Foundation board

Meet the board of directors for Children’s Health Care Foundation. An asterisk (*) denotes people who serve on both the hospital and foundation boards.

Ryan Bartley
Senior Vice President – Market Officer, Link Logistics

Ryan Bartley is the Senior Vice President-Market Officer for Link Logistics Real Estate, a Blackstone Company founded in 2019, and board member and immediate past President of NAIOP Minnesota. Prior experience includes Vice President of Industrial Brokerage for Paramount Real Estate Corporation. He is a graduate of Iowa State University – Ivy College of Business and Cretin-Derham High School in St. Paul. He and his wife Christine and three daughters live in Highland Park in St. Paul.

Marty Bassett
President and CEO, Walman Optical Company

Martin L. Bassett has been the president and CEO of the Walman Optical Company, the largest independent wholesale optical company in the U.S., since 2001. Prior to that, Mr. Bassett served Walman in the areas of finance and operations. Walman has 1,200 employees and serves 9,500 customers through 41 offices located throughout the U.S. Walman is recognized as one of America’s 100 largest employee owned companies. Mr. Bassett has served on the Board of Directors of the Vision Council, where he served as the chairman, vice chairman, chair of the Government Relation and Advocacy Committee as well as serving as the secretary and treasurer. During his tenure as chairman of the Vision Council, Mr. Bassett was instrumental in building alliances throughout the industry in support of the growth and expansion of the Think About Your Eyes consumer awareness campaign. Mr. Bassett serves as the immediate past chairman of the Governance Board of Children’s Minnesota.

Mr. Bassett is a member of the World Presidents’ Association (WPO) and The American Institute of CPA’s. Mr. Bassett holds a bachelor’s degree in business and accounting from the University of Minnesota.

Jon Biermann
Associate Director of Reporting and Analytics, Optum

Jon Biermann is currently Associate Director of Reporting and Analytics at Optum. With over 15 years of experience in data analytics, Mr. Biermann has built a career helping businesses tell a story through their data while providing insights on standardizing metrics. He is presently focused on optimizing data architecture in the cloud with a concentration on AI/ML functionality. Mr. Biermann has been involved with Children’s Minnesota since 2018 when is his daughter had a brief stay in the NICU and was blown away by the care both his daughter and family received.

Mr. Biermann holds a B.A. in Economics from St. John’s University. He resides in Eden Prairie, Minnesota with his wife Laura and their three children.

Traci Bransford
Partner, Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein, LLP

Entertainment, media, and sports clients turn to Traci Bransford for strategic counsel on the full range of their legal needs. She is the leader of Parker Poe’s Sports & Entertainment Industry Team and has over 30 years of experience.

Traci focuses her practice on transactional law with an emphasis on clients in music, television, film, literary publishing, and sports. She serves as outside general counsel in those industries and others, including retail, education, and health care. She guides her clients through many aspects of their businesses, including intellectual property management, contract negotiation, and brand strategy. Her clients benefit from her multi-jurisdictional experience from California to New York, and most recently Georgia and Minnesota, as well as her commitment to the tenets of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This background allows her to offer comprehensive solutions to key legal challenges.

Traci regularly speaks before national audiences about entertainment, media, sports, and celebrity philanthropy. She is a member of leading sports and entertainment law associations and serves on several nonprofit boards. Earlier in her career, Traci served as general counsel to the world-renowned performing artist Prince and served as the chief executive for the legal affairs of his corporate entities, including Paisley Park Enterprises. That experience shaped much of her work ethic in serving high-profile entertainment clients and meeting their specific legal needs. It continues to inform her work today as she negotiates agreements for entertainers, athletes, and leading media companies.

Traci earned her Bachelor of Arts from Spelman College in Atlanta and her Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law.

