The Blue Fire Network

Patrick is the owner of Blue Fire, working with companies on a variety of projects & initiatives over the last 8 years ranging from program and project management, system implementations, payroll & HR operations consulting, and marketing strategy.  Before that, Patrick held executive level jobs at Microsoft in marketing, finance, and operations.  Patrick is also the founder of a startup called Golden Path Solutions.  Patrick has a BA in English from Minnesota State University, Moorhead.

Kirsten is a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) who brings a decade of experience from both the federal government and association management. Her specialties lie within governance, strategic planning and program/project management. She is driven and multi-talented across various industries and constantly explores emerging best practices to help organizations thrive. Kirsten holds a BA in Communication from the University of Minnesota Duluth.

 Steve Churchill has over 35 years of experience in product development and program management in the off-highway manufacturing industry. Based in the United Kingdom, Steve has experience leading multi-disciplined, multi-location and international teams. Steve specializes in Program Management & Process Development for New Product Development, including product innovation, technology development and product cost and quality improvement initiatives. 

Ryan Kava joined Blue Fire as a consulting partner at the end of 2022, bringing a ton of experience in development and business intelligence to the group.  Ryan developed business software and BI analytics with roles at Stoneridge Software, MCA Connect, and JDP Automation.  Ryan’s background in understanding the technical elements of managing and showing data and how users interact with systems combined with his business knowledge on how users need to interact with and see data will be a huge addition to the team.  Ryan lives in West Fargo with his wife and 2 children, and is busy with his children’s sporting activities,  including leading the Red River Valley Lacrosse Association.

  With a distinguished career spanning over two decades in higher education and business consulting, Dr. Behl has cultivated a deep expertise in project management across technology, manufacturing, and nonprofit sectors. Currently serving as an Associate Professor of Operations and Project Management and a former Dean at Minnesota State University Moorhead, he has developed and led multiple academic programs, focusing on innovative curriculum design that meets modern industry demands.

In his consulting practice, he leverages his extensive experience in project management to deliver tailored solutions that enhance operational efficiency and organizational effectiveness. 

Chris is a Blue Fire Consulting Partner with a background that includes business consulting, project management, finance, marketing, teaching, and entrepreneurship. With over 25 years of professional experience, Chris excels at identifying and linking the tactical and strategic elements in complex business processes to improve professional relationships, optimize efficiency, and maximize both stakeholder and customer satisfaction.  Chris holds a BA in English from Thomas Edison State University and an MBA from Minnesota State University Moorhead.

 Kara is a Blue Fire Consulting Partner. She uses her creative and strategic skills to help organizations of all sizes develop differentiated value propositions, positioning, and meaningful brands as well as impactful inbound and outbound messaging.  After nearly 25 years with a global technology company, Kara now enjoys the challenge of helping a diverse clientele shape their unique narratives and bring them to life with authentic, compelling copy.