NSF ENGINES: North Dakota Advanced Agriculture Technology Engine
Our FARMS Team
Hollie Mackey
CEO, FARMS
Dr. Hollie Mackey (Northern Cheyenne) is the Chief Executive Officer for the North Dakota
Advanced Agriculture Technology Engine and Associate Professor of Educational and
Organizational Leadership at North Dakota State University. She recently served as the
Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence,
and Economic Opportunity for Native Americans and Strengthening Tribal Colleges and
Universities. Her scholarship empirically examines the effects of structural inequity in
Indigenous and other marginalized populations in organizational leadership and public policy
using multiple frameworks and methodologies.
Lloyd Nelson
Business Manager, FARMS
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For Lloyd Nelson, joining the FARMS team marks a full-circle moment in his career. After
serving in the U.S. Navy on the East Coast, Lloyd sought higher education but faced delays due
to administrative hurdles. Fortunately, having previously completed a high school program at
North Dakota State University (NDSU), he found a smooth transition into university life in
Fargo, a place he has called home ever since.
Lloyd’s diverse career trajectory, which began with his economics degree from NDSU, includes
significant roles at Great Plains Software and Microsoft, where he gained invaluable experience
in corporate development and management. He then helped rejuvenate a small software
company, WEX Health, where he served as Vice President of Administration. His most recent
roles as CFO at Emerging Prairie and Grand Farm saw him play a key part in major construction
projects, solidifying his expertise in finance and operations.
Now, as the Business Manager for FARMS, Lloyd is eager to leverage his extensive experience
to support the organization’s ambitious goals.
Lloyd holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master of Business Administration from
North Dakota State University. Additionally, he has served as the Town Clerk for Pelican
Township in Pelican Rapids, MN, for nearly 30 years.
Melisa Pineres
Project Coordinator, FARMS
Melisa Pineres brings over a decade of experience in project management, strategic planning, budgeting, and financial evaluation to her role as Project Coordinator at FARMS. With a strong background in capacity-building initiatives for regions in Colombia affected by internal conflict, Melisa’s expertise lies in driving projects that foster local development and resilience.
Melisa’s enthusiasm for FARMS stems from the project's challenging and impactful nature, which she couldn’t overlook. Her first week at FARMS was marked by attending the Cultivate Conference, where she began immersing herself in the organization’s goals and activities.
Outside of work, Melisa enjoys daily coffee rituals, interior design, and practicing Pilates. She takes pride in her Colombian heritage as she was born in the same city as Sofia Vergara and Shakira.
Olivier Cristol
Project Data Coordinator, FARMS
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Olivier Cristol holds a Master’s degree in Geography from the University of Provence Aix-Marseille in France. With a career rooted in digital mapping and spatial analysis, Olivier has spent the last few years focusing on process engineering and business process automation in various tech companies.
Olivier’s interest in the Ag Tech world in Fargo led him to the ND FARMS Engine. He is excited about the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects in a collaborative environment, particularly those addressing fundamental challenges like food insecurity. Though he has not yet participated in any FARMS activities, Olivier is eager to engage and make a difference.
In his free time, Olivier enjoys cooking, especially family recipes like lasagna, gardening, landscaping, and has a keen interest in history and politics.
Nathan Vink
Innovation Manager, FARMS
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Nathan Vink is a values-driven leader with a deep passion for technology development and community improvement. With an engineering degree from Pennsylvania State University, Nathan brings 25 years of experience in leading process and product development projects from concept to launch. He and his family are proud residents of Fargo, ND, where they are deeply connected to the community.
Nathan is motivated by the opportunity to leverage his skills for the common good through the FARMS initiative. His involvement in FARMS-sponsored events such as Grow Horizons, StartupBREW, the Midwest Agriculture Summit, Field Days at Grand Farm, and the Cultivate Conference, reflects his commitment to the project and the community.
Langston Johnson
Innovation Manager, FARMS
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Langston Johnson, originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, and raised in Zimmerman, MN, moved to Fargo in 2008. With a diverse background in software development, quality assurance, and project coordination, Langston has a proven track record of enhancing efficiency and community engagement through technology. His work spans from embedded systems to comprehensive web development, with a focus on integrating agricultural technologies into practical applications.
Langston’s passion for innovation in agriculture drives his involvement with the ND FARMS Engine. He is particularly focused on contributing to sustainable farming solutions that support local communities and enhance food sovereignty, especially on tribal lands. Langston’s recent participation in Grand Farm’s EduConnect event and the Cultivate event solidified his dedication to these goals.
Langston is an avid Rubik's Cube enthusiast, using his problem-solving skills to offer new perspectives to others.
Eric Olson
Innovation Manager, FARMS
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Eric Olson is an Innovation Manager for the North Dakota Advanced Agriculture Technology Engine and North Dakota State University. Having spent his entire career in agrifood innovation, he has expertise in building new products and services by in identifying and integrating new technologies through multi-party collaborations. Prior to joining the FARMS Engine, Eric worked at Cargill Incorporated for over a decade as well as working for a global venture and innovation firm in Silicon Valley. He holds an MBA in strategic management from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Business and has degrees in political science and history.
Allison Weckman
Director of Community Engagement & Marketing, FARMS
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Allison Weckman is a Fargo native and has an expansive career in marketing and event coordination. Having received her bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from NDSU, she’s excited to be working with NDSU as one of the core partners of the ND FARMS Engine.
Allison has a passion for giving back to her community and the important work the ND FARMS Engine is doing perfectly aligns with her values. She also volunteers her time and organizational talents with the Power of 100 Red River Valley and Home Builders Care Foundation.
Allison is enjoys bowling and is the President of the local bowling association. She also loves watching her two kids participate in their various activities.