Terry Clark
Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, UnitedHealth Group
Chief Marketing and Customer Officer, Optum

Terry Clark was named chief marketing officer for UnitedHealth Group in 2014 and added responsibility as chief marketing and customer officer for Optum in 2022. In his role, Clark leads UnitedHealth Group’s marketing, brand and customer experience efforts – focusing on transforming how people experience our products and services. Previously, Clark served as chief marketing officer, UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement, leading UnitedHealthcare’s direct-to-consumer efforts. Clark joined UnitedHealthcare in 2006 from IAC/InterActiveCorp, a consumer marketing and technology company comprised of leading digital brands, where he last served as executive vice president, sales and marketing, for the Entertainment Publications division.

Jacqueline Lloyd Cunningham
Deputy Director of Livability Marketing, Explore Minnesota

Jacqueline Lloyd Cunningham serves as the Deputy Director of Livability Marketing at Explore Minnesota. In this capacity, she leads strategy and marketing for Explore Minnesota for Business, a novel division dedicated to championing the livability and economic potential of Minnesota.

With a wealth of experience spanning over two decades and a background in diverse sectors, including non-profit, health care, and retail, Jacqui’s expertise lies in understanding and influencing human behavior, leading cross-functional teams, and formulating strategic and integrated marketing plans that propel brand relevance and drive tangible business outcomes.

Ms. Lloyd Cunningham currently sits on the Foundation Board of Directors of Children’s Minnesota and is co-chair of Star Gala 2024. She was also appointed by Governor Tim Walz and serves as a Public Member on the Board of Nursing. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Marymount College, Tarrytown, NY; an MBA degree from Fordham University Graduate School of Business in New York and completed Master in Public Health courses at St. Catherine University. Ms. Lloyd Cunningham is married, has two adult children and finds joy spending time walking and at the lake.

Joe Francis
Owner and Chief Executive Officer, Central McGowan

Joe Francis is Chief Executive Officer and sole owner of Central McGowan, a family business that was founded in 1947 by his grandfather. In addition to leading strategy for the various businesses held within the company, Joe also leads the real estate operations that supports the growth of the business. Central McGowan is comprised of a welding, industrial and gas supply company, a beverage carbonation/dry ice/CO2 company and a robotic integration business spread across 10 locations in the Midwest.

Joe is active on various non-profit boards in Minnesota, serves on the Board of Directors for St. Cloud Industrial Products (SCIPI) and is involved in a number of industry related associations. He is also an active member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO), most specifically the Twin Cities Chapter. Joe received his B.S. in Business Administration from St. Cloud State University and resides near the Twin Cities with his wife Bri and three children.

Sharon Murphy Garber
Community volunteer

Sharon Murphy Garber is a dedicated volunteer and supporter of Children’s Minnesota. Over the past 32 years she has held a number of volunteer leadership roles. Ms. Murphy Garber has served as chair of Children’s Minnesota’s Pain, Palliative Care and Integrative Medicine task force. She also co-chaired Children’s Minnesota’s 2016 and 2017 Shine Bright Bash and she has served on the planning committee of Shine Brighter since 2018, which raised funds for Children’s Minnesota’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Program. Ms. Murphy Garber previously served as president and communications chair of The Children’s Association – Minneapolis, an organization dedicated to raising funds to support Children’s Minnesota. In addition to her support of Children’s Minnesota, Ms. Murphy Garber is a board member of the Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation, District Committee for the Midwest Interscholastic High School Sailing Association and board director for the National Interscholastic High School Sailing Association. She also volunteered for Como Zoo for more than 40 years.

Archelle Georgiou, MD
President, Georgiou Consulting
Chair, Children’s Minnesota Board of Directors

Archelle Georgiou, MD, is a nationally recognized physician, health executive, medical reporter and author who is known for her commitment to patient advocacy. She maintains a diverse portfolio of advisory relationships with companies and organizations that improve health and the health care system. In addition, she is an executive in residence at the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. Dr. Georgiou is also an on-air medical expert with a weekly segment on KSTP-TV, the ABC affiliate in Minneapolis-St. Paul, and has covered over 1,600 medical topics. In 2017, Dr. Georgiou published her book, Health Care Choices: 5 Steps to Getting the Medical Care You Want and Need – a book that explains how consumers can be an equal partner in their care and have a voice in their medical decisions. From 1995 to 2007, Dr. Georgiou served as chief medical officer of UnitedHealth Group. She has served on boards of directors for non-profit, private and publicly-traded companies.

