 The Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Region is pleased to announce Chelse Kippley as the recipient of the 2025 Mike Maidenberg Emerging Leader Award.
Chelse Kippley is a Grand Forks native and a graduate of the University of Mary’s Gary Tharaldson School of Business. During her undergraduate studies, she was selected as one of four Americans to participate in the Global Village program at the Iacocca Institute at Lehigh University, where she collaborated with peers from 54 countries on international marketing projects. After beginning her career in Bismarck, Chelse returned to Grand Forks in 2018 and joined Gate City Bank, where she currently serves as Treasury Management Consultant for Grand Forks, Devils Lake, Park River, and Mayville. In addition to her professional role, Chelse is a board member of Red River Valley Athletics, an active member of her church, and volunteers with a variety of community organizations. She and her husband have two children and enjoy spending time with family and friends, relaxing at the lake, and traveling. As the 2025 Emerging Leader Award recipient, Chelse selected St. Joseph’s Social Care to receive a scholarship to attend the 2026 Chamber Leadership Class. St. Joseph’s Social Care provides compassionate support to individuals and families in need throughout the Greater Grand Forks community, offering services that promote dignity, stability, and hope. “Chelse exemplifies the values this award was created to honor,” said Becca Baumbach, President & CEO of the Community Foundation. “She is a thoughtful, committed leader who invests her time and talents in strengthening our community. Her decision to support St. Joseph’s Social Care reflects both her compassion and her understanding of the importance of developing strong nonprofit leadership.” About the Mike Maidenberg Leadership Endowment and Emerging Leader Award The Mike Maidenberg Leadership Endowment was established in 2004 at the Community Foundation by Grand Forks Herald employees to honor Publisher Mike Maidenberg upon his retirement. It recognizes his lasting civic contributions to the Grand Forks region, particularly his leadership following the 1997 flood and his role as a founding leader and first Board President of the Community Foundation. The Mike Maidenberg Emerging Leader Award is presented annually to a member of the Chamber Leadership Class who demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities, including positive attitude and adaptability, communication and vision, integrity, education and innovation, creativity, intelligence, and team building. Each recipient selects a nonprofit organization or government entity to receive a scholarship to a future Chamber Leadership Class. About the Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Region The Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Region is a nonprofit, community foundation created by and for the people of the region to encourage a spirit of philanthropy. Working in partnership with individuals, families, businesses, nonprofits, and trusted advisers, the Foundation manages over 165 charitable funds and provides grants to qualified nonprofit organizations, public entities, and other charitable causes. Since 1998, the Foundation has granted $15.5 million to create stronger, more vibrant communities across the middle and upper Red River Valley region. Learn more about the Community Foundation and its work at gofoundation.org.  Congratulations to Dr. Nidhal Badrouchi on receiving the 2024 Mike Maidenberg Emerging Leader Award!
Dr. Nidhal Badrouchi is a senior research scientist at the University of North Dakota's Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC), with over 11 years of experience in oil and gas industry and energy research. His work focuses on sustainable energy solutions, including carbon storage, CO2-enhanced oil recovery, and hydrogen storage. With a background in chemical engineering, Dr. Badrouchi previously led a production team in Tunisia's oil refining industry, where he achieved record-breaking production levels at his plant. He later moved to the United States to pursue a Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering at the University of North Dakota. Since joining the EERC in 2020, Dr. Badrouchi has combined his industry expertise with cutting-edge research to address global energy challenges. His work bridges practical applications and innovation, driving efforts to decarbonize industrial processes and advance clean energy technologies. In addition to receiving the Mike Maidenberg Emerging Leader Award, Dr. Badrouchi has selected the Grand Forks Senior Center to receive a scholarship to attend the 2025 Chamber Leadership Class. He said, "I believe that supporting and giving back to those who have already served and contributed so much to our community is one of the greatest moral responsibilities of leadership." About the Mike Maidenberg Leadership Endowment and Emerging Leader Award In 2004, the Mike Maidenberg Leadership Endowment was established at the Community Foundation by Grand Forks Herald employees to honor Publisher Mike Maidenberg on his retirement. It was a fitting way to thank and commemorate Mike’s long time civic efforts in Grand Forks. His leadership was instrumental in strengthening our community, especially after the flood of 1997. His leadership presence continued as he was at the forefront of establishing the Community Foundation, serving as our first Board President. Mike remains committed to the quality of life in communities and is a strong advocate for revitalization of downtown areas. Nominations for the Mike Maidenberg Emerging Leader Award are based on the following leadership characteristics: Positive Attitude and Adaptability, Communication and Vision, Integrity, Education and Innovation, Creativity, Intelligence, and Team Building. The 2024 award nominees were Dr. Nidhal Badrouchi, Tom Hennessy, Michael Britz, and Kris Brown. To make a gift to the Mike Maidenberg Leadership Endowment to support future nonprofit scholarships, click here.  Congratulations to Katie Barta on receiving the 2023 Mike Maidenberg Emerging Leader Award! Katie grew up in Michigan, ND before moving to Grand Forks to attend the University of North Dakota for college. Katie graduated from UND in 2016 with a degree in Human Services and spent 3 years in the human services field before making the move to Probitas Promotions. Katie spent her first 2 ½ years in order and production management, before becoming Director of Operations in 2022. Katie resides in Grand Forks with her husband, two children, and two overzealous dogs.
