BOARD OF DIRECTORS

NDNC is governed by an elected volunteer board of directors.

Past President: Danielle Villano

President: Ashley Johnson & Courtney Hoikkala

President-Elect: Nathaniel Johnson

Secretary: Cindy McNaughton

Treasurer: Katie Johnke

Membership: McKenna Marek

Education: Erin Lauckner

Communications: Julie Garden-Robinson

Student Liaison: Sophia Dunlap & Brett Kelzenberg

Meet Our Team

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Past President

Courtney Hoikkala

Senior Learning and Development Specialist, Sanford Health

Courtney chose to serve on the NDNC Board to help promote healthier communities across the state and support evidence-based nutrition education. She is passionate about advancing public health through education, collaboration, and sustainable nutrition practices.

Fun Fact:

Courtney is always up for an adventure—whether it’s snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, hiking the Swiss Alps, or tracking down the best local eats, she's all about making unforgettable memories!

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President

Nathaniel R. Johnson

Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, UND

Nathaniel lives in Grand Forks with his wife, two children, and a dog named Murphy. He is very family oriented and chose to run for NDNC President because he wants to improve the food agency (a household's ability to prepare healthy meals) of all North Dakotans.

Fun Fact:

Nathaniel enjoys barbecuing and lifting weights—what a perfect combo!

Product Manager

Alexa Young

Communications

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Product Designer

Robert Rose

Communications

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Customer Support Lead

Kevin Nye

Communications

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Communications

Julie Garden-Robinson

Professor and Extension Food and Nutrition Specialist, NDSU Extension

Julie has been on the board in various positions since 1995, including serving as president twice. She initially joined NDNC to get to know professionals in the field, but she has remained involved to stay current on issues in nutrition and help design learning experiences for members.

Fun Fact:

Julie is a musician. She has coordinated contemporary music at her church since 1999, and she plays the flute in a community band.

Education Chair

Erin Lauckner

Clinical Assistant Professor, UND

Joining NDNC was a no-brainer for Erin because she is passionate about community nutrition and wholeheartedly believes in the mission of NDNC.

Fun Fact:

Erin has three rescue kittens (Obi, Anakin, and Jinn)! She also loves to garden, cook, read, watch Star Wars, and spend time with family and friends.

Student Liaison

Emma Rybchinski

Junior at UND

Emma graduated Dakota College at Bottineau with two associate degrees, and she is now studying dietetics at UND. She wants to become a registered dietitian to help people develop a healthy relationship with food.

Fun Fact:

Emma played college softball for two years at Dakota College at Bottineau before attending UND.

Student Liaison

Gabriella Haines

Graduate Student at NDSU

Gabby became interested in nutrition when she started an after school weightlifting program in middle school. She would like to combine her two passions for nutrition and exercise by working as a sports dietitian in the future.

Fun Fact:

Gabby loves to play pickleball and go for long walks while listening to her favorite podcast (Mind Pump).