Dr. Georgiou graduated from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and was board-certified in Internal Medicine.

Marc Gorelick, MD*
President, chief executive officer, Children’s Minnesota

Marc Gorelick, MD, was appointed chief executive officer of Children’s Minnesota in December 2017. He joined Children’s Minnesota in March 2017 as president and chief operating officer. He is deeply committed to identifying sustainable ways Children’s Minnesota can continue to deliver exceptional care in an evolving health care environment.

Dr. Gorelick previously served as executive vice president and COO of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.  A pediatric emergency medicine physician by training, his prior experience includes faculty positions at Medical College of Wisconsin and University of Pennsylvania, and clinical and leadership roles at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, AI DuPont Hospital for Children, and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.

His education includes an A.B. degree in history from Princeton University, an M.D. degree from Duke University, and a Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Gorelick trained in pediatrics at Children’s National Medical Center, and in pediatric emergency medicine at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Dr. Gorelick’s interests include running, cycling, and paddling; homebrewing; and playing the tuba.

Simone Hardeman-Jones
Executive director, GreenLight Fund Twin Cities

Simone Hardeman-Jones is the founding executive director of GreenLight Fund Twin Cities, an organization that partners with community, nonprofit, government, academic, philanthropic and business leaders to bring socially innovative solutions to the Twin Cities to fill unmet local needs, break down entrenched barriers and address deep-rooted disparities in order to create opportunities for children and families to thrive.

Ms. Hardeman-Jones has a deep understanding of the role that systems play and the impact they have in the lives of some of the most underserved in our communities and has committed her career to dismantling them. She served as national director of policy and partnerships at Educators for Excellence (E4E), a national education non-profit. She also served in the Obama Administration in a variety of roles, including Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs at the U.S. Department of Education where she served as a key advisor to two U.S. Secretaries of Education. Ms. Hardeman-Jones spent six years as policy advisor to two United States Senators, Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and the late Senator Kay R. Hagan (D-NC) and also spent time working on multiple political campaigns including as Director of African American Outreach for Senator Klobuchar’s 2006 Senate race.

Born and raised in Minneapolis, Ms. Hardeman-Jones currently resides in the Twin Cities with her husband and toddler son. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, a Senior Fellow with the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) and the Breck School Alumni Council. She serves on the boards of the Minnesota Alliance With Youth and Ed Allies. Ms. Hardeman-Jones holds both a Bachelors and a Master’s degree from The American University in Washington, D.C.

Chris Harrington
President and CEO, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Christopher L. Harrington, Ordway president and CEO, has a passion for connecting people from all walks of life through arts and culture and has a successful track record in audience development, revenue generation strategy, innovative programming and leadership.

Harrington joined the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Saint Paul, Minnesota as its 12th president and CEO and provides strategic and community leadership that leverages the expertise of the board and staff in advancing and championing the Ordway’s mission, vision and values for the benefit of the community. He oversees the organization’s wide variety of performing arts, community engagement and education programming which take place in state of the industry campus featuring a 1,900-seat Music Theater and the 1,093-seat Concert Hall.

Before joining the Ordway, Harrington served as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Senior Director of Jazz and @ The Max, where he was responsible for marketing, programming local, national, and international talent, and ensuring a sustainable business model. Harrington also worked in various capacities for the Detroit Jazz Festival and WDET-FM, Detroit’s NPR station.

He holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Music from Wayne State University. He completed National Arts Strategies’ eight-month Executive Program in Arts & Culture Strategy, a partnership with the University of Pennsylvania, and a ten-month intensive leadership program with the League of American Orchestras.

