Mandan, ND – May 26, 2026 – NDAREC announces the promotion of Clarice Kesler to communications director. Kesler brings decades of experience with NDAREC involving member engagement and communications. Her promotion reflects the leadership responsibilities she has already been carrying and the association’s confidence in her ability to lead the communications function moving forward.

Connie Bitz, an electric cooperative leader and champion of rural co-ops, from LaMoure, was named the 2026 Gaylord Olson Cooperator by the Quentin Burdick Center for Cooperatives (QBCC).