Aberdeen, S.D. – Northern State Director of Athletics Josh Moon announced today the hiring of Connor Kern as the Assistant Athletic Director for Business Operations. Kern joins the Northern State department after serving two years as a Risk and Controls Analyst for Patterson Companies.
 
"We are excited to Welcome Connor and his wife Trina to the Northern family," explained Moon. "Connor brings great experience both in the accounting world and as a former student-athlete to our department. He has a very good personality and will fit in well with our team."
 
Kern will be responsible for all financial systems within the athletics department and will work closely with both the NSU Foundation and Northern State University finance teams on internal controls, reporting, and long-term budget planning. He will also lead all NCAA and Federal reporting, oversee the Team Store, sports camp administration, and work continually with coaches on budget analysis and revenue/expense projections.  
 
"I am thrilled to have an opportunity to be a part of the Northern State Athletic Department and the Northern State family," noted Kern. "I look forward to meeting and working with Northern alumni, students, coaches and faculty. I am excited to begin my career in college athletics and I cannot think of a better place to start."
 
With Patterson Companies, Kern improved the accounting processes for internal business partners and performed comprehensive walkthroughs of accounting processes. He began his professional career as a Senior Audit Associate with RSM US LLP. There, he managed a small of individuals, worked directly with clients, and developed experience with GAAP and GAAS accounting. In addition, he was a member of the RSM US LLP Vision Group in 2019.
 
A 4-year letter winner for the Gustavus Adolphus baseball program, Kern appeared in 28 games as a right-handed pitcher for the Gusties. He worked for the GAC Sports Information Office as an undergraduate, gaining his first experiences in college athletics. In addition, Kern was an intern for the Bulldog Hockey Marketing and Fundraising through Gustavus. 
 
Kern is a 2017 graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College with a bachelor's of arts in Public Accounting. He is currently pursuing his master of science in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia-St. Paul. Kern and his wife Trina will reside in Aberdeen.