JDA Board Begins a New Year with Renewed Energy
Darin Otto, Rep. David Monson, Danielle Blair, Teri Stoiber and Lacey Hinkle renewed their board terms on the Pembina County JDA effective January 1, 2026.
The North Dakota Century Code requires the PCJDA Board of Directors to have no fewer than 10 and no more than 20 members. Representation is required from the following groups:
- Two members from the county commission.
- One member from the city council or commission of each city within the county which has a population of 500 or more (Cavalier, Walhalla, and Drayton).
- One member selected from among the city governments of the remaining cities of the county (Pembina).
- If a majority of the townships in the county are organized townships, two members selected from the township governments of the organized townships in the county.
According to ND Century Code, the remaining board members are to be selected from the following groups:
- A representative of the local job service office nearest the county seat.
- A member of the local airport authority.
- A member of a local institution of higher education.
- A member from among the school boards of the county.
- A member from a local industrial development organization.
- A member of the regional planning council serving the county.
- A member of the legislative assembly representing a district within the county.
- Members at large from the county.
Representation from townships is still being sought. If you have an interest in serving, contact Angelle French at 701.331.2121.
The full board roster includes:
- Julie Kemnitz of Cavalier, Chair (At-Large)
- Lacey Hinkle of Cavalier, Vice Chair (At-Large)
- Danielle Blair of Cavalier, (City over 500), Secretary/Treasurer
- Rep. David Monson (Legislative Assembly, District 19)
- Pat Hardy of Walhalla (Pembina County Commission)
- Darin Otto of Crystal (Pembina County Commission)
- Nathan Green of Glasston (School Board Member)
- Michael Cook – Walhalla City Auditor (City over 500)
- Teri Stoiber – Pembina City Auditor (City under 500)
- Sonia Misialek – Drayton City Auditor (City over 500)
- Mary Houdek – ND Job Service
JDA Provides Matching Funds for Regional Workforce Grant
During its January meeting, the Pembina County JDA approved $5,000 in matching funds for the Regional Workforce Impact Program (RWIP) Grant that was submitted in January 2026. The grant, one of five applications submitted jointly by Region 4 partners, will support the third phase of the Real. Good. Northeast North Dakota talent attraction brand. 
Proposed outcomes for the grant funding include:
- Implementing a lead-nurturing process for employment candidates.
- Creating a pathway packet for underrepresented groups.
- Running targeted ads for entrepreneurs and transitioning military personnel.
- Providing outreach to cities, counties, and property owners to expand real property website targeting entrepreneurs.
- Creating a podcast featuring quality of life amenities and career opportunities.
Click here to learn more about Region 4’s joint applications.
JDA Office Move
The Pembina County Job Development Authority has moved to a new location within the Pembina County Social Services building at 300 Boundary Rd W, Cavalier.
