Headwaters RDC Staff

Naomi Carlson
Executive Director
Naomi has previously worked with the HRDC, returning in February 2021. Her focus is on transportation and active living projects in the region. As of March 2022, she has been selected to be the Executive Director. She is passionate about the Region and how the HRDC can support our communities in creative and new ways.

Clayton Beck
Economic Development Support Specialist
Clayton started as an intern 2021 and is currently working as a temporary full-time employee. He assists with multiple projects, focusing on Economic Development and Transportation support.

Antonio Franklin
Economic Development Planner
Antonio join the HRDC staff in September 2020. He primarily focuses on regional economic recovery and resiliency projects, while providing technical assistance to businesses and entrepreneurs adversely affected by the pandemic. He also provides support on economic development projects for communities and non-profits in the region.

Levi Haar
Lending and Accounting Specialist
Levi joined the HRDC in March 2017. He primarily focuses his time on administering a variety of owner-occupied rehabilitation loan programs as well as assisting with the day-to-day accounting activities.

Vicky Hetteen
Business Loan Specialist
Vicky joined the HRDC in August of 2020. Her role is to support the business lending activities of the Headwaters Regional Finance Corporation (HRFC) and its Revolving Loan Funds. She is also responsible for the maintenance of loan files and accurate data management.

Vicki Ilstrup
Administrative Support Specialist
Vicky joined the HRDC in August of 2020. Her role is to support the business lending activities of the Headwaters Regional Finance Corporation (HRFC) and its Revolving Loan Funds. She is also responsible for the maintenance of loan files and accurate data management.

Tony Klaers
Development Specialist
Tony joined the HRDC in April 2022. His primary focus is transportation and active transportation initiatives in the Headwaters Region.

Missy Malone
Financial Officer
Missy joined the staff team in December 2018. Her role is to support the various accounting and administrative activities of the HRDC.

Nicole Ramsey
Finance Director
Nicole joined the HRDC in December 2017. Her primary responsibility is to manage fiscal functions of the Headwaters Regional Development Commission, its subsidiaries and partner organizations.

Helen Mlady
Marketing Intern
Helen is the HRDC's marketing intern for the summer of 2022. She is attending Bemidji State University for Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing. She is planning to graduate in Spring of 2023.

Nikki Miller
Community Development Specialist
Nikki joined the HRDC in November 2021 as a Community Development Specialist. She supports the community through housing development, increasing equity and climate resiliency in the Region, and identifying and addressing other community needs.

Jackie Pierson
Administrative Support Specialist
Jackie joined the staff team in July 2020. Her role is to support the various administrative activities of the HRDC.

Kristina Turner
Business Loan Specialist
Kristina joined the HRDC in March 2022. She focuses on managing the loan portfolios for the Headwaters Regional Finance Corporation and aligning our lending capabilities with other economic development initiatives.

Sarah Wilcox
Development Specialist
Sarah joined the HRDC in August 2018. She primarily focuses on Community and Housing Development. Sarah also provides the lead staff services for the Northwest Regional Emergency Communications Board.