Experience: Laurie Cunnington has served as an officer and director of Ward Williston Oil Company since 1987. Ward Williston is an exploration and production company as well as a service provider to the oil industry. Prior to her position at WW, Cunnington was involved in real estate development and management. This included building shopping centers, office complexes, and medical facilities. She started her career in the computer industry, launching her own consulting business in the mid 70s. Cunnington holds board positions at the Global Foundation, Opportunities International, and Joint Aid Management. She is a member of the North Dakota Petroleum Council and the Independent Petroleum Association of America. Her philanthropic work includes assisting in establishing orphanages, school programs, mentoring programs, microfinance, and feeding programs in developing countries. She is currently working with groups in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Peru, Rwanda, Mozambique, Sudan, South Africa, and Uganda. Cunnington was honored in 2006 with the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award for the Central Great Lakes Region. She has a BA degree from Wayne State University.