Meet our Staff!
Making media easy and accessible.
Our staff is here to help you make your dream program and give you the information you need to know. Read about our staff and how they can help you!
Tom Gerhardt
Executive Director
Tom Gerhardt brings a passion for public service and storytelling to his role as Executive Director of Dakota Media Access. A former television anchor and reporter with more than 20 years in North Dakota broadcasting, Tom has deep roots in the Bismarck-Mandan community. His career has included work in marketing, media relations, public policy, and nonprofit leadership.
Before joining DMA, Tom served as marketing director for ND Assistive, where he helped connect individuals with life-changing assistive technology. Today, he leads a dedicated team at Dakota Media Access committed to government transparency, community programming, and amplifying local voices. He believes community media plays a vital role in strengthening democracy, promoting civic engagement, and ensuring access to trusted information.
Tom is also a board member of the North Dakota News Cooperative and an active member of Bismarck Rotary, where he supports international understanding through the club’s Youth Exchange Program.
Holly Schindler
Master Control/Program Coordinator
Phil Miller
Technology Director
Technology has always drawn me in. As a kid, I set up a telephone system with magneto phones between my neighbor across the alley and my neighbor across the street. The city probably wouldn’t let us string wire nowadays like we did then. The central switch was in my basement bedroom.
As an adult, much of my 30-year career with the State of North Dakota was in administering computers and local area networks for different state agencies. At the time of my retirement, I was the lead for Enterprise Architecture.
My retirement didn’t last long, as I’ve been Technology Director for Dakota Media Access since 2009. Technology has been in a constant flux throughout my life, and working here gives me the opportunity to try to keep up.
Quinn Uhlman
Video Production Coordinator
Graduating from Syracuse University with a degree in Film, Quinn came to North Dakota in 2020. She spent 2 years learning about broadcasting the production department at KX News, after-which she started at DMA.
Quinn brings her knowledge of film and television to DMA’s programs throughout the production process.
Justin Cancilliere
Radio Operations Manager
Justin Cancilliere is the Radio Operations Manager for Radio Access 102.5. He started at Dakota Media Access in 2023 and has made it his mission to improve the radio station. Justin is also one of the hosts of ParaTruth: Reborn, which is a show on the station, and is also a published author.
Matt Scott
Production Specialist
Matthew Scott is a Media Specialist for Dakota Media Access. Since 2023, Matt has been one of the select few excellently trained to run the control room during Bismarck, Mandan and Burleigh County Meetings. Matthew’s DMA credits include, To Do At The Zoo, Cyber Cops, and Producer Spotlight.
Tinashe Makuve
Production Specialist
Jaxon Tomanek
Information Technology Specialist
Jaxon Tomanek joined the DMA staff in late 2023 as a Production Specialist, and transitioned into the role of IT Specialist in mid-2024. This transition followed a change in his academic focus at Bismarck State College, where he is now pursuing studies in Computer Information Systems and Cybersecurity.
In his current role, Jaxon’s primary responsibilities are centered on information technology operations throughout DMA, while he continues to provide support for production services, particularly in the recording of government meetings.
Tammy Ross
Office Administrator
Tammy Ross is the Office Administrator for Dakota Media Access. She began her role at DMA the fall of 2017. She brings over 20 years of experience in administrative and HR support, eventplanning, along with financial and budgeting management.
Tammy enjoys helping others while creating a welcoming office environment where people feel supported and valued. She brings a thoughtful, people-centered approach to her work and is passionate about communication, organization, and making a meaningful impact.