Mandan, N.D., April 13, 2015 — Jasper Schneider, most recently acting Administrator of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Utility Service, will join NISC as the organization’s Vice President of Member Engagement.

Schneider, who brings to the position professional experience in technology, law and rural issues, is a North Dakota native. He holds undergraduate degrees from the University of Jamestown, Jamestown, N.D., and a law degree from the Hamline University School of Law, St. Paul, Minn. Before attending law school, he worked as a business analyst for Cisco Systems. He has served in the North Dakota Legislature and was in private law practice before becoming USDA’s North Dakota Rural Development State Director in 2009. Schneider was appointed acting Administrator of the USDA Rural Utility Service in the fall of 2014.

“Throughout the nation, companies are competing to attract the best and brightest technology talent to meet the surging demand for technology systems and software,” said Vern Dosch, NISC President and CEO. “It’s with that perspective that NISC is especially pleased that Jasper will be joining the organization. It’s rare to find an individual who has a deep understanding of technology and experience providing support to the nation’s electric cooperatives and independent telephone systems. He is an ideal fit to help advance NISC’s culture of service.”

According to Dosch, Schneider will lead NISC’s new Member Engagement Division. “Today, our Members’ business, technology and consumer environments are rapidly changing,” Dosch said.  “Utilities and telecoms are embracing new technology and putting a greater emphasis on operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. We are proud to support their efforts to achieve these goals.  Jasper and his team will work closely with Members and our development staff to make sure, at a time of change, we continue to align our efforts to meet Members’ needs, track industry trends, enhance our Member and employee learning capabilities and find opportunities to work with our industry partners.”

Schneider will start his NISC career April 20, working out of the organization’s Mandan, N.D. office.