NONPROFITS
Pakou Hang
Northwest Area Foundation, a St. Paul-based organization providing grants to Native American community nonprofits, announced the appointment of Pakou Hang as vice president of program. Hang is a founding member and executive director of the Hmong American Farmers Association. Northwest Area Foundation targets communities in eight northwest U.S. states, from Minnesota to Oregon, generally following the route of the former Great Northern Railway.
ARCHITECTURE/ENGINEERING
The American Council of Engineering Companies announced that Barr Engineering, Minneapolis, has earned a National Recognition Award for its work on the Morningside Neighborhood Flood Risk Reduction project in Edina.
DEVELOPMENT
Kraus-Anderson Cos., a Minneapolis-based multi-disciplined real estate developer, announced Audra Williams as general counsel, succeeding Tom Wratkowski, who is retiring. Williams previously served as in-house counsel at Ryan Cos. US.
EDUCATION
Minneapolis College of Art and Design announced the appointment of Gwendolyn Freed as president, effective June 1. Freed has held higher education leadership roles at Gustavus Adolphus College, Cornish College of the Arts and Wallin Education Partners.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, St. Paul, announced the election of Chad Trench as chair of its board of directors, as well as the election of Isaac Durant as a board member. Trench currently is director of operations at Special Olympics Minnesota. Durant is a software engineer.
HEALTH CARE
AMADA Senior Care Twin Cities, a Golden Valley-based in-home care agency for seniors and families, announced Kelly Merriman has joined the company as executive director of operations. Merriman previously was at PRESS Premium Alcohol Seltzer and was founder and president of Lice Lounge Hair Care Center in White Bear Lake and Duluth.
HONORS
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced it has recognized Jules’ Bistro in downtown St. Cloud as the 2024 Minnesota Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year. The business is owned by Donella Westphal. … The Performance Excellence Network announced the recipients of its 2023 Minnesota Performance Excellence Award: Benedictine, Duluth; State of Minnesota Department of Human Services Direct Care & Treatment divisions of Ambulatory Services, Community Based Services, Forensic Services, MN Sex Offender Program, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Services; and River’s Edge Hospital, St. Peter. The award is based on the Baldrige Framework, a recognized business achievement criteria.
LAW
Dorsey & Whitney announced attorney Laura Morgan has rejoined the firm as a partner in the Healthcare Transactions and Regulations practice group in Minneapolis. Morgan previously was a senior counsel with the inspector general’s office at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Morgan previously was with Dorsey from 2016–2022.
MANUFACTURING
Sleep Number Corp., a Minneapolis-based maker and retailer of specialty beds and mattresses, announced the following internal executive changes under the new leadership of CEO Linda Findley: Melissa Barra has been appointed executive vice president, chief product and enterprise strategy officer, a new position; Chris Krusmark, appointed executive vice president, chief retail and people officer; Tanya Skogerboe, appointed senior vice president, chief supply chain and transformation officer, and Amber Minson joins the company as executive vice president, chief marketing officer. Findley joined the company last month.
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
Lifecore Biomedical, a Chaska-based contract manufacturer of pharmaceutical equipment, announced that it has appointed Thomas (Tom) Salus as chief legal and administration officer and corporate secretary. Salus previously held a similar role with Viatris Inc., an international pharmaceutical company.
OPENINGS
Rosedale Center in Roseville announced Legendary Spice & Boba X has joined its Potluck Food Hall. The owner is Grace Huang. … The team behind Mr. Paul’s Supper Club and Mothership Pizza Paradise in Edina announced the opening of Carnival Bar, also located in the 50th and France commercial district of Edina. Tommy Begnaud is the chef/owner.
POLITICS
The Minnesota DFL Party announced Jim Heighington will become executive director in June, succeeding Heidi Kraus Kaplan. Charlene Briner will serve as transition director. Heighington most recently worked as chief of staff to Google’s chief diversity officer.
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