Before joining Goff & Howard in 1999, Tricia managed communications efforts for the largest county historical society in North Dakota. She has bachelor's degrees in English and history from Valley City State University (Valley City, ND) and a master's degree in Great Plains history from North Dakota State University (Fargo, ND). While in graduate school, she conducted research, surveying and writing for the historic architectural survey of Bowman County, North Dakota, which resulted in an article published in Heritage of the Great Plains and North Dakota History. She also conducted research and writing for manuscript and photo collections at North Dakota State University Archives and the North Dakota Institute for Regional Studies.

In 2009, Tricia spent a week as a reporter at the Valley City Times-Record, creating an experiential opportunity for herself. "As adults, we seldom have the opportunity to experience another career, even though we haven't outgrown our need to learn," she said. Tricia also contributes editorials to the Times-Record related to the preservation of local history.

Raised on a cattle and small grains farm near Kathryn, ND, Tricia enjoys helping her family on the farm whenever she can. She and her husband Chad, an avid walleye fisherman, also love beach vacations and movies/documentaries about World War II and the Civil War.