Chief Investment Officer

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

David Price

Chief Investment Officer

David Price is a senior Finance and Human Resources major. David joined the Royals Investment Fund to gain practical, hands-on experience with the investment industry to reinforce school concepts and see if it is a career that he would like to pursue in the future. He envisions himself working within the investment industry and would love to work in the portfolio management side of investments. David has a couple of hobbies he's passionate about. One of them is running; he's been an active member of both the cross country and track teams at Bethel and has loved being a part of them. Another hobby David enjoys is construction and home improvement. He loves working with his hands and is always excited to learn new skills and take on new projects.

GABE PEarson

Chief Operating Officer

Gabe Pearson is a senior Business Analytics and Analysis major. Gabe came to Bethel knowing about the opportunity of the Royals Investment Fund and made it a goal to join as early as possible to gain exposure to equity research, portfolio risk management, and Christian investing principles. Since joining, he has been grateful to say that his knowledge and experience have increased drastically, and his knowledge has become passionate about the wealth management industry, specifically individual and company stewardship of financial resources in our current world. After graduating, he expects to join the industry in some capacity, though the specific role has yet to be determined.

Risk & Operations

David Erickson

Director of Risk & Operations

David Erickson is a junior majoring in business with emphasis in finance and analytics & analysis. David joined the fund to develop himself as a professional and learn more about what goes into an investment fund. Post-grad, David envisions himself working in the Twin Cities and buying rental properties. David has spent most of his life growing up in East Africa and is currently a player on the Bethel Soccer team.

Derek Fromm

Derek Fromm is a senior Finance and Accounting major. This upcoming year, Derek is most excited to dive into FactSet and create monthly and annual reports. In ten years, Derek sees himself being married, having a few kids, and working a job he enjoys while owning a business on the side!

Anna Olson

Anna Olson is a senior majoring in Business Finance and Mathematics. She joined the fund to deepen her understanding of investments and gain practical experience. After graduation, Anna hopes to work for a company that's making a meaningful impact, where she can both learn and contribute. In her free time, you might see Anna creating art, playing games, or spending time at the cabin with her family!

Grace Solberg

Grace Solberg is a senior, business finance major and has been on the fund for the past couple of years. She initially joined the fund in order to get real world experience while still in college and to be surrounded by other students who had a similar interest for finance and investment. After graduation, Grace sees herself continuing her education through law school in the Twin Cities. Other than the fund, Grace is a member of the Bethel Volleyball team and is also a part of The 25.

Eli Nowacki

Eli Nowacki is a sophomore pursuing a degree in Finance and Analytics. Eli joined the fund to expand his knowledge in the finance industry and gain real world experience in investment strategies. Eli is looking forward to taking advantage of what the fund has to offer, and the unique opportunity of being surrounded by like minded individuals  who are highly motivated and talented. He is grateful for the mentorship that comes with being involved in the fund. After graduation, he envisions himself pursuing a career in personal finance advising or corporate finance. He knows that God has a plan for him and he has full trust in His guidance as he navigates life. He aspires to earn his Master’s degree and someday teach finance at a Christian university, mentoring the next generation of students. Outside of the fund, Eli is a member of the Bethel University football team where he serves as the team’s kicker. In his free time you might see him playing intramural sports, including volleyball and broomball. He also has a passion for fitness and loves to challenge himself daily!

Marketing

Caitlyn Wrzesien

Caitlyn Wrzesien is a senior Marketing student with a minor in Graphic Design. She joined the Royals Investment Fund to expand her business knowledge in an area she doesn’t typically have a lot of exposure to. She has gained a ton of valuable insight into how marketing interacts in a more financial-based environment and how much value can be created from a combination of the two. After graduation, Caitlyn sees herself in an event marketing role for a company that provides products and services she’s passionate about. She hopes to travel a lot and find ways to share the Gospel throughout all of her endeavors. In her free time, you may see Caitlyn baking, shopping, decorating, embroidering, taking photos, hiking, and camping! She is involved in track, Royals Investment Fund, and BethelBiz and was a part of Bethel's Welcome Week during her junior and senior years. A fun fact about Caitlyn is that her last name means "September" in Polish!

Carter Johnson

Carter Johnson is a senior studying Business Finance and Entrepreneurship with a passion for leadership and strategy. As a football player and BethelBiz mentee, he thrives in team settings and enjoys building connections. Carter loves watching the Alabama Crimson Tide and Minnesota Vikings, as well as spending quality time with family and friends. His favorite snack is fresh strawberries. After graduation, Carter looks forward to joining the banking or insurance industry. He is excited to gain new insights and grow with the team this year.

