Management

Daniel A. Rykhus

President & Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Rykhus assumed the position of President and CEO in 2010. Since joining the company in 1990 as an intern, Rykhus served in several capacities, including director of world class manufacturing, operations manager, division vice president, and executive vice president. Throughout his time as CEO, Mr. Rykhus has been instrumental in delivering value and long-term growth for the company through strategic M&A activity, international market expansion, and the delivery of high-quality technology products and solutions from R&D investments. He has emphasized competitiveness through service, quality, innovation, and peak performance and has made team member leadership development and wellbeing key areas of focus. Mr. Rykhus holds an MBA from Colorado State University and a bachelor’s degree in marketing and economics from the University of Minnesota.

Nicole Freesemann

Vice President of Human Resources

Ms. Freesemann was appointed to Vice President of Human Resources in 2019. Starting at Raven in 2008, Freesemann served in several human resources roles, including manager and director, before being promoted to Vice President. In her time at Raven, Freesemann has created human resources partnerships with our operating divisions, implemented a new approach to performance reviews, and spearheaded development of THRIVE – Raven’s innovative approach to business leadership development. Freesemann holds a B.S. in Consumer Affairs from South Dakota State University.

Taimur Sharih

Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Sharih was named Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in March 2021. Sharih brings over 25 years of global financial experience in key areas, including transformational strategy implementation, acquisitions, performance optimization, and investor relations. He most recently served as Senior Vice President and CFO of A&R Logistics, where he was responsible for implementing a strategic value creation plan and realigning the finance organization to better serve the needs of the business units. Mr. Sharih holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Lafayette College and an MBA from Washington University at St. Louis.

Steven Brazones

Division Vice President – Raven Applied Technology

Mr. Brazones was named Vice President and General Manager for Raven Applied Technology in January 2021. He started at Raven in 2014 as the company’s Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer. As CFO, Brazones led the completion of multiple strategic acquisitions, implementation of the Company’s modern ERP platform, and expansion of capital markets access. He also built an exceptionally high performing team through executive mentoring and career development. Brazones earned a BSBA degree from the University of South Dakota and an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Scott Wickersham

Division Vice President – Raven Engineered Films

Mr. Wickersham was named Division Vice President of Raven Engineered Films in February 2021. He started at Raven Aerostar in 2010 and was appointed to Division Vice President & General Manager in November 2015. In his time with Raven Aerostar, Wickersham narrowed the division’s focus to aerospace and defense markets; developed and commercialized new aerospace product capabilities; and created new value streams with increased R&D investments. Wickersham earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the South Dakota Mines and an MBA from Colorado State University.

Jim Nelson

Division Manager – Raven Aerostar

Mr. Nelson was named Division Manager of Raven Aerostar in February 2021. Nelson joined Raven in January 2018 as Raven Aerostar’s Director of Engineering. Under his leadership, the division developed and released the HiPointer 100 solid state radar and advanced the Thunderhead stratospheric balloon system. Nelson holds bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics from the University of Sioux Falls and a master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Lee Magnuson

Vice President & General Counsel

Mr. Magnuson was named General Counsel and Vice President in June 2017. In addition to this role, he also serves as the Corporate Secretary. Throughout his time at Raven, Magnuson has built and maintained a strong legal team, delivered on strategic acquisitions, and streamlined various legal processes in order to enhance business operations for the organization. Magnuson holds a Juris Doctor, an MBA, and a B.S. in Business Administration, all from the University of South Dakota. He is also a Certified Public Accountant (inactive).

Margaret Carmody

Executive Director of Culture, Corporate Communications, and Strategic Marketing

Ms. Carmody was named Executive Director of Culture, Corporate Communications, and Strategic Marketing in February 2021. In addition, she serves as an assistant Corporate Secretary for the corporation. Starting at Raven in 2013, Carmody was named Director of Corporate Communications in 2015, and her role has since expanded to include organizational culture and marketing. In her time at Raven, Carmody has led efforts to modernize the Raven Brand, implement key cultural strategies, and enhance corporate communications across the organization. Carmody holds a B.S. of Contemporary Media & Journalism and an Executive Master of Public Administration, both from the University of South Dakota.

Lon Stroschein

Executive Director of Corporate Development

Mr. Stroschein was appointed to Executive Director of Corporate Development in November 2015. He started at Raven as International Sales Director for the Applied Technology Division in 2008 and has served in all four current Raven divisions at the Executive level. Throughout his time at Raven, Stroschein has built a robust pipeline of acquisitions for all of our businesses, led Aerostar’s transition from a contract manufacturer to a proprietary products company, and aligned sales efforts in Raven Engineered Films — creating clear momentum and increased market share. Stroschein earned a B.S. in Business from South Dakota State University.

Anthony Schmidt

Executive Director of IT & Facilities

Mr. Schmidt was named Executive Director of Information Technology and Facilities in February 2021. Starting at Raven in 1995, Schmidt served in various manufacturing and engineering leadership roles within Raven Applied Technology before being named Vice President and General Manager of the Engineered Films Division in 2012. Throughout his time within Raven Engineered Films, Schmidt developed market diversification; led the division through the acquisition and integration of Integra Plastics; and facilitated the delivery of disaster relief film in response to multiple natural disasters. Schmidt earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from South Dakota State University.