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Bismark\u00a0 (GNDC) \u00a0 The Greater North Dakota Chamber (GNDC) is pleased to announce that Arik Spencer has been selected as GNDC\u2019s new President & CEO. The Board of Directors approved the selection after the organization conducted an extensive nationwide search.<\/p>\n
Spencer is currently executive vice president of the North Dakota Motor Carriers Association (NDMCA), which represents North Dakota\u2019s trucking industry. He will begin his new duties with GNDC on April 1.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am honored to join the Greater North Dakota Chamber,\u201d said Spencer. \u201cGNDC has been the voice of business in North Dakota for over 90 years, and I am grateful for the opportunity lead this vital organization. I look forward to working with the GNDC Board, staff, and members in growing GNDC and ensuring North Dakota maintains the very best business climate in the country.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spencer joins GNDC with extensive experience in public policy, business advocacy, organizational management, and state government. Prior to joining the NDMCA in 2013, Spencer spent seven years with the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, where he worked on public policy issues impacting the state\u2019s recreational industry and program development and event management. His experience in state government easily translated into his effectiveness as NDMCA executive vice president where he has focused on promoting common sense transportation legislation that lessens regulatory burdens without sacrificing highway safety, increased transportation funding, workforce development, and reasonable taxation.<\/p>\n
According to Bernie Dardis, chairman of the GNDC Board of Directors, Spencer\u2019s policy work, coupled with his extensive relationships within the business community and in state government stood him out from the competition to become GNDC\u2019s new leader.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had many strong candidates from across the country apply but Arik was the ideal choice,\u201d said Dardis. \u201cFor us, it came down to two things. First, who could hit the ground running on Day One? There is no question Arik can thanks to his deep knowledge of business issues and his strong relationships. Secondly, who can take GNDC to the next level? When you look at what he has done at the Motor Carriers Association and his professional track record, Arik\u2019s leadership and political acumen is exactly what GNDC needs at this time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jill Berg, President\/Owner of Spherion Staffing and a member of the GNDC Board of Directors, headed the search committee. She adds that GNDC is fortunate to have attracted someone of Arik\u2019s caliber.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter reviewing 47 applications, conducting six phone interviews and three in-person interviews, it was clear Arik understands our state and what businesses need to be successful,\u201d Berg stated. \u201cHe is the best candidate to represent GNDC as the voice of business for North Dakota.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Bismarck native, Spencer received his bachelor\u2019s degree in business management from the University of Mary. He is a member of the Trucking Associations Executive Council, the Western Trucking Association Executives Council, the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute Advisory Board, and the North Dakota Workforce Safety and Insurance Coordinating Council. Spencer previously served two terms on the Washburn School Board and on the boards of directors for the University of Mary Alumni Association, North Dakota Recreation and Park Association, America\u2019s Byway Resource Center, and Lewis & Clark Fort Mandan Foundation. Spencer and his wife, Wendy, live in Bismarck with their three children.<\/p>\n