UND med school exec named Roosevelt library foundation COO

MEDORA, N.D. (AP) — A North Dakota native and former executive at the University of North Dakota medical school was named Tuesday as chief operating officer of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation.

Laura Block, a native of Grand Forks, recently served as associate dean and COO of the UND med school. Prior to that role, she was the chief financial officer of the University of North Dakota Alumni Association and Foundation for more than a decade.

Block was instrumental UND Spirit Campaign that raised over $324 million for the state’s oldest and largest university.

“Laura is a proven strategic thinker and leader,” said Edward O’Keefe, Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation CEO. “She brings a tremendous track record of financial oversight, discipline, and innovation.”

Block was vice president, investment and trust manager at Bremer Bank for five years. She also worked as a senior manager at Brady Martz and Associates in Grand Forks. She received her undergraduate degree in accounting and Masters of Business Administration from UND.

“The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is a historic project for North Dakota and our nation,” Block said. “I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to bring my lifetime of service and knowledge to build the foundation of an organization that will thrive and inspire for generations to come.”