FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2021
Consensus Council Welcomes Four New Board Members
BISMARCK—Consensus Council is pleased to announce the appointment of four new board members: Julie Sorby Engen, Erica Johnsrud, Coraina Pollard Calliste, and Joshua Simmers. These community leaders join a distinguished group of volunteers supporting Consensus Council’s mission — to facilitate conversations and build agreements that empower people, transform communities, and advance the public good.
“Our Board of Directors comprises a dedicated team of regional leaders, and these new members are from the same mold,” said Steve Andrist, Consensus Council board vice chair. “Each offers unique experiences and perspectives, and their talent and expertise will definitely help advance our mission.”
Julie Sorby Engen, Fargo, is the Director of Community Development at Family HealthCare, a federally qualified nonprofit community health center whose mission is to provide affordable quality health care for every person. Engen has more than 20 years of nonprofit experience. She serves on the Cass Clay Hunger Coalition Committee and is a North Dakota State University Extension Advisory Council member. Engen is a graduate of Minnesota State University, Moorhead.
Erica Johnsrud, a native of rural Watford City, is McKenzie County Auditor/Treasurer. Johnsrud serves on the executive committees and boards of the ND County Auditors Association, ND County Treasurers Association, Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons, and the Rural Leadership ND Advisory Council. She received a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Jamestown and a PhD in cell biology from the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Coraina Pollard Calliste, Minot, was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago. She received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Health Care Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus and is working on her doctorate in Health Care Administration from Capella University. She is a US Air Force Service Member and teaches undergraduate and graduate-level students at Capella University. Pollard Calliste is a member of American College of Healthcare Executives, National Society of Leadership and Success and Upsilon Phi Delta: UCF Chapter.
Joshua Simmers, Carson, graduated from University of Jamestown, Bethel University, University of North Dakota, and the US Army Aviation Center of Excellence. He has held positions in state and federal government including fiscal, commerce, resilience, training, benefits, health, and aviation offices. His board work has included editing, educating, fundraising, faith, military nonpartisan, aviation, and unmanned systems integration. Simmers is a professional and recreational pilot, hobby farmer, licensed therapist, and avid traveler.
Consensus Council, a nonpartisan, Bismarck-based nonprofit, seeks to facilitate conversations and build agreements that empower people, transform communities, and advance the public good. Learn more about Consensus Council at agree.org.
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