People

Liz Prior joins INSTANDA

(Minneapolis, MN) — Sept. 07, 2022 — INSTANDA, the no-code core insurance platform has announced the appointment of Liz Prior to its executive leadership team and the role of Chief Financial Officer. Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment for INSTANDA as it moves to expand its geographical presence in Europe, US, Japan, and the UAE, as well as to enhance its platform capabilities with the latest $45 million fundraising

Ray Posadas Winnebago Industries

(Eden Prairie, MN) — Sept. 06, 2022  — Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE: WGO), a leading outdoor lifestyle product manufacturer, today announced the appointment of Ray Posadas as Vice President, Investor Relations and Market Intelligence, effective September 6, 2022. Posadas succeeds Steve Stuber, who was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Grand Design RV in April 2022. Chief Financial Officer Bryan Hughes commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Ray to the Winnebago

John Aeschbury

here are a lot of reasons these days to be discouraged about progress toward justice. The relationships are deeply encouraging. I am so happy to be in the fight for justice with all these people.” — John Aeschbury     (St Paul, MN) — September 8, 2022 – Rev. John Aeschbury, a 1985 alum of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, is the executive director of DART (Direct Action

Life Time Tom Bergmann to Retire

(Chanhassen, MN) —  Aug. 29, 2022 — Life Time® Group Holdings, Inc. announced that President and Chief Financial Officer, Thomas (Tom) Bergmann, has decided to retire from the Company on December 31, 2022. In conjunction with Bergmann’s retirement, the Company also announced that Robert (Bob) Houghton has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective August 28, 2022. Bergmann relinquished his Chief Financial Officer role concurrent with Houghton’s election and will remain President to support the transition

Princess Kay

(St Paul, MN) –Aug. 24, 2022 — Rachel Rynda (RIN-da), a 19-year-old college student from Montgomery, Minnesota, representing Le Sueur County, was crowned the 69th Princess Kay of the Milky Way in an evening ceremony August 24 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Rynda will serve as the official goodwill ambassador for nearly 2,100 Minnesota dairy farm families. She is the daughter of Francis and Theresa Rynda and attends the University of Wisconsin

Jean Bowman Fergus Falls Communications Manager

(Fergus Falls, MN) — – August 25, 2022 – The City of Fergus Falls announced it hired Jean Bowman in the newly-created position of communications manager. “Bowman has the experience, knowledge of Fergus Falls and the enthusiasm to expertly serve the City and our communications needs,” said Andrew Bremseth, Fergus Falls City Administrator. Bremseth noted the complexities of keeping residents informed about city government. “Communication about city projects and services

Bassmaster Austin Feilix

(Mobridge SD) — Aug. 21, 2022  — Austin Felix views himself as a well-rounded angler but he loves to fish for smallmouth. So, it’s fitting Felix’s first Bassmaster Elite Series title would involve catching those big, beautiful brown fish. With a five-bass limit that weighed 16 pounds, 3 ounces on Championship Sunday, the Eden Prairie, Minn., native secured the victory at the Guarantee Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Oahe with a total of 71-9, earning $100,000 Felix overcame a

Gayle O'Connor Spirit Award

The GO Award will be presented on eDiscovery Day This award was not to be a recognition for climbing the corporate ladder or knowing the most about the industry, but more about the love and caring of others. Dear Gayle, you are wonderful and caring.”   — Candi Smith, Senior Technology and eDiscovery Specialist at Jabil (Minneapolis, MN) — August 22, 2022 — Setting the global standards for e-discovery, the

Chuck Mooty, Minnesota Business Hall of Fame Inductee, Joins Ōmcare Board of Directors

  As Ōmcare prepares for its commercial rollout of the Ōmcare Home Health Hub®, Chuck’s experience and laser-focused mindset will be instrumental for our national growth strategy.”   — Lisa Lavin   (Minneapolis, MN) — August 17, 2022 — Ōmcare announced that Chuck Mooty has joined their Board of Directors. Recently, Mooty was announced as a 2022 Minnesota Business Hall of Fame inductee for his many successes and thoughtful leadership throughout

Vista Outdoor Expands its Board of Directors with Two New Members

(Anoka, MN) —  Aug. 10, 2022  — Vista Outdoor Inc. (NYSE: VSTO), the parent company of 40 renowned brands that design, manufacture and market sporting and outdoor products to consumers around the globe, is pleased to announce the addition of two independent members, Gerard Gibbons and Bruce Grooms, to its Board of Directors. Mr. Gibbons and Mr. Grooms were both elected to the Board of Directors by Vista Outdoor’s shareholders at the Company’s

