Each year, the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) recognizes five employees with Core Value Awards based on our five core values: Be Safe, Be Ethical, Be Engaged, Be Effective, and Be Professional. These employees are nominated by their peers and selected for going above and beyond their roles to embody these values over the past year. This year’s recipients were announced at the 2026 EERC Annual Meeting.
The 2025 Be Safe Core Value Award recognizes Jared Altepeter
Jared is a cornerstone of the EERC’s safety culture. He has successfully bridged the gap between digital security and physical workplace safety, demonstrating that safety is not simply a checklist, but rather a comprehensive commitment to the organization’s well-being. In 2025, his vigilance led to the manual remediation of 6120 security incidents, directly contributing to a zero-breach year. As an exceptional communicator, he empowers employees to serve as the first line of defense against security threats. Jared embodies the Be Safe value through proactive management of complex cybersecurity systems and a genuine commitment to protecting both his colleagues and the center.
The 2025 Be Ethical Core Value Award recognizes Mark Peters
Mark exemplifies the Be Ethical core value and could easily be nominated for every value the EERC upholds. From his very first day, he demonstrated genuine enthusiasm for his work—even the tasks most people tend to overlook. He is consistently professional and kind and takes great pride in the quality of his work. Despite limited staffing, Mark ensures every job is completed thoroughly and efficiently. He maintains a positive attitude and regularly checks in to see if anything needs attention, cleaning, or replacement. On one occasion, he noticed a crack in a floor mat and proactively replaced it without being asked. Mark’s dedication, reliability, and attention to detail make him a tremendous asset to the EERC, and his contributions do not go unnoticed.
The 2025 Be Engaged Core Value Award recognizes Carrie Christianson
Carrie consistently demonstrates an exceptional level of dedication not only to the success of her projects, but also to the well-being, collaboration, and development of those she works with. Her commitment to remaining accessible, involved, and invested makes her one of the most engaged employees in the organization. Her engagement extends far beyond her immediate responsibilities. As an enthusiastic and reliable member of both the Ambassador Program and the Engagement Committee, Carrie plays an important role in fostering a positive and connected workplace culture. She also represents the EERC externally as a delegate to the American Association of Petroleum Geologists House of Delegates and as the representative for the North Dakota Geological Society, ensuring our region and organization have a knowledgeable and engaged voice within the professional community. Carrie’s dedication, presence, and passion make her a truly deserving recipient of this award.
The 2025 Be Effective Core Value Award recognizes Barry Dima
Barry serves as the primary go-to employee in his department and deserves recognition for his exceptional performance, professionalism, and leadership while managing the responsibilities of multiple roles. He demonstrates outstanding attention to detail and a deep understanding of the EERC’s standards and expectations. His work is consistently accurate, clear, and well organized. Even during stressful periods, Barry remains calm and approaches every assignment with professionalism and reliability. He efficiently manages competing priorities, meets tight deadlines, and adapts to challenges with a positive attitude. In addition to his technical expertise, Barry is dependable and proactive. He communicates clearly, addresses issues before they escalate, and provides steady support to both leadership and team members. His dedication has had a direct and positive impact on the quality and consistency of the EERC’s documents.
The 2025 Be Professional Core Value Award recognizes Caitlin Olsen
Caitlin consistently demonstrates a positive attitude and a willingness to take on new challenges, regardless of how busy or demanding her workload may be. Her integrity is evident in every task she undertakes, even when navigating complex or difficult situations. Her strong interpersonal skills allow her to communicate effectively, plan strategically, and build lasting relationships with partners and clients. Caitlin fosters a collaborative and professional environment while maintaining the highest standards of customer service. She continues to manage significant responsibilities and navigate challenging audiences while upholding the EERC’s commitment to professionalism and courtesy. Her dedication ensures that clients’ needs are not only met but consistently exceeded.