Leadership Rising Conference
This event is funded, in part, by the North Dakota Economic Diversification Research Grant.
Location and Parking
The inaugural Leadership Rising conference will take place on Tuesday April 23rd, 2024 from 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (MST)
The event will take place in the Dickinson State University Student Center.
Registration
This is a FREE event though registration is required by the deadline to attend!
The first 100 registrants will receive a free gift at the event.
If you would like to reserve more than 5 tickets, please contact luke.heiser@dickinsonstate.edu or emma.welch@dickinsonstate.edu
Schedule
9 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (MST)
- Command Sergeant Major Scott Obrigewitch: With a distinguished military career, including experiences during significant historical
events and leadership roles in the US Army and ND National Guard, CSM Obrigewitch
with his extensive military background, offers a view of leadership shaped by discipline
and critical situations.
- Obrigewitch will be introduced by Guy Moos, President of Baker Boy, Inc.
10:10 a.m. to 10:25 a.m.
- Scott Molander (Special Recorded Message): Co-founder of Hat World/Lids, Scott is a testament to entrepreneurial success. His
journey from a simple retail concept to a multi-million-dollar empire is a story of
innovation and leadership.
- Molander will be introduced by Carter Fong, Executive Director, Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Nancy Sprynczynatyk, LPC-MH: With over 25 years in mental health, human resource management, and education, Nancy’s
expertise spans numerous roles including mental health counseling and disaster relief.
Her global leadership perspective is enhanced by international missions, making her
an asset to our conference.
- Sprynczynatyk will be introduced by Marivern Easton, Director of the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program.
Resources
Seeking approval from your employer to participate in this event? Interested in bringing your class along but require justification for your school? Feel free to download any of these resources and customize them according to your requirements.
Speakers and Messages
Nancy Sprynczynatyk, LPC-MH
Nancy brings over 25 years of diverse expertise in mental health, human resource management, program development, and education to the Rising Leadership Conference. Nancy’s career spans a diverse range of roles, from mental health counseling with a focus on growth, wellness, and resilience, to advanced disaster relief, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services.
Educated at the University of Montana and Washington College, Nancy holds multiple licenses in professional counseling.
A significant portion of Nancy’s career has been dedicated to disaster mental health services with the American Red Cross, where she played a pivotal role in responding to regional and national emergencies and disaster preparedness.
Her numerous awards, including the National Red Cross Special Commendation for disaster mental health work, are testaments to her contributions to the field. She brings a global leadership perspective based on her experience in international missions in Finland, Tanzania, and the Dominican Republic.
Nancy’s professional journey, marked by groundbreaking achievements in mental health counseling, education, and program development, along with her compassionate approach to leadership, makes her an exceptional asset to Dickinson State University’s upcoming Leadership Conference.
Scott Molander
This year's conference will include special recorded message from Scott Molander
Scott Molander, whose innovative leadership and entrepreneurial journey from Crosby, North Dakota, has made a significant impact in the retail world. Graduating from Dickinson State University in 1988, Scott Molander embarked on a journey that transformed the retail world. His vision, alongside that of his partner Glenn Campbell, led to the founding of Hat World in 1995—a venture that started with a simple idea of selling hats in malls. Hat World expanded to more than 500 stores with its subsequent acquisition of the Lids Corporation, turning it into a retail giant before the partners sold the company in 2004 for a staggering $177.4 million.
Scott's tenure at Lids culminated in a company boasting revenues that exceeded $950 million by the time he retired in 2016 to begin other ventures. His journey is not just about numbers; it's a story of persistent innovation, influence, and transformational leadership.
Scott has been honored with the prestigious North Dakota Business Innovator of the Year Award, an award also given to Governor Doug Burgum, highlighting his role in transforming the nation’s retail landscape. His induction into the Central Indiana Business Hall of Fame and being named Indiana Entrepreneur of the Year—twice—underscores his significant contributions and influence.
Scott has influenced countless individuals and organizations. His advice and experiences are invaluable for those aspiring to create their own success stories.
Command Sergeant Major Scott Obrigewitch
After graduating Belfield High School in 1988, Command Sergeant Major Scott Obrigewitch joined the US Army. After completing his initial training at Fort Knox Kentucky, he was stationed in West Germany from February 1989-October 1991. During that time, he experienced the collapse of Communist East Germany, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the reunification of Germany. He also supported Desert Shield/Storm.
He joined the ND National Guard in 2000. Highlights include deploying to Iraq in 2004, Non-commissioned Officer of the year in 2008, and several state activations. He attended the NATO School in Germany and has conducted leadership classes in Africa. CSM Obrigewitch is one of the original members of the ND Military Funeral Honors Team and has since conducted over 100 missions to honor Veterans.
He has completed and graduated with honors from every NCO professional development school, including the US Army Sergeant’s Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas. At the academy, he ranked 33 out of 709 and was awarded the William G. Bainbridge Ethics Award for unquestionable morals and unsurpassed ethical values.
CSM Obrigewitch is the Senior Enlisted Leader of the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. CSM Obrigewitch takes pride in the fact that he is a third generation Soldier. His grandfather served as a tanker in Europe during WWII and his father as a medic from 1960-1963.