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CLEARWATER COMMUNICATIONS
Clearwater Communications is a full-service association management and public relations firm located in Bismarck, North Dakota. Founded in 2001 by Dana Bohn, a communication professional, and Mike Dwyer, an attorney, the firm has grown to more than 17 association management and communication professionals and support staff.
The Clearwater staff has a thorough understanding of all aspects of providing management, communication and administrative services for a wide variety of nonprofit, business and government clients in the areas of association management, government relations, meeting and event planning, financial and database management, communication, and strategic planning.
publishing, and more.
LEAD TEAM
Shannon Schutt
President
Shannon Schutt leads the day-to-day operations of Clearwater Communications, working closing with the team to meet client needs as well as serving as executive director for a few of the client associations. Before being named president in July 2022, Shannon served as vice president of operations and as an account executive. She has been employed at Clearwater since 2017 helping clients grow and thrive through association management, communications, meeting and event planning, and government relations. She holds a degree in public relations and advertising from North Dakota State University.
In her free time, Shannon is a true crime buff and coffee connoisseur. She also enjoys spending time with her family and bulldog Mack. She is originally from Bismarck, N.D.
Robin Pursley
Vice President of Creative Services
Robin Pursley oversees all aspects of Clearwater Communications’ creative services. Her team is responsible for production of all design and print materials developed for Clearwater Communications staff and clients. Among Clearwater’s notable publications are the North Dakota Blue Book, North Dakota Horizons magazine, The Gavel and the award-winning Minnesota Adventuring magazine. Robin has been with Clearwater Communications for more than 17 years.
In her spare time, Robin volunteers with Central Dakota Humane Society, enjoys taking trips on the Harley-Davidson and spending time with her adult children. She is a native Bismarck, N.D.
Miranda Hoffert
Chief Financial Officer
Miranda Hoffert serves as the chief financial officer for Clearwater Communications. Her prior work experience includes working at Northwestern Federal Savings and Loan. Since 1988, she has provided office and financial management services to numerous organizations, associations and businesses. She earned her legal secretary associate degree from Valley City State College.
In her spare time, Miranda enjoys camping, fishing, reading and, most importantly, spending time with her grandkids. She is originally from Balta, N.D.
Dana Bohn
Advisor
Dana Bohn has more than 21 years of communications, association management, program development, public relations, event planning, fundraising and political experience. Prior to partnering with Mike Dwyer to form Clearwater Communications, she was the vice president of the North Dakota Chamber of Commerce. Dana earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations/political science and a master’s degree in communication, both from the University of North Dakota.
Dana enjoys boating, camping and spending time with her family. She grew up in Grant County, N.D.
Deana Wiese
Advisor
Deana Wiese has 16 years of experience in communications, association management, public relations, business and feature writing, and lobbying. Her previous work experience has been as the CEO and an account executive for Clearwater Communications and as public relations director for KK Bold. She graduated from North Dakota State University with degrees in animal science and mass communications.
Deana enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, doing anything outdoors or traveling. She is originally from Belfield, N.D.
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Dana Hager
Dana Hager assists with association management, communication services, meeting and event planning, and public policy. She has a business education degree from Minot State University and diverse professional background in both the public and private sectors. Before joining Clearwater Communications, Dana worked at the Bismarck Cancer Center providing fundraising and community outreach. Her professional career includes business development and marketing with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and over 14 years with the Minot Park District, where she had many roles, including serving as the Roosevelt Park Zoo Director.
In her free time, Dana enjoys spending time with her family and friends, volunteering in the community, exploring the outdoors and hitting the gym. She grew up on a farm/ranch near Barton, N.D.
Alyssa Mutschelknaus
Alyssa assists with association management, communication services, meeting and event planning, and public policy. She graduated from Dickinson State University with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business/marketing and international agribusiness. Prior to joining Clearwater Communications, she worked in the banking sector and interned with the North Dakota Trade Office, while earning her degree.
In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors on the farm/ranch and spending time with family and friends. She is originally from Elgin, N.D.
Sam Vangsness
Sam Vangsness assists with association management, communications services, meeting and event planning, and public policy. She is a Dickinson State University graduate, where she obtained a bachelor of science degree in agricultural studies with a business/marketing option. Prior to working at Clearwater Communications, she worked as a farm and ranch reporter for KFGO and a program technician for the USDA’s Farm Service Agency.
In her free time, Sam enjoys thrifting and antiquing, cheering her husband on at rodeos and spending time with her family and friends. She is originally from Mandan, N.D.
