Page 42 - August 22, 2024 Bulletin

BaNK aSSoCiaTe

HAPPENINGS HAPPENINGS

Bismarck Bismarck
Niki Hjelle joined the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) announces
Bank of North Dakota the application period for supportive services under the HOME
team as a loan quality Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP). The
control specialist. Prior application window will be from September 1 through September
to joining BND, she 30, 2024.
worked at Unison Bank HOME-ARP funds provide financial support to eligible non-profit
in Jamestown. Niki organizations to reduce homelessness and increase housing stability
attended and obtained and must benefit qualifying individuals and families who are
a degree from Montana Niki Hjelle Kristi Entzi homeless, at risk of homelessness, or in other vulnerable populations.
State College of Technology.
Approximately $2.6 million in funding is available for supportive
Kristi Entzi accepted the portfolio administrator position with service activities which include:
Bank of North Dakota. Kristi has been with BND since 2023.
• Working with households at risk of homelessness or housing

Mandan instability to maintain housing.
Starion Bank has promoted Troy Hilz to • Providing housing stability case management services to
assigned households utilizing a strength-based approach that
business banking officer. Hilz joined Starion is rooted in Housing First, harm reduction, and trauma-
Bank in 2022, bringing previous finance informed care.
and sales experience. He began as a universal
banker and quickly moved up to credit • Assisting participants in developing and attaining goals
analyst. Hilz graduated from North Dakota related to education, vocational training, and employment.
State University with a degree in agricultural • Assisting in navigating eligibility requirements for service
economics. access amongst community resources.
Troy Hilz
• Identifying resources that may be available to make necessary
West Fargo modifications to promote continued independent living.

Susan Eichhorn joined First Western Bank The application process for awarding funds is competitive and based
as a loan administrator. Susan has 27 years of on the supportive services threshold and scoring criteria outlined in
banking and financial experience. She received the allocation plan. The application is available on NDHFA’s website
her bachelor's degree from Dickinson State under Homeless Programs. For additional information contact the
University. Homeless Programs Administrator at hfahomelessprograms@nd.gov,
Barty Ogbu joined First Western Bank as a 701-328-8080, 800-292-8621, or 711 (TTY).
commercial banker. Barty holds a bachelor's
degree in business administration from NDSU Susan Eichhorn
and a master's degree in public administration
from UND.

Barty Ogbu

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