As the director of marketing for Appareo Systems LLC, NDSU alumna Brenda Wyland is constantly surrounded by innovation. It’s what energizes her when she walks through the doors. 

And others are taking notice of the results.

Wyland, BS ’99, facility management, MBA ’04, was recently listed among Prairie Business magazine’s “40 Under 40,” which recognizes outstanding professionals under the age of 40 for their contributions to their organizations and the community.

“It was truly a surprise and an honor,” Wyland said. “I wasn’t expecting this at all, but it is very nice to be recognized in this way.”

In her role at Appareo, Wyland is in charge of the company’s strategic marketing. She analyzes competitors and market trends to find the best way to brand the company’s products. Appareo is an advanced technology business that designs and manufactures electronic, mechanical and software products for aerospace, defense and transportation applications. 

Wyland is the former interim executive director at NDSU’s Research and Technology Park. She also served as economic development director at the South Eastern Council of Governments in Sioux Falls, S.D.

“I received a quality education at NDSU and had an opportunity to meet a lot of great people,” Wyland said. “I was able to come back and work at the Tech Park, and now having the ability to help have an impact on being strategic in the marketplace is a natural fit for me.”

NDSU is recognized as one of the nation’s top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.