Who We Are

Terry, I need you to write something here. High-level philosophical assessment of your team and your intentions.

Why are you unique from other consulting companies? What kind of problems do you solve? Why is True North the best option for struggling school districts?

Message structured around partnership and a team approach to problem-solving, custom-designed solutions, and innovation.

Terry Quist

Terry Quist has nearly 40 years of experience in education, including serving as Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, and Director of Teaching and Learning for the Alexandria School District. He has also worked with over 40 Minnesota school districts in the areas of strategic planning, academic program design, including Career Pathways and Portrait of a Graduate, and facility planning.

In Alexandria, Terry provided leadership in the implementation of a comprehensive, system-wide continuous improvement model to increase learning for all students. In addition, he led and implemented the district’s long-range facility plan, including the construction of a new elementary school, a new high school, and several building renovations and air quality upgrades.

Terry received his BA from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. He received his MA from the Carlson School of Business - Human Resources, and also completed his Education Specialist degree and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota.

Jeff Olson

Jeff Olson has over 45 years of education experience, including serving as the Interim Director of the Minnesota Valley Education District, Superintendent, Principal, and Curriculum Director. He has worked with over 60 Minnesota school districts in the areas of strategic planning, academic program design, including Career Pathways and Portrait of a Graduate, and facility planning.

Jeff had led efforts to close the achievement gap, provide leadership to create and implement the Southern Minnesota Agri-Science Academy and the Health Occupations Academy. Jeff also helped to develop and implement Portrait of a Graduate, as well as establish plans to offer a school-based enterprise program and established a Social Emotional Learning Plan centered on equity, the mental and chemical health needs of students, safety, and security. He also initiated long-range facility plans, resulting in the construction of a new high school and the renovation and reconfiguration of multiple school buildings.

Julie Critz

Julie Critz is the recently retired superintendent of the Alexandria, Minn., Public Schools, effective July 1, 2015. Between July 2007 and July 2015, Critz served as assistant superintendent for teaching and learning in Alexandria. In that position, she provided oversight and development of district curriculum, the student assessment program and staff development opportunities. She has been with the Alexandria schools since 2001.

She was instrumental in leading the district in two successful building bond referendums and in 2020 an operating levy. She has been a catalyst in building business partnerships for the Academies of Alexandria, the school district’s new high school small learning communities program. Additionally, she was a key player in facilitating and implementing the district’s community-based strategic planning initiative.

Critz has worked in K-12 education for 38 years: as a teacher, elementary and secondary principal, and district administrator. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Minnesota-Morris; her master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; and a sixth-year certificate in educational administration from St. Cloud State University.

Julie is now working with True North Consulting Partners to support the growth and development of school districts and their leaders to ensure best in class education for students around the nation.

Denise Pontrelli

Denise Pontrelli has dedicated her life to bettering educational opportunities for all students. She is a veteran educator and before joining SitelogIQ as Learning, Innovation and Design Director, served in the role of Superintendent for the Stillwater Area Public Schools. She has over three decades of leadership experience as a Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Principal, Coordinator for Curriculum, Professional Development, and Gifted Services, Classroom Teacher, and Coach.

Denise is a proven instructional leader who is focused on improving learning opportunities for all students. She has a passion for supporting organizations in the areas of learning and innovation, organizational development, adaptive strategic planning, creating equitable systems, human-centered design, community, business and faith-based partnerships, and leadership development.

A lifelong learner, Denise’s recent professional development includes collaboration on the HOPE (Helping Others Pursue Education) Webinar series, Human-Centered Design at Stanford Design School, and Storytelling for Influence through IDEO.

Timothy Wieland

Tim Wieland is a Founding Partner of True North Consulting and serves as Financial Advisor and Controller. Wieland also currently works as the Executive Vice President of Vomela, a national network of graphic design and large format printing and design specialists.

Since joining The Vomela Companies in 2007, Tim has assisted in 12 acquisitions, as well as numerous new business opportunities. He leads 12 divisions/affiliates with Vomela and oversees most corporate functions.

Prior to joining Vomela, Tim served as President and CEO of ME Global, Inc., the leading provider of cast steel wear materials for mining companies worldwide. In this role, he guided the $100 million annual sales company through four ownership changes, including two multinational corporations, a foreign industrial group, and a private equity firm.

Tim graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN with a degree in Business and Finance.