BCBS Board of Trustees

Allianz Life President and CEO Jasmine Jirele and Agiliti CFO Jim Pekarek join governance of state’s leading health insurer (Eagan, MN) —  Aug. 8, 2022 — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) today announced the appointments of Jasmine Jirele and Jim Pekarek to its Board of Trustees. Jirele is the president and CEO of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life), a leading provider of fixed index annuities, registered index-linked annuities and fixed index universal life insurance and

John Clark Jerry Rubatt MME

Jerry RubattME group inc., a leading full-service medical device and consumer product contract manufacturer, announced some changes in its leadership team. (Vadnais Heights, MN) —  August 3, 2022 — MME group inc., a leading full-service medical device and consumer product contract manufacturer, announced some changes in its leadership team. Jerry Rubatt was promoted to Director of Engineering and John Clark was promoted to Director of Manufacturing. As experienced individuals within

Frank Costabilo Consulting Announces Hiring of Web Architect Alex Peterson to the Team

I recently worked with Alex on a financial services company website project earlier this spring and Alex was so helpful and technically proficient that I realized that I had to hire him”  — Frank Costabilo   (Newport, MN) — July 25, 2022  — Frank Costabilo Consulting announces hiring of web architect and recent Hennepin Technical College graduate Alex Peterson to the team. “I recently worked with Alex on a financial

Andrea Davis Pinkney

(Minneapols, MN) — July 21st, 2022 — Andrea Davis Pinkney has been named the 2022 Kerlan Award winner. The Kerlan Award is given each year in recognition of an author or illustrator’s exceptional attainments in the creation of children’s literature and their generous contributions and support of the University of Minnesota Libraries’ Kerlan Collection of Children’s Literature. The award presentation is on Oct. 11, 2022, at the University of Minnesota

Rhonda Blanford-Green Joins rSchoolToday as DIEO Executive

rSchoolToday Announces Rhonda Blanford-Green as Executive Director of Diversity, Inclusion & Educational Opportunities (Minneapolis, MN) –July 20, 2022 — To further the company’s commitment to supporting administrators, rSchoolToday, makers of the most-adopted Scheduling and Publishing platform for athletics & activities, has hired Rhonda Blanford-Green as Executive Director of Diversity, Inclusion & Educational Opportunities. In its process, rSchoolToday has been intentional about bringing on a DIEO leader that aligns with its

Solifi names Mithu Bhargava as president

  (Minneapolis, MN) —  July 12, 2022  — Solifi™, a global fintech software partner for secured finance, announced that Mithu Bhargava joined the company as its first president. In this newly created position on the Solifi executive team, Bhargava brings more than 20 years of operational leadership to drive the delivery of scalable, sustainable, high-performing software-as-a-service (SaaS) products for the secured finance industry. “I am delighted to welcome Mithu to

Anti-Racist Initiatives Launched at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities

      Anti-racist initiatives, under Dr. Green’s leadership, will bring together the places within United where this racial justice work is already being done. I look forward to deepening relationships with the United community, community partners, and the public to live into a reality where white supremacy is continually rendered a thing of the past.” — Rev. Dr. Gary Green II   (St Paul, MN) — July 7, 2022

Brainerd Rise through the Ranks

(Nashville, TN) — July 7th, 2022 — Scholarship recipients for the 2022 Rising Through the Ranks program have been announced by the RAB, BMI, and Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio. The 14th annual “Rising Through the Ranks” will be a hybrid event starting with a virtual session taking place Aug. 2 and leading up to the in-person event Aug. 9-11 at the BMI Nashville office. The professional development course

Kimberly Olson

(Oakdale, Mn) — June 28, 2022 — St. Croix Hospice is proud to announce that Chief Compliance Officer Kimberly Olson RN, PHN, CHPN, CHC has been chosen as one of Women We Admire’s Top 50 Women Leaders of Minnesota for 2022. Women We Admire provides news and information on today’s women leaders in business, entertainment, sports, motherhood, medicine, law, and many other fields. Each year they recognize distinguished women leaders throughout the United

