Hamling and Kalk Accept AVP for Strategic Partnerships Positions

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – John Hamling and Brian Kalk recently accepted positions with the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) as Associate Vice Presidents for Strategic Partnerships.

Hamling has worked at the EERC since 2009, most recently as Director for Subsurface Initiatives. In his new role, he will focus on partnerships with industry clients. He is from Williston, North Dakota, and graduated from the University of North Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He comes from an agricultural background and has also worked previously in the oil and gas service industry.

“Working with our public and private clients to pioneer energy and environmental solutions is vital,” says Hamling. “These technologies support the production of abundant, safe, reliable, and environmentally sound energy that benefits North Dakota citizens. I’m excited to continue to serve our clients and work with the outstanding team of professionals at the EERC in this new role.”

Kalk previously worked with the EERC as Director of Energy Systems Development from 2017 to 2019. He rejoins the EERC in this new role after leading the Research & Technology Park at North Dakota State University (NDSU) for the past 3 years. He also served as a North Dakota Public Service Commissioner from 2009 to 2017. Kalk is a native of Bottineau, a retired U.S. Marine, and holds a doctoral degree in Natural Resources Management from NDSU.  

“Now more than ever, the importance of energy security and the wise use of our natural resources can’t be understated. I’m extremely enthusiastic to be returning to the EERC as a part of the professional team that is directly involved in these and other critical areas,” Kalk said.

“Over the last few years, the EERC has grown from 200 employees to over 260,” says EERC CEO Charlie Gorecki. “That growth is due in part to our history of exceptional customer service, reliable results for our clients, and increased research projects. Expanding our team to focus on managing those client relationships allows us to continue to provide that level of service. We are excited to work with Brian and John in these new roles.”

Hamling and Kalk join Scott Klara, Assistant Vice President for Strategic Partnerships, and John Harju, Vice President for Strategic Partnerships, to round out the team.

The EERC is recognized as one of the world’s leading developers of cleaner, more efficient energy and environmental technologies. Since 1951, the EERC has grown from a federal lignite research facility to a total-systems team with extensive experience, multidisciplinary staff, global partnerships, and state-of-the art facilities. The EERC is a research unit of the University of North Dakota.

Contact:
Nikki Massmann, Director of Communications