The Speakers

Dr. Deutsch has been a Professor of Physical Education Teacher and Coaching Education at North Dakota State University for the past 20 years, specializing in Human Development and Emotional Intelligence. He has also served as a publicly elected member of the Fargo Park Board, where he has served as a Commissioner for almost 20 years as well. During these 20 years, Dr. Deutsch has seen the footprint of Fargo and West Fargo triple in size, being involved in major projects like the Fargo Sports Center, Broadway Square, and Island Park Pool. He is a huge advocate of lifelong physical activity for everyone and currently serves as President of SHAPE America, the National Association for Physical and Health Educators.    

Molly is a connector. She coordinates and facilitates meaningful public engagement that prioritizes people and placemaking. As an advocate for public land with a background in environmental education and nonprofit management, Molly has built coalitions and rallied the public around protecting and improving our natural resources. She distills complex information to educate audiences on issues and promotes sustainable, equitable and practical solutions.  

Molly regularly presents at regional conferences and contributes to publications in the areas of parks, recreation and equity. Molly is an adjunct professor for the John Dee Bright College at Drake University on the topic of Global, Natural and Social Systems, and holds a degree in Earth Science from the University of Northern Iowa.

Jolene Rieck, PLA is a systems thinker and thought leader who has a 25-year career collaborating with people who have the need to articulate a vision and help them identify a tactical strategy to get things done. She finds particular satisfaction in bringing people with diverse perspectives together to achieve a common goal. As a landscape architect, she applies the design of the built environment creates unique placemaking for communities that impacts economic development, mental and physical health, and social connectedness. Strategic planning, public relations, appreciative inquiry, and advocacy are at the forefront of her philosophy with resounding success.

Ron Blake has over 25 years of experience in sales and marketing, and he is the Midwest Regional Sales Manager for GameTime covering Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Canada. Ron has a BS Degree in Marketing from Fairleigh Dickinson University and MBA from Seton Hall University. Ron is a certified instructor through PlayCore's Center for Outreach, Research & Education (CORE) and enjoys sharing his passion for inclusive, intergenerational play and recreation destinations that support health and wellness. He has conducted over 100 speaking engagement Education Sessions at ASLA events, Landscape Architect Firms, State Park and Recreation Conferences, and municipalities, throughout the Midwest and Canada over the last 2 years. 

Over his 18-year career working from the upper Midwest to the Rocky Mountain West, Gordon has built a broad portfolio of transformational projects that generates social, environmental, health, and quality of life benefits for communities and his clients. Gordon fuses creativity with function translating needs and aspirations into the built environment. This is underscored by his work in the private, public and non-profit sectors that allows him to approach design from all perspectives.

Haley Lind is a Project Designer with AGL Landscape Architects, where she has been actively involved in designing thoughtful, site-responsive landscapes since graduating from North Dakota State University in 2022. Dedicated to advancing the profession, Haley serves as the Emerging Professionals Chair for the local ASLA chapter, where she helps connect students and early-career practitioners with mentorship and professional development opportunities. She also teaches as an Adjunct Professor in the School of Design, Architecture, and Art (SoDAA), fostering early engagement and curiosity in the field of landscape architecture. Her work bridges education, practice, and advocacy, with a focus on building strong foundations for the future of the profession.