Executive Mentors Experiential Learning Opportunities
Our Executive Mentors are irreplaceable volunteers who shape the Executive Mentorship program into an incredible real-world learning experience for all Paseka School of Business students. Shown in the profiles below are samples of the many mentors that are available to be matched to students participating in the Executive Mentorship class.
Students and mentors are matched by Paseka School of Business faculty through a multi-phased process which determines mutual career interests and scheduling availability. All Paskea School of Business majors are eligible to be matched because there are a variety of mentors who come from a range of backgrounds and are able to relate to Accounting, Business Administration, Business Analytics, Finance, International Business, Management, and Marketing students.
Richard J. Kasper joined Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative as its Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in December 2011, which included responsibilities as the Chief Operating Officer of Minn-Dak Yeast Company until it was sold in 2017. Kasper retired in January 2023. Prior to joining Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative, Richard J. Kasper was the President and Chief Operating Officer of Global Electric Motorcars. Prior to joining GEM in 1999, Mr. Kasper was the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the Los Angeles Daily News with the Jack Kent Cooke organization. He is the Immediate Past President of the MSUM Foundation Board and, for many years served on the Board of the MSUM Paseka School of Business, including as Chairman in 2014. The Executive Mentorship Program was launched under Mr. Kasper's leadership of the Paseka School of Business' Advisory Board. He served as an Executive Board Member of the Chamber of Commerce of Fargo Moorhead, and as a Coach for the NDSU Research and Technology Park Incubator. Mr. Kasper received his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting at Minnesota State University Moorhead. He was named the MSUM Business and Industry Distinguished Alumni of the Year in 2002. In 2016 was selected as the MSUM Beta Gamma Sigma Chapter Honoree and was the recipient of the MSUM L.B. Hartz Professional Achievement Award in 2018.
Jeffrey Haarstick is CFO at Horn Plastics Inc. where he directs accounting, finance, human resources, and information technology. Jeffrey graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Since graduating, Jeffrey has earned his certifications as a Certified Public Accounting and Senior Professional in Human Resources. In 2014, he graduated from University of Mary with a Master of Business Administration in Management.
Lisa is the Director of Finance-New Ventures for the Marvin companies and supports the New Ventures teams to ensure projects have viability and maximize the company’s return on investment. Lisa also leads the Tecton accounting team and is the financial leader for the Infinity Windows of Ohio retail stores. Lisa provides support for business decision making with a focus on profitability and improving the company’s financial results. Lisa creates pro forma financial information and interprets data to provide insights to management. Lisa assists management in identifying opportunities and finding solutions to problems to bring long term financial success to the business.
Before launching into private industry, Lisa worked for 15 years at Eide Bailly LLP, serving as an audit partner for the large regional accounting firm. Having experience in both public and private industry allows Lisa to share her experiences with students from both perspectives. Lisa holds the Certified Public Accountant (CPA)and Certified Managerial Accountant (CMA) certifications. Lisa received an undergraduate degree in accounting from MSUM in 1999.
John Machacek is the Chief Innovation Officer for Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation with a focus on the business development needs of primary-sector entrepreneurial companies and individuals, as well as supporting the regional innovation ecosystem. His #1 priority in life is appreciating every day and any time with his wife and two kids. As a Fargo resident of 30 years with a knack for knowing things and knowing people, his job at GFMEDC suits him well as he enjoys educating and connecting others to help them succeed in business and life. In his career, he has also worked in accounting, banking, and food service management.
John helps organize Startup Weekend Fargo and Startup Digest Fargo. John is currently on the boards for Fargo Theatre, MSUM Paseka School of Business, NDSU Dept. of Management & Marketing and Fargo Inc. magazine. He is a 1995 grad from MSUM, majoring in Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Management, and lives in Fargo with his wife and two children.
Jenni Huotari is a CPA and partner with Eide Bailly LLP (EB). She joined EB 17 years ago, after earning her BS in Accounting. Jenni’s current role is the Partner-in-Charge of Business Outsourcing & Strategy (the firm’s client accounting and advisory services practice), which brings timely, quality financial information to small and mid-sized businesses to help them grow and thrive. Prior to this role, Jenni spent nearly 15 years as an audit partner, including a 3-year rotation in the firm’s National Assurance Office, specializing in quality control and due diligence and integration of acquired assurance practices. Jenni has also had significant involvement in the firm’s women’s initiative (First Focus), including co-chairing the committee for 6 years. First Focus was formed with the vision to create a culture where women are as likely to succeed as are men.
Jenni also serves on the Boards of Directors for the MSUM Alumni Foundation, , Fargo Board of Trustees (Treasurer) of the Jeremiah Program, and Moorhead Youth Baseball Association. Jenni and her husband, Bryce, and their three children- Carter, Grady and Finley live in Moorhead.
Sarah West is currently the owner of Light Consulting and CoreCounts. Light is a Fractional CFO services firm that also provides leadership training and coaching. CoreCounts is an online platform to help leaders see the truth about their culture and pinpoint areas of growth and celebration. She earned her undergraduate degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead in Accounting and Finance and her Masters of Business Administration from North Dakota State University. She is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Senior Professional of Human Resources (SPHR), Certified in Conflict Resolution and Myers Briggs Type Indicator. She has experience in multiple industries including banking, insurance, agriculture and real estate. She is a former adjunct professor at MSUM and NDSU and on the executive committee of the College of Business, Analytics & Communication advisory board for MSUM.
She is passionate about developing the future generations and our community through her involvement with the Institute of Management Accountants, Park Christian School, Haley’s Hope, United Way of Cass Clay, and her local church. Her purpose is to inspire people to action to improve their quality of life and be their best selves.
Judd Graham is the Market President for Dacotah Bank. As a state-chartered bank, Dacotah Bank provides banking, insurance, mortgage, and trust services to its customers in the Dakotas, Western Minnesota and parts of Iowa & Montana. In his capacity as Market President, he oversees Dacotah Banks in the Fargo market. Graham got his start in the financial services industry in 1986 after obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Throughout his career, he served in a variety of leadership roles at banks in eastern North Dakota, primarily in the Fargo-Moorhead and Grand Forks regions. Graham has been active with a number of volunteer roles including the Greater Fargo Moorhead EDC Chair, Valley Prosperity Partnership Vice-Chair, and Fueling Our Future Chair, in addition to being on the MSUM Foundation Board.