Roger Gjellstad, of Stanley, N.D., has been elected chairman of the board of directors of the North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA), effective as of March 1, 2011.

Roger Gjellstad

Gjellstad is president and general manager of Stanley Equipment Inc., a Case IH dealership with seven locations under two corporations serving western North Dakota and Montana.  

“Roger’s enthusiasm and leadership ability will serve the organization and members well,” says Paul Kindinger, president/CEO, NAEDA. Immediate Past Chairman of NAEDA Lester Killebrew concurs, “Roger has a great vision for our industry.”

Gjellstad’s vision involves seeing “all equipment dealers join their local associations and benefit from being part of their regional associations and NAEDA.” He says, “It’s the best investment equipment dealers will ever make.”

Gjellstad became a member of the NAEDA board in 2007. He represents the North Dakota Implement Dealers Association, one of 17 North American dealer associations affiliated with NAEDA. Since joining the board, Gjellstad has served as second vice chair, then first vice chair and on the following NAEDA committees: member services, manufacturing relations, and executive.

Locally, Gjellstad is an active member of the American Lutheran Church. He has served on numerous civic organizations and boards and is an active member of the volunteer fire department.

Gjellstad grew up on a farm and ranch near Velva, N.D. He graduated from Velva High School and then from North Dakota State University in 1972 with a BS degree in Agriculture, where he was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. He has been active in the equipment industry since college graduation when he worked in sales for International Harvester. He began working for Stanley Equipment in 1974. He purchased the company two years later.

Gjellstad was installed as board chairman March 10, 2011, during NAEDA’s annual meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz. Joe Nash (first vice chairman) and Tom Nobbe (second vice chairman) will serve as vice chairs of the NAEDA board for 2011-12.

Nash represents the SouthEastern Equipment Dealers Association. Nobbe represents the Midwest Equipment Dealers Association.

The North American Equipment Dealers Association is based in Fenton, Mo. It provides educational, financial, industry relations, legal, and legislative services to 5,000 dealers in the United States and Canada.