Distinguished Alumni
In 2023, Concordia Academy proudly launched an exciting opportunity to honor alumni for their work in and around the CA community. On October 7, our first three Distinguished Alumni were honored at our Alumni Awards Banquet. Click on the photos below for profiles and accomplishments of our Distinguished Alumni.
To make a Distinguished Alumni nomination, please fill out the online form here.
Questions? Email Lisa Sell at lisa.sell@concordiaacademy.com.
Andy Burmeister
Andy Burmeister
Senior Director, Government Affairs at Strategic Education, Inc.
Class of 2001, Inducted 2023
After graduating from Bethel University, Andy served for close to 6 years on Senator Norm Coleman’s staff, then worked for nearly 10 years as a federal lobbyist representing a wide variety of Minnesota-connected organizations. Currently, he works in the local, state, and federal public policy arena as the Senior Director of Government Affairs for Strategic Education, Inc. Andy utilizes the critical thinking skills that were a part of his CA education to develop, shape, and promote sound public policy that seeks to help working adult students advance their careers and improve their lives. He is active in the company’s mentoring program and their Wednesday afternoon Bible study. Andy also serves as the Board Chair for the Selamta Family Project, which brings hope and healing to orphaned and abandoned children in Ethiopia.
Ben Goodrich
Ben Goodrich
Project Leader, Swedish Judo
Class of 2011, Inducted 2023
Never letting his significant vision impairment slow him down, Ben was involved in football, wrestling, track & field, and choir all four years he attended Concordia Academy and was also a member of the National Honor Society. After graduating from CA, he attended the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. From there, Ben was recruited to the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO, to live and train in Judo as a team representative for Team USA from 2016-2021. He was a 2016 Paralympics Team Member and received a Silver Medal for Judo in the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics. Ben is currently a project leader for Swedish Judo, working with kids who have vision impairments to create opportunities for them to test and learn about the benefits that Judo can offer. He and his wife, Nicolina, are both continuing to train in Judo with hopes of competing in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.
Zach Goodrich
Zach Goodrich
Department Head, United States Naval Reserve
Class of 2008, Inducted 2023
During his senior year at CA, Zach secured an appointment to the United States Naval Academy after receiving congressional nominations from Representative Betty McCollum and Senator Norm Coleman. Throughout his career, he was stationed in several locations and received commendations, including placement on the Commodore’s List with Distinction for his performance in Primary, “TOP HOOK” as the top graduating Weapon Systems Officer, and selection to attend the Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Course at TOPGUN. He was then asked to remain on staff as a TOPGUN Instructor in Fallon, NV. While instructing with TOPGUN, Zach, along with other staff, assisted with filming for the movie TOP GUN: Maverick. In December 2022, Zach transitioned into the United States Naval Reserve, awaiting transfer to the Fighter Squadron Composite 13, where he will serve as a Department Head, continuing his Active Duty Service of over 11 years.