NDeavor Welcomes Dr. John Reid to Board of Directors
Nationally recognized expert in agricultural robotics and technology innovation brings more than 35 years of industry and academic leadership.
FARGO, N.D. (October 20, 2026) — NDeavor Barry D. Batcheller Tech Park has appointed Dr. John Reid to its Board of Directors, bringing extensive expertise in robotics, automation, and technology innovation to the nonprofit organization.
Reid has more than 35 years of experience advancing technology across industry and academia, including leadership roles at John Deere, Brunswick Corporation, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His work has focused on developing and applying emerging technologies in agriculture, autonomous systems, and advanced engineering.
“John brings an exceptional combination of technical expertise, industry leadership, and experience translating innovation into practical applications,” said Brenda Wyland, CEO of NDeavor. “His background in field robotics, sensing, and automation aligns closely with our work, and his perspective will be invaluable as we continue advancing technologies that address challenges in North Dakota and beyond.”
“I’m excited to join the NDeavor Board and contribute to an organization that brings together research, industry, and entrepreneurship to move emerging technologies into real-world use,” said Reid.
“I see tremendous opportunity in robotics, autonomy, artificial intelligence, and advanced sensing, particularly when these technologies are developed around meaningful applications and economic impact.”
During his 19-year career at John Deere, Reid helped establish the company's enterprise field robotics capabilities and served for 14 years in technology and innovation leadership. He was named a John Deere Technical Fellow in 2017 in recognition of his contributions to technology innovation.
Reid subsequently served as Vice President of Enterprise Technologies at Brunswick Corporation, where he led efforts to develop capabilities in marine electrification and autonomy. He currently serves as a Research Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Executive Director of the Center for Digital Agriculture.
In 2019, Reid was elected to the National Academy of Engineering for his contributions to agricultural automation. He holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering from Texas A&M University and bachelor's and master's degrees in Agricultural Engineering from Virginia Tech.
Reid's appointment strengthens NDeavor's board expertise in technologies central to its mission, including robotics, sensing, artificial intelligence, and advanced systems development. His experience bridging academic research and commercial technology development complements NDeavor's focus on accelerating innovation for applications in agriculture, defense, and other industries.
About NDeavor
NDeavor is a tech foundry that serves as a catalyst for innovation in North Dakota and beyond. By connecting research, industry, public partners, and entrepreneurial talent, NDeavor helps move ideas into real-world use through engineering, prototyping, commercialization, and venture support. Its work strengthens workforce development, startup growth, and applied technology across key sectors including defense, precision agriculture, and advanced manufacturing.
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