Hormel Foods EVP Deanna Brady Receives Top Women in Grocery Honor

Deanna Brady, executive vice president of Refrigerated Foods at Hormel Foods   (Austin, MN) — June 29, 2022 — Hormel Foods Corporation, (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today announced Executive Vice President of Refrigerated Foods Deanna Brady is on the 2022 Top Women in Grocery list compiled each year by Progressive Grocer magazine. Progressive Grocer’s 2022 Top Women in Grocery awards program recognizes the integral role women play across

Rachel Evangelisto Miss Minnesota

(Eden Prairie, MN) — June 29th, 2022 — Miss Minnesota has crowned Rachel Evangelisto Miss Minnesota.   Rachel is the 1st Indigenous Woman to hold the title.   Rachel grew up watching the Miss America competition and wanted to emulate the empowered women she saw on television. She stepped on stage for her first pageant at the age of 13 and has since been awarded over $23,000 in scholarships. In addition,

Greta Stark-Kraker

(St Cloud, MN) — June 27th, 2022 —  “Central Minnesota is my hometown, I’ve grown up here in more ways than just one,” says Greta Stark-Kraker, the next Executive Director for the Central Minnesota Community Foundation (CMCF). “I believe that everyone should have a seat and a voice at the table, as I step into this new role, my goal is to bring our community together to focus on the

Sumair Sheikh

(Duluth, MN)  —  June 14, 2022  — The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) has named Sumair Sheikh, a seasoned nonprofit, city and community leader, as the new executive director of LISC Duluth. Sheikh will spearhead a LISC program that has invested nearly $86 million in affordable housing, small businesses, health, education, community safety and jobs throughout Duluth over the last 25 years—all with an eye toward breaking down race and class barriers that keep

Gary Jamison

Florence Makope Joins Hormel Foods as New Vice President and Treasurer (Austin, MN) —  June 21, 2022 — Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today announced that Gary Jamison, vice president and treasurer, will be retiring after a 34-year career with the company. The company also announced it has appointed Florence Makope to succeed Jamison as vice president and treasurer. Makope, who joins Hormel Foods

Andres Caballero

(Apple Valley, MN) —  June 17, 2022 — Uponor Corporation (Uponor) has named Andres Caballero president of its Building Solutions – North America division and a member of the Executive Committee at Uponor. He will be based in Apple Valley, Minn., reporting to Michael Rauterkus, president and CEO, Uponor Corporation. Andres has extensive leadership experience, including more than a decade at Honeywell International Inc., leading global businesses in Environmental and Control Solutions, Building Solutions, Honeywell Homes,

Carlton Man Named 2021 ATV Safety Instructor of the Year

(Carlton, MN) — June 16th, 2022 — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has named Eric Senarighi, a Carlton resident and president of the Carlton County Riders ATV Club, as the 2021 ATV Safety Instructor of the Year. Senarighi is a longtime ATV enthusiast who has taught ATV safety, through the club and individually, for years. The club trains about 100 kids per year during classes in the spring and

Doyal, Christianson recognized at 38th annual FEW

Randall Doyal and John Christianson were recognized for their service and commitment to the biofuels industry at the International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo   (Minneapolis, MN) — June 14, 2022  — Two ethanol industry veterans, each with careers spanning four decades, were recognized for their longtime service and commitment to the biofuels industry Tuesday morning at the world’s largest ethanol conference, the International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo (FEW),

Steve LaCroix

Former Minnesota Vikings EVP & CMO to Drive Growth & Strategic Planning for Esports Entertainment & Gaming Industry Start-Up  (Bloomington, MN) — June 2, 2022  — Wisdom Gaming, the emerging leader in esports entertainment, today announced that former Minnesota Vikings EVP & CMO Steve LaCroix joins the company’s leadership team as President of Wisdom Gaming. LaCroix steps into this role as an expansion of Wisdom Gaming’s partnership that started with

Fraser Hires a Chief Administrative Officer

I am honored to serve in this new role and work with an amazing and dedicated team of leaders, clinicians and staff to deliver the best care to our clients and families. ”  — Elif McCain, Fraser Chief Administrative Officer     (Richfield, MN) — June 2, 2022 – Fraser has hired Elif McCain as Chief Administrative Officer – Specialty Healthcare. McCain will work with Fraser Executive Vice President and