Luca Lombardi

Luca Lombardi is a junior majoring in Business Marketing with minors in Spanish and Photojournalism. As a BBEA director and a contributor to the Clarion, Luca brings a creative flair to everything he does. He enjoys spending time with friends, playing soccer, skiing, biking, canoeing, and capturing moments on film. His favorite snacks include bread with olive oil and Alfajores, a sweet Argentine treat. His music taste ranges from The Beatles and Mac Miller to Bob Marley. In the Royals Investment Fund, Luca focuses on podcast production, social media, branding, and merchandise design!

Symone Harms

Symone Harms is a junior Media Production and Business Marketing student. She's actively involved on campus through theatre productions, The 25, BethelBiz, and intramural volleyball. Her diverse interests include acting, singing, playing piano, traveling, shopping, and co-hosting "Rooted," a podcast. Symone loves fries with ranch, ice cream, beach days in Hawaii, and anything from the teen Justin Bieber era. She is most excited to contribute to the Royals Investment Fund’s social media, branding, podcast, and website projects. A fun fact about Symone is that she always has toothpicks on hand!

Isaac Lange

Isaac Lange is a senior Marketing major. Isaac joined the fund to be a part of a business community and to further expand his financial knowledge. After graduation, he hopes to own his own business, travel and explore the world, and be involved in mentoring the youth, making a lasting impact!

Josh Taylor

Josh Taylor is a junior Finance and Marketing major. Josh joined the fund to gain a deeper understanding of financial decision making and develop important skills for his future career. After graduation, Josh sees himself working in marketing research. In his free time you may see him golfing and spending time with friends!

Kiera Thurston

Kiera Thurston is a junior Marketing and Finance major. Kiera joined the fund to gain valuable hands-on experience that expands outside beyond the classroom, allowing her to apply concepts she has learned to a real life simulation. After graduating, she hopes to travel and work internationally for a marketing/advertising firm. Outside of the fund, you may see Keira spending time with friends or enjoying the outdoors. She enjoys going on spontaneous trips and adventures!

research

JOVANI Perez- Sanchez

Jovani is a junior Finance student. Jovani joined the fund because he was strongly encouraged by his professors, classmates, and friends for the real-world learning the fund provides. He wanted an experience that expanded on his in-class learning and, ultimately, an experience where he could be surrounded by ambitious and supportive peers and alumni. He is interested in venture capital, private equity, business banking, and consulting, so ideally, after graduation, he would like to get the opportunity to explore some of these careers. Besides his role as Director of Research, Jovani is a part of the Bethel Soccer Team!

Andrew Wright

Andrew is a senior Finance student with a minor in Political Science. Andrew joined the fund because he felt it was a great opportunity to learn about the Wealth Management Industry, it gives you great exposure to many different Finance careers, and it provides an excellent space to learn how to invest and grow your personal and business skills. Once he graduates, he sees himself as a commercial banker and investing in real estate/businesses. Some of his hobbies include reading financial books, investing, CrossFit, and playing pickleball. A fun fact about Andrew is that he wants to run for mayor of Duluth in the future.

Dylan Highum

Dylan Highum is currently a junior at Bethel majoring in business finance and analytics. Highum joined the fund to utilize in-class experience for real-world opportunities. The fund has allowed him to learn more about how the stock market works and what it takes to work in this industry. After graduation, Dylan hopes to work in one of the major Minnesota sports franchises and find himself in the front office down the road. Outside of the Investment Fund, Dylan enjoys working with the Bethel Men’s Basketball team and in Campus Ministries.

Spencer Kring

Spencer is a junior, majoring in finance as well as analytics & analysis. In joining the fund, Spencer is looking to absorb real-life investment experience. After graduating, Spencer hopes to pursue a career he loves while enjoying the smaller moments of life. Outside of business, Spencer plays on the Bethel men’s hockey team and also enjoys hunting and fishing.

Austin Magunson

Austin Magnuson is a Senior Finance and Analytics major. He joined the Royal Investment Fund to gain hands-on experience in equity research, developing skills such as using tools like FactSet and presenting investment pitches to industry experts. After graduating, he would love to be working in a rotational program in the corporate FP&A space. Outside of the Fund, Austin is the Financial Officer for Bethel’s student government and plays the trumpet in the Wind Symphony.

Joel Mekelburg

Joel Mekelburg is a senior pursuing a Business Finance degree. Joel joined the fund because he saw the rare opportunities the fund provides for students in college and wanted to gain real world experience before going out into the workforce. He believes it allows for much individual growth within the wealth management industry as well as in interpersonal and group work skills. After graduation, he sees himself working in many different potential industries, financial planning being one of the foremost. Some of his hobbies include watching and participating in sports with friends, working IT, and listening to a variety of music. One fun fact about Joel is that he plans to run an Iron Man in 2028!

