Board of Directors
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Bill Harper
Board of Directors: Board President
Partner, Harper Downing LLC
Harper brings decades of expertise in public policy and congressional appropriations, serving clients in national security, manufacturing, and higher education. A former chief of staff to Congresswoman Betty McCollum and Peace Corps volunteer, he is committed to advancing strategic solutions and impactful change for Minnesota and beyond.
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Dr. Faisal Kaleem
Board of Directors: Board Vice Chair
Distinguished Professor of Computer Science and Cybersecurity, Metro State University
Dr. Faisal Kaleem is a nationally recognized leader in cybersecurity education and workforce development. As founder of MNCyber and a driving force behind Minnesota’s cybersecurity innovation, he is committed to advancing national security and fostering a resilient, diverse workforce.
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Alex Voss
Board of Directors: Board Treasurer
CEO, Fillmore.AI
Alex Voss integrates generative AI to revolutionize workforce development and national security. With a distinguished career in finance, technology, and defense, Alex is dedicated to empowering innovation and advancing Minnesota’s role in global competitiveness.
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Brian Plourde
Board of Directors: Board Secretary
CEO, LEMA
Brian Plourde combines expertise in technology development, manufacturing, and engineering to address critical human needs globally. With a strong focus on innovation and defense collaboration, he is dedicated to advancing Minnesota’s role in delivering cutting-edge solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense.
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Joon Cho
Assistant Vice President for Research and Innovation, University of Minnesota
Joon Cho is Assistant Vice President for Research and Innovation at the University of Minnesota. His career in public higher education has focused on research, innovation, and strategic partnership development.
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Deb Walock
Vice President of Minnesota Operations, North Wind
Deb Walock is an operations and supply chain leader with over 30 years of experience advancing manufacturing scalability, supply chain resilience, and operational performance across the defense, aerospace, and industrial sectors. She brings deep expertise in transitioning advanced technologies from concept to full-rate production, aligning engineering, supply chain, and operations to deliver speed, affordability, and quality at scale.