Ivy Chang

(Minnetonka, MN) — June 1, 2022 — Ivy Chang is being recognized by Continental Who’s Who as a Top Business Professional for her outstanding achievements in Public Relations and in acknowledgment of her work with PR International. Born in Beijing, China, to a political family in the Nationalist party, she and her father’s family fled China in 1949 to follow Chiang Kai-shek to Taiwan. Her grandfather served in political positions under Chiang Kai-shek. Ms. Chang and her mother

Ryan Williams President

Williams to Lead the Andersen Businesses Serving Residential and Commercial Professional Customers and The Home Depot (Bayport, MN) — May 24, 2022 — Andersen Corporation has welcomed Ryan Williams to the company’s executive leadership team as the new president of the Andersen Division. Williams will lead the company’s largest and most diverse business, both in terms of product variety and customer segments, serving the new residential, home improvement and light commercial

Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell

(Burnsville, MN)  — May 13th, 2022 — Burnsville resident Felicia Permenter is a registered nurse who worked in the ICU and critical care units in New York City at the beginning of the COVID battle. After that experience and the birth of her third child she decided not to return to hospital work and opened AKN-Wellness. Felicia is now a national board-certified health and wellness coach. Permenter applied to the

Ka Vang

(Minneapolis, MN) —  May 9, 2022 — Meet Minneapolis officially announced Ka Vang [Gah Vah] as the organization’s first-ever Vice President of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). In this role, Vang will be responsible for developing a strategic vision and implementing a plan that advances the culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, which are core to the organization’s mission and values. As part of her role, she will also be the executive-level staff liaison

Gov Tim Walz

  Legislation aims to end veterans homelessness, fund veterans homes and veterans cemeteries, and provide service bonuses to veterans and Gold Star families   (St. Paul, MN)  — May 10th, 2022 — Governor Tim Walz today signed into law a comprehensive veterans bill that will move the state toward ending and preventing veteran homelessness, provide service bonuses to veterans and Gold Star families, and fund veterans homes and veterans cemeteries.

Alejandro Bisque

Prolific Young-Adult Author Alejandro Bisque Releases “Bitter War,” His Sixth Novel In Three Years   (St. Paul, MN) — May 04, 2022 — Prolific author Alejandro Bisque has added a new title to his growing library of young-adult fiction on Amazon. “Bitter War” is the newest of six novels penned by the 27-year-old writer in the past three years, all offering thrilling suspense and mystery featuring teenage and twenty-something protagonists.

Longtime North Shore Conservation Officer named CO of the Year

(Duluth, MN) — May 6th, 2022 — Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Kipp Duncan has been named the 2021 DNR Conservation Officer of the Year, which is an annual award presented to an officer for outstanding overall career performance. Duncan works the Duluth East station, where he’s been since 2007. He was stationed in Two Harbors from the beginning of his DNR career in 2001 until transferring to

Ron Barze Joins NAI Legacy

Ron Barze Joins NAI Legacy   (Minneapolis, MN) —  April 28, 2022  — Ron Barze joins NAI Legacy’s growing brokerage team as Vice President of Multi-Family Investment Sales. Barze brings a unique market niche and will plan to join Chris Missling in their effort to provide transactional services to Multi-Family real estate investors and owners. throughout the greater Twin City metropolitan area. Barze brings a background in deal sourcing throughout

Rev. Nikki Darlene Frontz Named Chaplain for United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities

Rev. Nikki Darlene Frontz United is a place where spirit is moving, and creativity is interwoven in the fabric of this community.… I look forward to cultivating the spiritual life of the community with love and creativity.” — Rev. Nikki Darlene Frontz (St Paul, MN) —  May 1, 2022  — United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities (United) is pleased to welcome Rev. Nikki Darlene Frontz as the school’s new

Dayle Besemer Awarded New Ulm 2022 Tourism Person of the Year

(New Ulm, MN) — April 28, 2022 — Dayle Besemer was awarded New Ulm 2022 Tourism Person of the Year in a ceremony, Tuesday evening, at the Best Western Plus. The event also featured tourism leaders describing the upcoming season for plans and events. The New Ulm Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), a part of the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce, honors an individual, couple or organization who have

John Heinz Dissertation Award

(Minneapolis MN) — April 28th, 2022 — Shekinah A. Fashaw-Walters, an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, is the recipient of the National Academy of Social Insurance’s 2022 John Heinz Dissertation Award. Fashaw-Walters’ dissertation, “Inequities in Home Health Access, Outcomes, and the Impact of Public Reporting,” was submitted for her doctorate in Health Services Research at Brown University. Kali Thomas, an associate professor at Brown

