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Beth Demke

As the CEO, Beth keeps the big picture in focus—shaping the vision, building strategic partnerships, and ensuring North Dakota’s Gateway to Science stays strong and sustainable for generations to come. 

Impacting the Mission 

Beth’s role touches just about everything at NDGTS—shaping our vision, driving growth, and building strong connections. She helps make sure the team has what they need to do their best work, and she’s always thinking about how to expand our impact and keep the mission front and center. 

Whether she’s working with the board, greeting the community at events, or connecting with stakeholders and community leaders, Beth is all about creating opportunities for hands-on STEM learning that reaches every corner of the state and beyond. 

🧭 Strategic Leadership | 📈 Sustainability & Growth | 🚀 STEM Advocacy 

Experience and Expertise  

Beth has led NDGTS for more than 30 years, helping it grow from a grassroots idea into a statewide hub for hands-on STEM education. With a background in human resources, she brings a people-centered approach to leadership—focused on strategy, team support, and long-term growth. 

She also plays an active role in the broader STEM community. As President of the North Dakota STEM Ecosystem and a member of several statewide and national STEM initiatives, Beth works to strengthen STEM learning opportunities far beyond NDGTS. 

Outside of NDGTS  

Beth loves spending time with her family, including kids and grandkids, and enjoys getting lost in a good book (book club style). Historical fiction, anyone? She loves to travel and never passes up the chance for a good adventure. She’s also a creative and skilled sewist, always working on something hands-on—quilting, card making, soap making, and the list goes. The team is often on the receiving end of her talent.  

Favorite Exhibit, Event, or Experiment 

Beth loves Einstein on Wine, our signature fundraiser. This event is incredibly fun for our guests and also for our team. There’s nothing like it in the state, and we continually look for ways to elevate the experience.  Of course, the goal of this fast-paced event is to raise funds to support the mission, but it’s gratifying to witness so much joy throughout the evening.