Executive Committee for 2023

Bob Kjelland moved from N scale to O scale in his early 20s in his home state of North Dakota. That was in the early 1980s, when Weaver models were coming to market and making O scale more accessible and affordable for newcomers. Without room for a permanent layout, Bob in the 1990s built a modular layout that he displayed at shows, including the 1994 O Scale National Convention in Denver. Bob and his O scale colleagues from Minnesota annually carpooled to the March Meet. Today Bob lives in northern Colorado where he is building a permanent O scale layout. Holding a degree in business management and leadership, he is the Director of Communications for Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, a non-profit advocacy organization for farm and ranch families. Bob and his wife Maria enjoy traveling, which usually includes time for layout visits, railfanning and any nearby microbreweries.

Erik Lindgren is a nationally-known photographer and artist who excels when it comes to the focus of railroad topics (see “coloradorailphotographer” on Facebook, Instagram, and railpictures.net), not to mention his own O scale trains. A native of Le Mars, Iowa, his first train was a Lionel set that launched a lifelong hobby, although in 2 rail O scale. Erik was instrumental in expanding the scope and outreach of the Colorado O Scale Modelers, an informal group whose sectional layout features spectacular scenery. Erik’s modeling embraces high levels of historic accuracy of the Golden Age of railroading. Erik holds a degree in fine art and illustration. He and his wife Dawn are raising two children.

Michelle Kempema is in her 10th year as Executive Director of the Colorado Model Railroad Museum. She is active in the community and serves on many boards including Tour Colorado, Greeley Creative District, Visit Greeley, and National Greeley Art Exhibit. Michelle was a recipient of the 2015 Outstanding Tourism Frontline Worker award from the Colorado Tourism Office and also a recipient of the 2018 “Woman of Distinction Award” from BizWest. S he is an alumnus of the University of Northern Colorado, Monfort College of Business and is married to Keith Kempema and has 2 daughters, 2 dogs, and 2 cats.

John Gardberg received a Lionel train when he was three years old.  While his primary interest is collecting and operating O-Scale 3-Rail Trains, he is enthusiastic about bringing the O Scale National Convention to Colorado. John actively promotes all forms of the model railroading hobby. He is currently serving as vice-president, module layout chairman, and show co-chair of the TCA – Rocky Mountain Division. In addition to local division responsibilities. John also is serving as member of the TCA National Strategic Planning Committee. This background gives him exceptional insight into planning and managing train shows. John holds degrees in Geography and Business (with an emphasis on information systems). For the last 24 years he has used his skills as a programmer analyst as a consultant, contractor, and fulltime employee in a variety of industries.