2025 Morrison Leadership Summit
By Marissa Burian
Nistler College of Business and Public Administration’s 13th Annual Morrison Leadership Summit
On Monday, September 22, the Nistler College of Business and Public Administration hosted the annual Morrison Leadership Summit, an event designed to connect students with experienced business and community leaders for meaningful discussions on leadership. This event is held in honor and memory of Dale Morrison.
The summit began with roundtable sessions, where students had the opportunity to engage in conversations with local and regional leaders across industries. These small-group discussions allowed students to ask questions, share perspectives, and gain practical advice on how to develop their leadership skills while preparing for future careers.
We extend our thanks to this year’s table leaders for sharing their time and insights:
- Nancy Pederson – Vice President of Finance and Operations, UND Alumni Association & Foundation
- Haley Rosaasen – Human Resource Manager, City of Grand Forks
- Amy Sansaver – Corporate Marketing Manager, Edgewood Healthcare
- Tiffany Ford – Director, Center for Business Engagement and Development at the University of North Dakota
- Steve Moser – SCORE Member & Former Associate Dean, UND CoBPA
- Brennan Bergdahl – CEO, Premier Wealth Management Group
- Alyssa Bernhardt – Chief Development Officer, BIO Girls
- Alli Bauman – Technical Program Manager II, Amazon Web Services
- Michelle Schumacher, CPA – Chief Financial Officer, Stoneridge Software
- Gracie Lian– Project Coordinator, Grand Forks County
- Cassie Gerhardt– Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, University of North Dakota
- James Lyght– Senior Vice President, Community Lending Executive
Keynote Presentation: Leadership Superpowers
Following the roundtable discussions and lunch, students gathered in Barry Auditorium for the keynote presentation by Marybeth Hays, Board Member at Reckitt and Senior Advisor at Kearney.
With more than 25 years of experience in retail and consumer products, including executive leadership roles at Walmart U.S., Walmart China, Sam’s Club, Lowe’s, and Hanesbrands, Marybeth shared insights on what she calls “Leadership Superpowers.”
Marybeth encouraged students to think critically about how these superpowers apply not only to their future careers, but also to the way they engage with peers, professors, and the UND community today. Her message highlighted that leadership is less about position and more about consistent action, adaptability, and authenticity.
Thank you to the table leaders, faculty, students, and keynote speaker Marybeth Hays for contributing to another successful Morrison Leadership Summit.