Harrington served as a proud mentor in Wayne State University’s Mike Ilitch School of Business Corporate Mentor Program, and has served on grant review committees, on the executive team for Detroit Young Professionals, and as a panelist at national conferences.

A trusted advocate for the arts and local community, Harrington currently serves on the boards of the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP), Live Arts Centers of North American (LACNA) Foundation, the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance, and the Arts Partnership, a unique collaboration comprising Minnesota Opera, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Schubert Club, and the Ordway. Harrington is the recipient of the inaugural Marlowe Stoudamire Award for Innovation and Community Collaboration, presented by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Wayne State University’s Arts Achievement Award.

Jessica Henrichs
President, Colle McVoy, Inc.

Jessica Henrichs is a brand transformation and turnaround specialist. Working with many of the world’s best brands, she has a proven track record in building high-performing teams, helping brands influence consumer behavior, drive purposeful change and business growth.

As president, Jessica set a course for Colle McVoy to become an agency that’s truly built for change by reinventing the agency’s model, investing in emerging capabilities and fostering transformational leadership. Her innate desire to blaze new trails, combined with passion for building enduring relationships, make her a trusted strategic advisor and inspirational leader. Under Jessica’s leadership, Colle McVoy has partnered with iconic brands like Goodyear, Haribo, La-Z-Boy, Perdue, Whirlpool, Stanley Black and Decker and more and was named Adweek’s 2023 Midsize Agency of the Year and AdAge 2024 A-List Standout Agency. As a culture leader and champion, she believes in building a more sustainable and equitable future. Jessica has championed the agency’s DEIB efforts and helped the nearly 90-year-old agency become a Certified B Corp.

Jessica has decades of experience creating award-winning integrated strategies and solutions for global and iconic brands. At Digitas for more than a decade, she became an expert in data- and technology-led creative that led to 100+ awards, including a Cannes Lion Grand Prix for Data, while overseeing management of the Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir, Bank of America, Sprint, P&G, General Motors, PPG and Goodyear accounts. Prior to Digitas, Jessica spent nine years leading marketing and sales promotions for CBS television stations.

Erin Herman
Children’s Hospital Association Representative

Erin Herman is returning to serve on the Foundation Board as a representative for the Children’s Hospital Association where she has been a board member for 10 years including roles as Treasurer, Vice President and 2020 President.

Erin has worked in the medical technology industry for over 20 years. She has worked at mid to large multi-national companies in the Twin Cities including Synovis Surgical Innovations, Boston Scientific and is currently a Global Marketing Director at Medtronic. Serving on the Children’s Hospital Association Board and Children’s Foundation Board combines her two passions of children and healthcare by supporting the critical work to ensure children and their families in our community not only have access to the highest level of clinical care but also the wrap around services that supports treating the whole patient. Erin and her husband Brent reside in the Twin Cities with their 3 children; aged 8-14.

Nestor Jaramillo
President and CEO, Nuwellis Inc.
Foundation Board Vice Chair

Nestor Jaramillo, Jr. has been a key player in health care industry for more than 30 years and has led commercial organizations in both multinational and startup companies.

Mr. Jaramillo spent 23 years at Medtronic in sales and marketing roles, both domestic and international assignments. In addition, Mr. Jaramillo also spent seven years as a managing director of health care investment banking at both Cherry Tree & Associates and Craig-Hallum Capital, both firms located in Minneapolis.

Prior to Nuwellis, Mr. Jaramillo was president and CEO of Innerspace Neuro Solution, Inc., a Tustin, Calif.-based commercial-stage medical technology company that developed, manufactured, and distributed an intracranial pressure monitoring system. He also worked in a variety of capacities at startup Transoma Medica, and Abbott (St. Jude Medical). He served in the board of directors of Accumold Inc. (DesMoines, IA) and NPI Medical (Ansonia, Conn.)