COMMUNICATIONS TEAM
Annie Bennett
Marketing Manager
Annie Bennett assists clients in sales, event planning and marketing. Prior to working at Clearwater Communications, she was a marketing and event coordinator for G1 Group in Glasgow, Scotland. She holds a degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing from North Dakota State University.
In her free time, Annie enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors and scrapbooking. She is a native of Bismarck, N.D.
Kylie Blanchard
Account Manager
Kylie Blanchard meets the needs of clients through clear written communication and attention to detail. Her previous experience includes working as a grant writer for Coal Country Community Health Center in Beulah, N.D., and working as a freelance writer and editor in Bismarck. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English with an emphasis in technical writing from Minnesota State University Moorhead.
In her free time, Kylie enjoys spending time with family and friends, taking part in outdoor activities, working on home projects and reading. Kylie is originally from Bismarck, N.D.
Mary Cole
Communication Specialist
Mary Cole assists clients with communications, meeting and event planning, marketing, and public relations. She holds a bachelor's degree in English with a minor in Public Relations from the University of Mary. Previously, she provided marketing, event planning, and communications services for the Dakota Zoo and Clearwater Communications while earning her degree.
In her free time, Mary enjoys reading fantasy novels, watching movies, playing with her cats, and exploring the outdoors. She is originally from Bedford, Ind.
Jim Collins, Jr.
Education/Outreach Specialist
Jim Collins, Jr. assists clients with their association management, website maintenance, event planning and education needs. Prior to working at Clearwater Communications, he spent 30 years as a watershed liaison and information/education coordinator with the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality. He was named the 2004 Environmental Educator of the Year by the ND Forest Service and received the 2015 Appreciation Award from the ND Conservation District Employees Association for providing assistance to ND Soil Conservation Districts. Also, Jim taught science and coached for three years at Elgin Public Schools. Jim holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Valley City State University.
Jim’s free time is spent in the outdoors; hunting, ice fishing or spending time at the lake with family and friends.
Scooter Pursley
Senior Communication Specialist
James (Scooter) Pursley assists Clearwater Communications staff and clients through his writing and editing, newsletter production and distribution and all other communication needs. He has worked in the communication and marketing fields for 40 years, including 20 years as an information specialist for the North Dakota Tourism Division, where he produced the official North Dakota Travel Guide for 20 years. He also made daily content updates on the division's website. Scooter attended Dickinson State University.
In his free time, Scooter writes sports for the Bismarck Tribune and water-related articles for the North Dakota Water Education Foundation and produces North Dakota's Pigskin Preview magazine. He enjoys long trips with his wife, Robin, on their Harley-Davidson. Scooter is a native of Chattanooga, Tenn., and a graduate of Killdeer High School.
CREATIVE SERVICES TEAM
Shelly Duppong
Graphic Designer
Shelly Duppong has more than 20 years of graphic design experience and is able to create distinctive layouts for a variety of publications. Duppong earned an associate degree in arts from Bismarck State College, associate degrees in desktop publishing and design and graphic arts from Northwest College in Powell, Wyo., and a bachelor’s degree from Dickinson State University.
Shelly spends her free time with her family, and enjoys baking and exercising. She is a Bismarck, N.D., native.
Robin Pursley
Graphic Designer
Robin has been a graphic designer for more than 40 years and is especially proficient in quality designs in a fast-paced environment. Robin’s 24 years of experience in the journalism field and 17 years within Clearwater’s creative services has created a strong understanding of clients’ communication needs. She has an associate degree from Bismarck State College and a bachelor's degree from Dickinson State University.
In her spare time, Robin volunteers with Central Dakota Humane Society, enjoys taking trips on the Harley-Davidson and spending time with her adult children. She is a native Bismarck, N.D.
ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
Danielle Hauck
Finance Officer
Danielle Hauck provides financial and administrative support to clients, including membership management and bookkeeping services. Danielle has been employed by Clearwater Communications since 2004 and has a degree from Bismarck State College.
When she isn’t at the office, Danielle likes to spend time with her husband and children. She also enjoys reading, walking and taking family vacations. She is originally from Elgin, N.D.
Angela Kiesz
Administrative Assistant
Angela Kiesz assists Clearwater Communications staff, client groups, and their customers with their administrative needs from databases and subscriptions to events. She has over 20 years of experience offering quality service and support to customers and staff alike. Prior to joining Clearwater Communications, Angela worked in the financial industry. She holds a bachelor's degree in English and Mass Communications from Minnesota State University Moorhead.
Angela loves spending time with her husband and four kids on vacations, outdoors, and cheering them on at their various extra-curricular events. She also enjoys baking, photography, and time to relax.