Planning Committee

EPIC’s planning committee is a collaborative group of 30+ people from around the region, each with a drive to fulfill the conference’s mission of energizing individuals and industries in competitive markets through education, technology and networking. Each committee member represents a different facility, plant, vendor or resource within the energy industry.

Ryan Rayda

2027 EPIC Chair

Barr Engineering

A letter from Our Chair

For over 45 years, the Energy Progress & Innovation Conference (EPIC) has grown into one of the premier energy industry events and trade shows in the region. In 2026, we welcomed more than 1,500 attendees and hosted over 200 exhibit booths, a testament to the strength and relevance of our event and industry.

Looking ahead to 2026, we are excited to once again bring together vendors, professionals, and industry leaders for meaningful in-person connections and learning opportunities. A core part of our mission is to support emerging talent in the energy sector while helping local producers thrive by fostering professional growth and valuable networking.

At EPIC, our goal is to energize both the industry and its people in today’s competitive market, through education, innovation, and collaboration. We are proud to pursue this mission with passion and purpose each year.

We cannot wait to welcome you back January 26-28, 2027, in Bismarck, ND. Join us for three impactful days of learning, connection, and inspiration!

2027 Planning Committee

Cole Bachmeier, Marathon Petroleum
Chris Bauman, Basin Electric Power Cooperative – Leland Olds Station
Jordan Beutler, Power Process Equipment
Steve Burke, North American Coal – Falkirk Mine
Ryan Caya, Marathon Petroleum
Pamela Clark-Stein, NDAREC
Kelly Dolbec, Otter Tail Power – Coyote Station
Jason Dockter, Bismarck State College
Gregory Dvorak, EAPC Architects & Engineers
Paul Eslinger, American Crystal Sugar
Sue Gustafson, InDemand Industrial Services, LLC
Jason Haider, GPMCO
Geoff Harding, Babcock & Wilcox
Angie Hegre, Lignite Energy Council
Ted Hoepfner, Otter Tail Power – Coyote Station
Eric Jeide, Dakota Gasification Company
Troy Karlberg, Minnkota Power – Milton R. Young Station
Annie Kaul, Basin Electric Power Cooperative
Matt Lund, MDU Resources
Brian Markegard, Midwest Ag Energy
Nicole Muth, Bismarck State College
Tom Oakland, ND Dept. of Commerce
Todd Peterson, Rainbow Energy Center
Ashley Placek-Olson, Bismarck State College
Ryan Rayda, Barr Engineering
Bruce Schumaker, Great Plains Technical Services
Logan Smith, Metals R-S
Josh Stanislowski, EERC
Paul Streeter, Rainbow Energy Center
Ryan Svalen, Border States Electric
Slade Ternes, Dakota Gasification Company
Erin Thomas, Fougner Engineering
Sara Vollmer, Bismarck State College
Kristin Wilson, ND Safety Council
Ryan Wrolstad, BNI Coal
Alison Zarr, Bismarck State College