Metro Flood Diversion Authority Staff
Joel Paulsen, PE, CFM
Executive Director
Biography Highlights
- Hired September 2019 as first Executive Director
- 20+ years of experience in engineering, civil works, and traffic-related projects
- Former Moorhead City Council member
- Served on 2018 Minnesota Governor’s Task Force, working to find solutions for permanent flood protection in the Fargo-Moorhead region
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from North Dakota State University
- Numerous engineering and floodplain certifications
Kris Bakkegard, PE, CFM
Director of Engineeering
Biography Highlights
- 25 years’ engineering experience, including design and project management for bridges, urban and rural roadways, and flood control projects
- Former civil engineer, division leader, and engineering group manager with KLJ
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from North Dakota State University
- Military veteran and former combat engineer with the North Dakota Army National Guard
- Former NDSU Bison Team Makers President
Jodi Smith
Director of Lands and Compliance
Biography Highlights
- Hired November 2021 as first Director of Lands and Compliance
- Previous Commissioner for the Board of University and School Lands
- Previous member of the North Dakota State Investment Board
- Bachelor’s degree in biology from Pepperdine University, California, and master’s degree in management from Regis University, Denver