In addition to receiving the Mike Maidenberg Emerging Leader Award, Katie has selected the Grand Forks Senior Center to receive a scholarship to attend the 2024 Chamber Leadership Class. Katie said, "My Grandma was very involved at the Senior Center before her passing, so it's only fitting to have them receive it. Today would have been my Grandma's 80th birthday, so it feels a little serendipitous." About the Mike Maidenberg Leadership Endowment and Emerging Leader Award In 2004, the Mike Maidenberg Leadership Endowment was established at the Community Foundation by Grand Forks Herald employees to honor Publisher Mike Maidenberg on his retirement. It was a fitting way to thank and commemorate Mike’s long time civic efforts in Grand Forks. His leadership was instrumental in strengthening our community, especially after the flood of 1997. His leadership presence continued as he was at the forefront of establishing the Community Foundation, serving as our first Board President. Mike remains committed to the quality of life in communities and is a strong advocate for revitalization of downtown areas. Nominations for the Mike Maidenberg Emerging Leader Award are based on the following leadership characteristics: Positive Attitude and Adaptability, Communication and Vision, Integrity, Education and Innovation, Creativity, Intelligence, and Team Building. The 2023 award nominees were Katie Barta, Theresa Brorby, and Gracie Lian. To make a gift to the Mike Maidenberg Leadership Endowment to support future nonprofit scholarships, click here.  Congratulations to Alex Kroke on receiving the 2022 Mike Maidenberg Emerging Leader Award! A native of Michigan, ND, Alex currently serves as the Assistant Director of Marketing Strategy for the University of North Dakota Marketing & Communication division, a role he’s held since 2018. Prior to his current role, Alex spent 8 years with the North Dakota Athletics department as the Associate Director of Marketing. Alex graduated from UND in 2014 with a bachelor's degree in marketing, and again from UND in 2016 with his Master of Business Administration.
In addition to receiving the Mike Maidenberg Emerging Leader Award, Alex has selected Circle of Friends Humane Society to receive a scholarship to attend the 2023 Chamber Leadership Class. About the Mike Maidenber Leadership Endowment and Emerging Leader Award In 2004, the Mike Maidenberg Leadership Endowment was established at the Community Foundation by Grand Forks Herald employees to honor Publisher Mike Maidenberg on his retirement. It was a fitting way to thank and commemorate Mike’s long time civic efforts in Grand Forks. His leadership was instrumental in strengthening our community, especially after the flood of 1997. His leadership presence continued as he was at the forefront of establishing the Community Foundation, serving as our first Board President. Mike remains committed to the quality of life in communities and is a strong advocate for revitalization of downtown areas. Nominations for the Mike Maidenberg Emerging Leader Award are based on the following leadership characteristics: Positive Attitude and Adaptability, Communication and Vision, Integrity, Education and Innovation, Creativity, Intelligence, and Team Building. The 2022 award nominees were Alex Kroke, Becca Cruger, and Jesse Iverson. To make a gift to the Mike Maidenberg Leadership Endowment to support future nonprofit scholarships, click here. |
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