the ability to advocate small business interests. Her expertise includes over 10 years as a custom training representative delivering courses in Information technology and business development, grant administration, and project management.
Mr. Kris Williams, Industrial Training Coordinator (Information Systems):
Mr. Williams is the WEB master for CRI projects including the day-to-day information systems development of the Northern Tier High Technology Corridor (www.ntht.org), the CRI web site (www.cri-bsu.org), the development of our web based delivery efforts, and CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, Video and Multi-Media development. Mr. Williams also researches existing and evolving technologies in order to continually expand the capacity of the CRI. Mr. Williams holds a B.S. in Design Technology with an emphasis in 3D/Multi-Media design.
Ms. Kerry Ross, Industrial Training Coordinator (Human Resources):
Ms. Ross is the Project Manager for the North Country Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Minnesota Job Skills Grant. Additionally, Ms. Ross is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of all non-credit instruction and corporate contracts including scheduling and identifying appropriate classes, identifying and supervising instructors, contract development and quality control. Her experience includes 10 years in Human Resource Management. She has been a professional corporate trainer for five years focusing on Human Resource topics including Leadership and Supervisory Skills, Conflict Management, Teambuilding, Time Management, Delivering Effective Customer Service, and Managing Change in Your Organization. She is also certified to facilitate the FISH! Philosophy.
Ms. Diane Backer, Administrative Associate:
Ms. Backer provides all office management support including supervising student workers, and administrative support to the staff and customers of the Center for Research and Innovation.
Jeanne Edevold Larson, M.S.
Jeanne Edevold Larson, M.S., Industrial Training Coordinator (Organizational Development). Ms. Larson has more than 15 years of experience in strategic planning, program design and community collaboration. Her skills in group facilitation, resource identification and grant writing have helped dozens of organizations in the region to visualize change and work together on a common journey for collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
