COFFEE
Benjamin Anderson
Dunn Brothers Coffee, a Minneapolis-based coffee brand and operator of a national chain of coffee shops, announced Benjamin Anderson as president. Anderson most recently served as vice president of operations at Pentex Restaurant Group, a franchisee of Taco John’s and HuHot Mongolian Grill restaurants.
ADVERTISING/PUBLIC RELATIONS
The Lacek Group, a Minneapolis-based Ogilvy One agency specializing in customer loyalty communications and Customer Relationship Management, announced the appointment of Randy Gunderson as chief executive officer. Gunderson succeeds Bill Baker, who transitions from CEO to a chairman. Gunderson most recently served as SVP of Client Services at the agency. Additionally, Lacek announced that Michelle Wildenauer will take on an expanded role as executive vice president, Client Services and Strategy.
AIRPORTS
The Metropolitan Airports Commission announced the promotion of Mike Wilson to director of integrated operations. Wilson most recently served the MAC as assistant director for field maintenance from July 2023 to May 2025. MAC owns and operates Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and six general aviation airports in the Twin Cities.
EDUCATION
MacPhail Center for Music, a music school in Minneapolis, announced the appointment of Michael Cain as vice president of music education. Cain, a pianist, composer and educator, is the founding director of MacPhail’s Electronic Music and Recording Arts program.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Bloomington accounting firm BGM announced that Daniel Hurtado will lead a new Tax Credit and Incentive Program practice. Hurtado’s background includes founding a specialty tax consulting firm and leadership roles at accounting firms.
HEALTH CARE
Minnetonka-based health insurer Medica announced is has received the 2024 Partner Carrier Award from Marsh McLennan Agency, a national workforce employee benefits consultant with operations in Golden Valley.
LAW
Fredrikson, Minneapolis, announced that attorney Abdulla A. Ali has joined the firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity groups. Prior to joining Fredrikson, Ali held a position at Qualtrics, a technology company, where he managed a portfolio of enterprise accounts. … Janet Dorr has been appointed to serve on the Hennepin County Bar Association board of directors for a three-year term beginning in July 2025. Dorr is a shareholder and member of the Labor and Employment law group at Fredrikson, which announced the appointment.
MANUFACTURING
BioMADE, a developer of biological-based commercial and industrial products and processes sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense, announced Owen Barwell as chief financial officer. Barwell joins BioMADE from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, where he managed a $1 billion operational budget and licensee fee recovery. BioMADE is based jointly in St. Paul and Emeryville, Calif. … Donaldson Co. Inc., a Bloomington-based maker of filtration systems for industry, announced the promotion of Richard Lewis to chief operating officer, effective Aug. 1. Lewis currently is president of the company’s Life Sciences segment and will continue to perform that role until a successor is named.
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
Sanuwave Health, an Eden Prairie-based developer and maker of electronic wound care products, announced the addition of Greg Bazar to its board of directors. Bazar currently serves as chairman of Simpatico Systems, an advanced IT and cybersecurity company he founded.
OPENINGS
Albertville Premium Outlets announced that Ulta Beauty, a national specialty personal care products retailer, plans a July opening of a store at 6415 Labeaux Ave. NE, Albertville, Minn.
REAL ESTATE
Coldwell Banker Realty announced that MKT Real Estate Advisors has affiliated with the company’s Minneapolis Lakes office. It include founder and CEO Michael Kaslow, sales agents Shelley Horstman, Kari Shaw Aker, Aaron Freer, Gisela Santana and Chris Ross; Director of Operations Josh Pennington, Listing Manager Sarah Johnson, Buyer Manager Tyler Thompson and Marketing Assistant Angelica Nuera.
SPONSORSHIPS
nVent Electric PLC, a electrical supply company headquartered in London and St. Louis Park, announced its return as a Minnesota Lynx Changemakers partner with the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx professional basketball team; Lynx Changemakers is focused on nurturing female leadership and elevating women’s sports in Minnesota.
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