GRAND FORKS – Gon Carlson of Grand Forks has been named as the new executive director of the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals, the organization’s Board of Directors has announced.
Carlson, who takes over for Sam Jenson, who served from 2021 to 2024, will work to improve the quality of life of young professionals in the region through programming and other offerings. She will oversee the daily operations of the organization and manage corporate sponsor relations, according to the announcement.
On behalf of GGFYP’s Board of Directors, President Matthew Ternus said he is “thrilled” to welcome Carlson as executive director.
“Gon’s involvement with GGFYP as a member, prior work experience and involvement in the community make for an incredible addition to our team,” he said. “Gon is a driven leader and a fierce advocate for recruiting and retaining young professionals in our community.”
Carlson, who has lived in Grand Forks since 2019, grew up with her mother’s family in Thailand; her father is from Jamestown, North Dakota. Homeschooled in Thailand, she came to Jamestown in 2018 to begin the process of passing her General Educational Development (GED) Test and applying to UND, she said. Her name, Gon, is short for Gonegamown, a Thai name.
After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from UND, she worked as the admission and marketing specialist for UND’s Physician Assistant Studies program.
As she begins in her new role, Carlson’s top priorities are “visibility and connection,” she said.
“I want everyone to know that we are here and eager to connect with all members of the community,” she said. “During my time at UND, I observed that many staff and faculty were unaware that GGFYP is part of their work benefits. I suspect this may be true for many of our sponsors as well.”
“GGFYP is dedicated to fostering a vibrant community and supporting the professional growth of new and young professionals,” Carlson said. “By enhancing awareness of our events and free professional development opportunities, we can strengthen our relationships with sponsors.”
Raising their employers’ awareness of GGFYP events and professional development opportunities “will help us weave a strong bond between GGFYP and our amazing sponsors, as well as connect their employees to the Greater Grand Forks as a whole.”
The impact of a full-time GGFYP employee is evident in the increase in young professionals, as noted in the U.S. Census data, according to the GGFYP. From 2012 to 2022, Grand Forks County saw a 24% growth of people in the age 25-29 age range, compared to the national average of 11%.
With its commitment to connecting young people to the community, GGFYP has witnessed an increase in membership in the last several years, up to more than 400 members. GGFYP leaders attribute the increase, in part, to the pipeline that’s been built with regional higher education partners. Young Professional student chapters have been launched at UND and Northland Community and Technical College, with campuses in East Grand Forks and Thief River Falls, and the University of Minnesota Crookston is working to establish a student chapter.
“In my time on campus at UND, GGFYP introduced me to a whole new social circle outside of the university,” Carlson said. “It helped me orient myself from no longer being a student to, instead, a young professional. I want to share that experience with other new professionals who might feel a little lost navigating this new chapter of their lives. I believe that GGFYP provides a way to build a great community for new and established young professionals.”
Since 2011, GGFYP has employed a full-time executive director who is focused on how to help develop and retain young professionals in the Grand Forks region. Besides Jenson, other former GGFYP executive directors are Stacey Heggen, 2011-2013; Corey Mock, 2014-2018; and Kathryn Kester, 2018-2022.
GGFYP is primarily funded by more than 60 corporate members that believe in making the Grand Forks region the best it can be, according to the GGFYP. Employees of corporate members can register as a GGFYP member at no cost. Students also receive free membership. Those who are not employed by a corporate member or are students can register and pay the annual membership fee of $60. Members can attend and participate in all events at no cost.
“Without these amazing community partners, the Grand Forks region would not be thriving and growing the way it is today,” said Molly Hane, GGFYP board vice president. We’re grateful for (their) partnership and belief in making the Grand Forks region a better place for young professionals.”
A nonprofit organization, GGFYP creates a platform for members to build relationships, develop professionally, become politically and philanthropically active, and contribute to the development and quality of life in this community.
For more information about GGFYP, including upcoming events, meetings and initiatives, visit
www.GGFYP.com
.