FARGO, N.D. — Brian K. Sorenson has been promoted to vice-president of manufacturing operations at Dakota Specialty Milling, Inc. Mr. Sorenson joined the company in April 2011 as director of milling operations after nine years with the Northern Crops Institute, the last three years as its director.

Mr. Sorenson has more than 20 years of experience in food product and process development, both in private industry and at the Northern Crops Institute in Fargo, N.D.

He received a master’s degree in cereal chemistry and technology from North Dakota State University.

“Brian’s experience at NCI, his master’s of science in cereal chemistry from North Dakota State University, and the knowledge of our business gained since April, make him uniquely qualified to lead our Fargo operations,” said R.C. Axlund, president of Dakota Specialty Milling.

Mr. Sorenson was a graduate student at N.D.S.U. when his predecessor, Joel W. Dick, who retired in December, was the professor of cereal science and food technology.