FARGO — The Rural Export Center in Fargo, now known as the National Rural Export Center, has a new director, while the former director was not offered an interview for her old post.

Joshua Erickson was named to the job after the center's former director, Heather Ranck, received a two-week suspension in February and was simultaneously assigned to a different position within the U.S. Commerce Department.

Prior to her suspension and reassignment, the latter of which was not officially tied to the disciplinary action, Ranck spoke out against what she maintains was retaliation for a whistleblower complaint she brought against a higher-ranking federal official in April of 2023.

Ranck has declined to comment at length on the suspension or reassignment. She also has not shared the status of any appeals she may be pursuing.

Erickson, who graduated from North Dakota State University with a master's degree in business administration, started at the Rural Export Center as an intern under Ranck's direction and moved his way up to program manager while Ranck was director.

In a written statement, Erickson said that since its inception in 2020 the Rural Export Center has helped bring global opportunities to thousands of rural American businesses and workers.

"As a member of the Fargo community, I am honored to continue working with the National Rural Export Center in my new role as director," Erickson said, adding: "Our team remains committed to delivering quality services and tools to...

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