Nicole Bakkegard MBA, PHR

With more than 25 years of strategic and hands-on HR leadership, Nicole Bakkegard brings a unique blend of expertise, approachability, and impact to every organization she supports. As Principal and Owner of Bakkegard Consulting, she partners with businesses and non-profits to deliver tailored human resources solutions that enhance compliance, streamline efficiency, and boost workplace productivity.

Nicole is a trusted provider of fractional HR leadership, offering small to mid-sized organizations executive-level HR guidance without the need for a full-time hire. Whether serving as a long-term strategic partner or stepping in to address urgent needs, she delivers flexible, high-impact support that scales with an organization’s growth.

She is highly skilled across the HR spectrum, with deep experience as an HR Generalist and Benefits Analyst and a strong reputation for resolving complex employee relations challenges with clarity and compassion. Nicole’s professional journey spans various industries, including both white-collar and blue-collar fields, making her a versatile and insightful partner across multiple sectors.

At the heart of Nicole’s approach is a genuine commitment to building strong relationships. She believes that trust-based partnerships are the foundation for meaningful organizational change and sustainable results.
Nicole earned her MBA from North Dakota State University and has held her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification since 2001. She also serves as an adjunct professor in the NDSU College of Business, where she mentors and inspires future HR professionals and business leaders.

Originally from rural Cass County, North Dakota, Nicole is a proud lifelong North Dakotan whose values of integrity, resilience, and community deeply inform her work and relationships.