New Directors Appointed to the Chamber Board
The Laurentian Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the addition of three new directors to our board of directors. At the November 19th meeting, the board appointed two new directors to fill existing vacancies and elected a third to a full term beginning in 2026. Please join us in welcoming the newest leaders to the Chamber board.
Andrew Bird, a client service specialist with Bialke Financial Partners, has been appointed to fill the remainder of a 2024–2026 term that had been vacated earlier this fall.
Andrew brings a strong background in financial services, client relations, and small business operations. After several years with Bialke Financial Partners, including three summers of hands-on experience in financial planning and firm operations, he joined the team full-time and continues to contribute meaningfully to both clients and business strategy.
Andrew holds degrees in Finance and Accounting from The College of St. Scholastica and has served in a variety of leadership and mentoring roles throughout his academic and professional journey. He brings a proactive mindset and a young professional’s voice to the board.
Heather Surla, a mortgage banking officer at Frandsen Bank, has been appointed to complete the remainder of a 2025–2027 term.
Heather brings more than 20 years of experience in the mortgage banking industry. Her work today focuses on mortgage origination and portfolio management at the local level, focusing on helping families create their home and realize their dreams on the Iron Range.
A former Virginia School Board member and active community volunteer, Heather is deeply rooted in the Range’s values of hard work, service, and local impact. She’s passionate about the importance of small businesses and local institutions and looks forward to supporting the Chamber’s work during a time of regional change and opportunity.
Nathan Thompson, executive director of North St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity for more than 20 years, has been elected to 2026–2028 term by the board.
Nathan has dedicated his career to servant leadership, first in full-time ministry and now through decades of nonprofit work rooted in faith, community, and advocacy. He brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, public speaking, and organizational leadership, all grounded in his deep commitment to improving lives on the Iron Range.
A longtime Chamber partner, Nathan values the Chamber’s role in housing, business advocacy, and supporting nonprofits, and looks forward to contributing his voice and energy to that continued work.
Andrew and Heather took their positions immediately following their unanimous appointments during the November 19 meeting. Per the Chamber’s bylaws (Article IV, Section 2.B and C), a 10-day petition window begins as of today. During this period, any qualified Chamber member may submit a petition bearing the signatures of at least three Chamber members to nominate an alternative candidate. If no petition is received within this window, Nathan will be officially declared elected and will begin his term on January 1, 2026.
We’re excited to welcome these new directors and grateful for the leadership and perspective they bring. Their experience and commitment will strengthen our work as we continue to serve and advocate for the Laurentian business communities.