Prairie People: New hires and promotions for the week ending Jan. 7, 2022.

As they become available, Prairie Business highlights the region's new hires, promotions, and employee achievements. This week's spotlight includes the following:

Apex Engineering Group hires Bismarck survey technician

BISMARCK, N.D. • Hunter Vatne recently joined Apex Engineering Group in Bismarck as a survey technician.

Image: Courtesy of Apex Engineering Group

Vatne has relevant field and survey experience from his time at UINTAH Engineering and Land Surveying out of Sidney, Montana. As a technician, he works with design and construction surveys in addition to land boundaries.

KLJ appoints lead for new public engagement team

BISMARCK, N.D. • KLJ Engineering has named Wade Kline to a new role, leading KLJ’s newly created public engagement team.

Image: Courtesy of KLJ

Kline has been transitioning into the role for the past several months and has welcomed two public engagement strategists as well as KLJ’s existing Government Relations Group to the team.

The company has completed public engagement work for decades, but recently formalized a group to provide a streamlined experience for clients and to begin to take on independent public engagement work. As a principal transportation planner, Kline will continue to lead key planning projects and studies.

Kline has been part of KLJ since 2014 leading multiple complex transportation plans and studies, all with large public engagement components. Prior to joining KLJ, Kline served as the executive director of the Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Council of Governments.

Kraus-Anderson Construction promotes two team members

BISMARCK, N.D. • Kraus-Anderson Construction has promoted Tucker Norton and Dan Walter from project managers to senior project managers. Both work out of the company’s Bismarck office.

Image: Courtesy of Kraus-Anderson

Norton joined KA in 2015 and has managed North Dakota projects in the office and education market sectors, including projects for North Dakota State University in Fargo, University of Mary in Bismarck, Stanley Public Schools, Central Cass Public School, Northern Cass Public School and Alexander Public Schools.

He received a B.S. in construction management from North Dakota State University.

Image: Courtesy of Kraus-Anderson

Walter joined KA in 2017 and has managed North Dakota projects in the education, public and health care market sectors, including projects for Richardton-Taylor Public Schools, Williston Rural Fire Department, Bismarck Surgical Associates, Sanford Health, CHI St. Alexius Health and North Dakota State University.

He received a B.S. in construction management from North Dakota State University and is a member of the American Society for Healthcare Engineering, North Dakota Healthcare Engineering Society and North Dakota Hospital Association.