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Northland appoints two new members to Northland College Board of Trustees

April 17, 2012

The Northland College Board of Trustees has appointed Bill Van Sant and David Bretting as the newest members of the board. Bretting and Van Sant will begin serving on the board in July.

"The Northland College Board of Trustees is pleased to have such talented individuals serving the institution," says Northland College Board of Trustees Chair Tom Martin. "Van Sant and Bretting have dedicated their lives to excellence in business and serving the North Country. The experience and leadership of these two extraordinary men will help the College grow and thrive."

Bill Van Sant and David Bretting are successful businessmen. Van Sant is currently an operating partner of Stone Arch Capital in Minneapolis, Minn., and he has a home with his wife, Marilyn, in Bayfield. Bretting is president and chief executive officer of C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Company in Ashland where he resides with his wife Becky.

"The strengths of Bill and David will enhance the board's efforts to promote and invest in Northland College, as well as its students, faculty and staff," says Northland College President Michael A. Miller. "Northland places a priority on pursuing local trustees who are engaged in looking after the health and vibrancy of the region, and who see Northland College as critical to that cause."

Van Sant has lead several successful companies throughout his career. Born and raised in Iowa, Van Sant worked at Deere & Company before pursuing his undergraduate and master's degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Iowa. He later returned to Deere & Company, ascending to the position of Corporate Vice President of Manufacturing and Engineering. Since then, Van Sant has acted in roles as president or chief executive officer for such manufacturing companies as Cessna Aircraft Company, Blount International, Lukens Steel Company, Nortrax and Paladin. He has also served as director and member of the Executive Committee for the National Association of Manufacturers.

David Bretting, an Ashland native, is the fourth generation owner of C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Company, a local family-owned business since 1890. He received a degree in business from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Bretting is also a member on the board of directors for Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, Security State Bank, Ashland Area Development Corporation and Delta Dental of Wisconsin. A member of the Bretting family has served on the Northland College Board of Trustees since 1985. Bretting joins his brother, Scott, who also serves on the board.