Linday Young

“There is a passion among my fellow volunteers that is very inspirational, and I strive to put that forth in everything I do.” – Lindsay Young   (Rochester, MN) — April 27, 2022 — The Ronald McDonald House of Rochester, Minnesota, Inc is in its 3rd year of its Distinguished Volunteer Award, an award to honor a volunteer who exemplifies the core values of the House, and who stands out for

Kashu Suzuki

(Theif River Falls, MN)  — April 20, 2022 — Digi-Key Electronics, which offers the world’s largest selection of electronic components in stock for immediate shipment, announced that it has appointed Kashu Suzuki as regional business development manager – Japan, enhancing its commitment to the country which is a highly important market for Digi-Key. Suzuki will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to drive the continuous growth of sales and customer

Havenpark Communities Scholarship

Operator of Manufactured Home Communities Awards Total of $155,000 in New Scholarships This Year (Orem, Ut) — April 26, 2022 —   Iszavier Moe of Blaine is one of 18 recipients of a Havenpark Communities Scholarship.  Each scholarship recipient will receive up to $10,000 per year and may be renewed for three additional years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned. Havenpark Communities, an operator and developer of manufactured home communities, today announced it

Mel Robins

Author of the best-selling book “The 5 Second Rule” (Moorhead, Mn)  –April 22, 2022 – The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber announces national speaker Mel Robbins will keynote the annual Women Connect Celebration event on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Sanford Health Athletic Complex. Mel Robbins is the host of the new daytime syndicated talk show, The Mel Robbins Show. She has spent the

Chaz Mootz

(Bemidji, MN) —  April 12, 2022 — Lakeland PBS was recently honored with two first-place Eric Sevareid Awards from the Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association. Both stories aired on the station’s “Lakeland News” newscasts. A story by Chaz Mootz titled “Northwest Angle Ice Road” earned first-place honors in the General Reporting category. The story chronicled a 30-mile ice road running from Warroad to the Northwest Angle. It was the only way

Blue Cross Blue Sheild Executive

New leaders join human resources, treasury and investments, medical management and legal   (Eagan, MN) —  April 19, 2022 — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) has announced four leadership appointments, including the addition of two members to the company’s senior leadership team, reporting to president and CEO Dana Erickson. Dr. Mark Steffen, who has been with Blue Cross since 2018, has been promoted to senior vice president, medical management

Dana Erickson and May Vang

— Dana Erickson and May Vang added to its board of directors. (Minneapolis, MN)  — April 5, 2022 — The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation is excited to announce the addition of Dana Erickson and May Vang to its board of directors. Dana Erickson is the president and chief executive officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) and its parent company Stella, and May Vang is Blue Cross’ vice president of treasury and chief investment

Qui Qin Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest

(Northhampton, Mass) — April 15, 2022  — Winning Writers is pleased to announce the results from its nineteenth annual Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest. 4,593 entries were received from around the world. The Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest is sponsored by Winning Writers and co-sponsored by Duotrope. Learn more at winningwriters.com/tompoetry Qin Qin of Minneapolis, Minnesota won the Tom Howard Prize of $3,000 for a poem in any style or genre, for “Bastards’ Tongue”. Edythe Rodriguez of Upper Darby,

Benjamin Dean Taylor

(Winona, Mn) — March 18th, 2022 — Dr. Benjamin Dean Taylor has been selected for the next Kaplan Foundation Commission at Saint Mary’s University. His new work for concert band will be premiered on April 16, 2023, at Page Theatre by the Saint Mary’s University Concert Band, Dr. Janet Heukeshoven, director. Taylor was selected from more than 60 applicants for this year’s competition. He plans to compose a work based

Benji Bearman Named 2022 Salesperson of the Year

Liquid Screen Design Co-Owner Benji Bearman receives top honor in the promotional products industry Over the years, I was someone who was purchasing swag all the time. We wanted to elevate and change the game.”    — Benji Bearman   (Minneapolis, MN) — April 6, 2022 — Liquid Screen Design (LSD) celebrates an impressive achievement as co-owner, Benji Bearman, being named as a 2022 Salesperson of the Year by the Advertising