John M. Agrey Award
2025 Recipient

Download High-ResShawn Dobberstein

Shawn A. Dobberstein will receive the Agrey Award in recognition of his service as executive director of Hector International Airport in Fargo. During his tenure, Dobberstein has led the airport through several large projects, including a primary runway reconstruction, a two-gate terminal expansion, and the construction of a snow removal equipment storage building. Most recently, he led the development of a cargo ramp and building that has positioned Fargo as a regional cargo hub for FedEx and UPS. The increased growth of commercial air service under Dobberstein’s leadership has led to the need for improvements at the commercial terminal complex. In 2024, the Airport Authority began a $130 million five-gate terminal expansion and a new 1,000-space parking garage that will position the airport for the next 20 years and beyond.

Dobberstein’s career transitioned from roles on his family farm and with the USDA-ASCS agency to Fargo Public Works in 1985, where he honed his skills in safety training, computer programming and cost accounting. His dedication and leadership led to his appointment as airport assistant to the executive director in 1991 and to his current position as airport executive director in January 1997.

Raised on a farm/ranch between Wheaton and Herman, MN, Dobberstein’s roots lie in a family-operated grain and cow/calf livestock operation. After graduating from Wheaton High School, he pursued an education degree at NDSU, where he earned a bachelor's degree in animal science business and minor in agricultural economics, followed by a master of business administration degree in 1992.

Dobberstein was two-time chair of the Fargo-Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce—the only person to date to chair the FMWF Chamber twice—president of North Dakota State University Team Makers, and trustee of the North Dakota State University Foundation. He serves as an accredited member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and is past president of the Great Lakes Chapter of AAAE and a past member of the AAAE Board of Directors. Dobberstein and his wife, Darla, have two children and five grandchildren.