NSF ENGINES: North Dakota Advanced Agriculture Technology Engine
Our FARMS Team
Hollie Mackey
CEO, FARMS
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Dr. Hollie Mackey is the Chief Executive Officer of FARMS (Food systems Adapted for Resiliency and Maximized Security), one of the inaugural NSF Engines dedicated to addressing food security challenges through cutting-edge agricultural technology and cross-cultural collaboration. A citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Nation, Dr. Mackey brings a unique perspective to her work, combining deep expertise in community-driven innovation with a commitment to equity and sustainability. Dr. Mackey’s scholarship identifies solutions for Native Americans and rural communities through public policy which she uses to advocate nationally for Tribal sovereignty and self-determination. Through these efforts, she has contributed toward advancing rural innovation through intersecting policy solutions designed to provide structural support for sustainable rural economic development. With a distinguished career spanning academia, public policy, and industry leadership, Dr. Mackey has been at the forefront of integrating Indigenous knowledge with modern AgTech solutions. Her leadership at FARMS focuses on empowering Tribal Nations, small farmers, and rural communities by fostering scalable, localized food systems that address both regional and global challenges.
Lloyd Nelson
Business Manager, FARMS
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For Lloyd Nelson, joining the FARMS team marks a full-circle moment in his career. After
serving in the U.S. Navy on the East Coast, Lloyd sought higher education but faced delays due
to administrative hurdles. Fortunately, having previously completed a high school program at
North Dakota State University (NDSU), he found a smooth transition into university life in
Fargo, a place he has called home ever since.
Lloyd’s diverse career trajectory, which began with his economics degree from NDSU, includes
significant roles at Great Plains Software and Microsoft, where he gained invaluable experience
in corporate development and management. He then helped rejuvenate a small software
company, WEX Health, where he served as Vice President of Administration. His most recent
roles as CFO at Emerging Prairie and Grand Farm saw him play a key part in major construction
projects, solidifying his expertise in finance and operations.
Now, as the Business Manager for FARMS, Lloyd is eager to leverage his extensive experience
to support the organization’s ambitious goals.
Lloyd holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master of Business Administration from
North Dakota State University. Additionally, he has served as the Town Clerk for Pelican
Township in Pelican Rapids, MN, for nearly 30 years.
Allison Weckman
Director of Community Engagement & Marketing, FARMS
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Allison Weckman is a Fargo native and has an expansive career in marketing and event coordination. Having received her bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from NDSU, she’s excited to be working with NDSU as one of the core partners of the ND FARMS Engine.
Allison has a passion for giving back to her community and the important work the ND FARMS Engine is doing perfectly aligns with her values. She also volunteers her time and organizational talents with the Power of 100 Red River Valley and Home Builders Care Foundation.
Allison is enjoys bowling and is the President of the local bowling association. She also loves watching her two kids participate in their various activities.
Olivier Cristol
Project Data Coordinator, FARMS
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Olivier Cristol holds a Master’s degree in Geography from the University of Provence Aix-Marseille in France. With a career rooted in digital mapping and spatial analysis, Olivier has spent the last few years focusing on process engineering and business process automation in various tech companies.
Olivier’s interest in the Ag Tech world in Fargo led him to the ND FARMS Engine. He is excited about the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects in a collaborative environment, particularly those addressing fundamental challenges like food insecurity. Though he has not yet participated in any FARMS activities, Olivier is eager to engage and make a difference.
In his free time, Olivier enjoys cooking, especially family recipes like lasagna, gardening, landscaping, and has a keen interest in history and politics.
Gretchen Dobervich
Strategic Communications Manager, FARMS
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Gretchen Dobervich is the Strategic Communications Manager on the FARMS team. She has a Bachelor of Social Work from Minot State University and is a licensed social worker in North Dakota. She also holds a Master of Public Health from North Dakota State University. Prior to joining FARMS she worked as the Policy Program Manager at the American Indian Public Health Resource Center at NDSU. She has decades of experience working in health and human services, leadership, and public policy. Gretchen grew up on her family farm in Southwest North Dakota and is a NDSU Extension Master Gardener who tends her own and community gardens in Fargo. When she isn't working Gretchen enjoys traveling with her husband Eric, reading, and movies.
Langston Johnson
Innovation Manager, FARMS
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Langston Johnson is a dynamic leader in agricultural innovation, workforce development, and community-driven problem-solving. Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, and raised in Zimmerman, MN, he has called Fargo home since 2008. With a background spanning software development, quality assurance, and project coordination, Langston specializes in integrating cutting-edge technology into agriculture to drive sustainable and scalable solutions.
As an Innovation Manager for the ND FARMS Engine, Langston is focused on bridging the gap between technology and agriculture, ensuring that locally derived solutions address food security, workforce pathways, and economic development. His work prioritizes tribal communities and underrepresented rural regions, emphasizing sovereignty, accessibility, and innovation.
A problem-solver at heart, Langston’s passion for breaking down complex challenges is reflected in his love for Rubik’s Cubes—a tool he uses to inspire new ways of thinking.
Cetan Wanbli Williams
Innovation Manager, FARMS
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Cetan Wanbli Williams (Oglala, Santee, Cheyenne, Ojibwe) is a distinguished environmental strategist with over a decade of experience in advancing Indigenous sovereignty, cultural preservation, and ecological restoration. His expertise lies in integrating traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary conservation practices, particularly in buffalo rematriation initiatives.
In his current role as Innovation Manager he focuses on the intentional and meaningful inclusion of tribal, rural, and farming communities in co-creating a blueprint for the future.
Guided by Lakota principles of respect for the land and relationality, Cetan Wanbli continues to champion initiatives that uplift Native communities, restore cultural ties to the land, and foster a sustainable future for all.
Anna Andersson
Innovation Manager, FARMS
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Anna Andersson joins the FARMS team as an Innovation Manager, contributing to rural food security innovation and leading its thought leadership initiatives. In this role, she facilitates community-driven projects, integrates technology with regional economic and workforce development, and promotes AgTech through educational programs, events, and partnerships. Raised in Arthur, ND, Anna has a deep connection to rural life and has worked globally at the intersection of research, communities, and food systems. Her experience includes designing participatory research programs and developing regional supply chains for novel crops, creating new market opportunities and diversifying food systems. She believes meaningful change happens through relationships, shared knowledge, and empowering communities to lead in resilience and growth by blending tradition and technology. Based in Bozeman, MT, Anna enjoys creative pursuits in her free time, such as garden design, fiber arts, and photography—activities that keeps her connected to place, plants, and people.