Board Nominations 2022

Gina Sondeland

My name is Gina Sondeland. I’m a licensed CPA in the state of North Dakota since 2004. I spent 3 years of my career in the private sector before going into public accounting in 2007. From 2007 – 2012 I worked as a Staff Accountant for Mahlum & Goodhart, PC. I performed tax services as well as audit services. I specialized in government and non-profit auditing during my 5 years there. In 2013 I started my own CPA firm in Bismarck. My firm provides tax, bookkeeping services, and CFO services for local businesses and non-profits.

I have strong conviction for service to others and my community through volunteer work. I served as a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader for 7 years, each. I also have served in my church as a Sunday School teacher for 14 years. I was the creator of the Legacy Hunger Garden and coordinator from 2014-2020. The Hunger Garden was established in 2014 to provide locally grown produce to the food insecure in our community. The Hunger Garden also provides service opportunities for at-risk youth in our community. In my position as Garden Coordinator my duties include grant writing, coordinating with public agencies, and recruiting and organizing volunteers to serve in the garden.

Along with my volunteer work, I have also served on several boards in the community. I served on the Finance Committee at Legacy United Methodist Church from 2017-2019. In addition, I serve on the Board of Boy Scout Troop 73 as Secretary. I also am one of the founding board members of Big Cat Wrestling Club. I serve as Treasurer for the Board. In my position as Treasurer, I prepared all the necessary paperwork required by the IRS in order for the Club to receive their 501(c)(3) status. In 2020 I joined the BGA Board and have served as Treasurer all 3 years. In my time as Treasurer, BGA financially navigated through a gym closure due to the Covid pandemic. In order to keep our gym running throughout this difficult time I took necessary steps to obtain PPP funding for BGA. As a result, BGA was able to secure 2 PPP loans, maintain employment continuity, and receive forgiveness on both of these loans.

BGA has been in a position for the last several years where demand for gymnastics in our community is at an all time high. Our facility is literally bursting at the seams with gymnasts. Our community is ready for more. I want to see BGA ready for more, including having a long-term plan to transition into a new facility and an attractive financial position for potential investors. I’m very determined about seeking a solution to our facility size, so that we can offer new and expanded programming in our community.

Trisha Morrell

Hello, I am Trisha Morrell and I am looking to fill a seat for the Bismarck Gymnastics Academy Board. I feel that I am a qualified candidate for a seat with my previous work history and position on topics relating to the program.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Science of Nursing and worked as a nurse full time for over 5 years, managing several tasks and daily schedules along with regular nursing duties up until recent when I took a leap to take on my real estate business full time. Now in my career of Real Estate I am managing the process and guiding people through their biggest financial decision and life events of buying and selling their homes. I previously coached a High School Varsity Dance team giving me knowledge and experience in working with young team members and guiding them into gaining strength and confidence in their abilities. I also worked with a lot of challenges and collaboration with parents, working closely with the board on budgets and fundraising events/opportunities.

My background, education, and experience as well as my passion for youth activities makes me a good candidate to this board. I feel that availability of class times and retention of coaching staff are vital to the ongoing success of this program. This is challenging time for many employees and I feel that the board needs to be vigilant in maintaining quality programing for our youth.

Brady Dutchak

My name is Brady Dutchak. I am currently a realtor at Century 21 Morrison Realty. Previously, I served as the Recreational Sports Program and Facility Manager at Bismarck Gymnastics Academy (BGA). I am passionate about sports and the life lessons learned through youth participation.

I spent over one year at BGA. I worked firsthand with the athletes, coaches, and parents. During my time at BGA I prioritized employee recruitment and retention. We made changes in programming and registration. I had the opportunity to coach everything from preschool classes to working with competitive athletes. I worked on the schedule and made budget proposals. My experience in this position gives me a unique perspective on the inner working of BGA.

I’ve been involved in sports my entire life. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sports Management from the University of Minnesota-Morris and a Master of Science degree in Sports Management from Minot State University. I’ve coached youth baseball and youth softball. I’ve also coached baseball and softball at the collegiate level. I would bring a needed perspective to the board with my education and experience.

Gymnastics is in high demand in Bismarck. The USAG program, high school program, and show team are all growing. The recreational program can feel nearly impossible to get in at times. I believe BGA can better serve the youth in our community. We need better, more consistent programming. Additionally, we need more variety in our programming. We can achieve this with short-term changes combined with a long-term plan. I want to be a part of the solution.

Mike Kennedy

My name is Mike Kennedy and I am excited to officially submit my application for the Board of Directors at BGA. I am looking to join the BGA Board because it fits my passion for kids and sports, and my professional experience working in professional sports and non-profit organizations.

I have been managing organizational efforts in marketing, public relations, and communications over the last 13 years, mainly within the sports and entertainment industry. For 11 seasons I worked in Major League Baseball with the Colorado Rockies and Minnesota Twins in their communications departments.

Some of my greatest achievements have been gained through establishing successful communications and marketing campaigns. I have an innovative leadership style and I truly care about the work I do and the people that I impact. I've served as spokesperson for multiple organizations and I have a deep understanding of the importance of an organization and its communication to its members. I thoroughly enjoy being a part of a team and have a passion for not only teaching but learning.

On a personal note, I have a strong interest in gymnastics. My wife, Brittany (Ehlis), was a former BGA gymnast and All-American at Hamline University. She is also my favorite gymnast, with a close second being Aly Raisman.

One thing I can guarantee is that I will bring a diverse background to help drive the mission and accomplish our goals for Bismarck Gymnastics Academy. I am a passionate relationship builder and I would love the opportunity to bring my experience to the Board at BGA.