Drew is strategically located in our Bismarck office to assist the western portion of the state and have access to our state’s government. He grew up raising beef cattle, where he experienced his first foray into the international market by assisting in the importation of cattle from Europe and Africa. In addition to his experience in agriculture, Drew has over two decades of international and domestic experience in energy, defense and government contracting. He has lived and worked in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Prior to his involvement with the North Dakota Trade Office, he worked at the North Dakota Department of Trust Lands as the Director of Minerals Management, where he assisted in managing 2.6 million acres, most of which is within the hydrocarbon rich Williston Basin. Drew has a bachelor’s degree in history and political science w/ an emphasis in international relations from West Texas A&M, as well as a master’s degree in energy business from the University of Tulsa and is currently working on his PhD in International Relations. He is a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
As a certified meeting professional (CMP), Lindsey directs the logistics for trade missions and reverse missions, educational seminars, the Global Business Connections Conference, the Big Iron International Visitors Program and NDTO’s many other events and programs. Previously, Lindsey worked as a communications specialist for Microsoft Corporation. Highly skilled at computer design and an award-winning photographer, Lindsey manages marketing for NDTO as well as maintains the NDTO website. Lindsey is a graduate of the Mass Communications department at Minnesota State University, Moorhead and has over 15 years of marketing and event planning experience.
Jiwon overseas international business development for North Dakota companies with emerging or existing business interests in global markets. He is responsible for providing a comprehensive range of export assistance services, including conducting research on foreign markets, analyzing export data, identifying potential markets and clients abroad, promoting products through trade missions and foreign market sales trips, conducting export education seminars, and establishing connections with trade service providers and export resources in both private and public sectors. Jiwon also manages various activities and programs offered by NDTO to support international business growth of North Dakota companies. Prior to joining the Trade Office, Jiwon held roles as a financial consultant and market analyst for international companies, gaining valuable experience in global business operations. He holds an MBA from the University of St. Thomas, Opus College of Business in Minneapolis, (demonstrating his commitment to continuous professional development,) and a bachelor's degree in architectural engineering from Myoung Ji University in Yong-In, South Korea.
Born and raised in Dickinson, ND, Rebecca has spent nearly ten years overseas. Prior to joining the NDTO, Rebecca worked for the Tokyo-based Japan Office of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, where she organized and implemented national and regional workshops, training courses and knowledge-sharing events. She later joined WIPO’s Traditional Knowledge Division as a communications and media specialist, working to promote the importance of intellectual property protection for individuals and organizations representing indigenous peoples and local communities around the globe. Rebecca graduated with a master’s degree in international development (majoring in governance and law) from Nagoya University in Nagoya, Japan. Special research interests include intellectual property protection for regionally branded goods, with a focus on geographical indications and collective/certification marks. Rebecca has spent years studying alongside or working directly with people of different backgrounds in various multicultural settings. She looks forward to bringing her broad experiences and unique background to the NDTO and in support of its members.
Amanda oversees administrative and communication responsibilities, providing guidance on administration of grants, as well as membership content and processes. Previously, Amanda has worked with the YMCA, NDSU and throughout the Fargo-Moorhead Community on a variety of local, state and federal grants. Amanda is a graduate of North Dakota State University with a master’s degree in anthropology focusing on heritage studies, as well as bachelor’s degrees in public history and anthropology from North Dakota State University.