Dahlia Sandberg

Dahlia Sandberg is a senior majoring in Business Finance. She joined the fund to expand her knowledge and apply her education in a professional, team-oriented environment. After graduation, Dahlia envisions working collaboratively with teams, clients, and colleagues on finance-related projects. She also hopes her career will offer opportunities to travel, with the long-term goal of becoming a professor. A fun fact about Dahlia is that she was born and raised in the interior of Alaska. On campus, she is heavily involved in organizations around campus like The 25 and the Bethel Rocket Club. 

NOah Schmit

Noah Schmit is a senior double majoring in History and Spanish. He joined the fund to gain hands-on experience in financial management and analysis. After graduation, he envisions a career that challenges him with problem-solving and critical thinking. In addition to his academic pursuits, Noah serves as Vice President of the student government. In his free time, he enjoys creating pottery!

Austin Schulte

Austin Schulte is a senior majoring in finance. He joined the fund with the goal of getting hands-on experience dealing with real-world stakes. After graduation, Austin hopes to become a financial advisor alongside his dad and continue to grow his relationship with his family and Christ. Outside of school, Austin is a huge Minnesota sports fan and a Naz Reid enthusiast. He also really enjoys going golfing with buddies in the summer.

grant Nelson

Grant Nelson is a junior Finance major. Grant joined the fund to learn for the unique opportunity it presents in teaching students how to use investment tools. Another reason he joined is to better prepare himself for a career in investments and wealth management. After graduation, he can see himself in an analyst role at a wealth management company in the area, such as Gradient or another local firm. Grant loves to camp, hike, and road trip during the summer time. During the winter time, he primarily dedicates his time to track and field. Grant is a 400 and 200 meter sprinter for the Bethel men’s track and field team!

wes myers

Wes Myers is a sophomore majoring in Finance and Analytics. Wes joined the fund because he has a deep interest in investments. He wanted to take advantage of an opportunity where he could get real-world experience in analyzing stocks, managing portfolios, and helping make investment decisions. After graduation, Wes can see himself working in the finance industry. He has an interest in financial analysis and wealth management. In his spare time you may see Wes hunting, fishing, snowboarding, golfing, disc golfing, water sports, and spending time with family and friends. Wes is a member of the Bethel baseball team and a fun fact about him is that he was born on Halloween!

Braeden bartoo

Braeden Bartoo is a senior majoring in Business with an emphasis in Finance and Economics. He joined the Fund this spring to grow in his equity market knowledge and dive further into macro-influence on asset prices. After graduation, he looks to join a financial institution to continue his research and develop greater market skills!

caden dejong

Caden DeJong is a junior business Finance and Analytics major. Caden joined the fund because of its unique and invaluable opportunity to gain real world experience while at the same time working in a learning environment. After graduating, he can see himself working in the financial services industry, promoting smart financial decisions. Caden is a member of the Bethel football team and his hobbies include watching and playing any sport. He is very interested in credit unions, and is fascinated by their uniqueness and specialty in servicing their members while aiming to create a helpful and member focused environment for financial decisions and growth!

brody bush

Brody Bush is a junior double majoring in Business Finance and Computer Science. Brody joined the fund because he has a passion for finance and wants to learn more about what it takes to manage a large investment portfolio. Brody works in Bethel’s IT department, is a wealth management intern at Trust Point Inc., and enjoys playing golf in his free time!

ethan ahrar

Ethan Ahrar is a junior Finance and Analytics major. Ethen joined the fund to put class concepts to use while developing new personal and professional skills, which the fund excels at. Ethan looks to join the healthcare industry after graduating. He is a member of the Bethel Men’s Tennis team and the BethelBiz Mentorship program!

Lyiafong Vang

Lyiafong Vang is a junior Finance and Analytics major. Lyiafong joined the fund to gain investment experience and learn more about how the fund operates. After graduation, he hopes to join the wealth management industry or become an investment banker. In his free time, you might see Lyiafong playing badminton or video games!

josh thomsen

Josh Thomsen is a senior Business Finance major. Josh joined the fund to gain experience and learn about the processes involving research of stocks. After graduation, he can see himself having a finance role or owning his business. Josh loves to bake and claims that he has perfected a chocolate chip cookie recipe over the last 9 months. Josh is also a member of Bethel’s track and field team where he runs hurdles and the 400m. A fun fact about Josh is that he is a two time track All American and placed 5th at PowerPoint Nationals last year!