Mr. Jaramillo holds an electrical engineering degree from the University of North Dakota and a Master of Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis. He serves on the Finance Committee of the Basilica of St. Mary Landmark Foundation. For ten years he was on the board of NPH, serving as chairman for two years. NPH is a non-profit organization supporting abandoned and disadvantaged children in Central and South America. Mr. Jaramillo lives in Edina with wife Laurie where they raised their children Carmen and Nicholas, now adults with children of their own.

Briana Koch
Business Operations Manager, Ryan Companies US Inc.
Children’s Council Representative

Briana Koch is the Business Operations Manager for Ryan Companies US Inc. Ms. Koch is responsible for day-to-day business operations at Ryan’s corporate headquarters. She is responsible for strategic planning and execution of initiatives that drive business efficiencies, cultivating culture, welcoming new employees into the Ryan family and mentorship.  Briana’s dedication to collaboration and building lasting relationships creates an atmosphere for Ryan employees to thrive. She has six years of commercial real estate and construction experience. Prior to Ryan, Ms. Koch spent eight years in the banking industry in various roles throughout Wells Fargo. Through her experiences, Ms. Koch has created spaces and platforms for team members and leaders to connect and share vulnerability to humanize themselves and enhance true connection and collaboration. She believes that any process can be improved and done more efficiently. We can never get back time, so the best thing we can do is be efficient and protect people’s time.

Briana was introduced to Children’s Minnesota while caring for her son Aiden in 2015.  Aiden was diagnosed with Mitochondrial DNA Depletion Syndrome II and was the 46th case in the world.  Aiden lost his fight with Mitochondrial Disease in June 2015 at 14.5 months old. Without Children’s, Briana and her family likely would have not received a diagnosis. To say Aiden made an impact on Briana and others’ lives is an understatement. The family continues to give time and support to Children’s in honor and memory of Aiden. Briana has been on the Executive Children’s Committee since 2021. She served as a co-chair for the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation and has volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House. Aiden has helped his family look at life with a new lens of empathy, compassion, service., and giving back.

Ms. Koch was born in East Aurora, NY. She graduated from the University of Buffalo with a Bachelor of Social Sciences- Early Childhood Education. She arrived in MN in 2009, and although her intent was to go back to NY, she fell in love with MN. She received her Certificate in Small Business Management in 2010. She married the most supportive husband, Nick, in 2013.  Together they have their angel baby Aiden, Greyson and Owen.  The family resides in Maple Grove, MN.

Jeryn Konezny
Lawyer and community volunteer

Jeryn Konezny is a non-practicing lawyer and community volunteer.  From 2008-2014, Ms. Konezny served on the Board of St. David’s Center in Minnetonka from 2008-2014, on the Board of the Hennepin History Museum from 1999 to 2002, and from 1998 to 2000 served on the Minnetonka Heritage Commission. She practiced law at Dorsey & Whitney from 1994 to 2000, specializing in the areas of nonprofit, tax-exemption, and health care law.  While practicing law, Ms. Konezny volunteered for a number of nonprofit organizations, including the Junior League of Minneapolis, Tulip Foundation, and Free Arts for Abused Children of Minnesota. Ms. Konezny earned her law degree from the University of Michigan and her political science degree from the University of St. Thomas. She and her husband live in Deephaven and have three daughters, Adelaide, Emma, and Hannah.

Rebecca Lieberman*
Vice president, People, Optum
Foundation Board Chair

Rebecca Lieberman is known as an inspiring, transformational leader who builds winning teams. Her hallmark trait is engaging and partnering with senior leaders to develop innovative solutions and expand their capabilities in fast-paced, everchanging global environments.

Ms. Lieberman is currently the vice president, people for Optum Technology. In her role she is focused on advancing the business through forward thinking people strategies, building teams with the skills needed to meet current and future customer needs and creating an inclusive culture.

Prior to joining Optum in 2021, Ms. Lieberman spent five years at Radisson Hotel Group in a variety of roles, most recently as chief human resources officer leading the human resources, communications, responsible business and facilities functions for the Americas. In this role, she was responsible for leading and enabling the business to deliver on the achievement of strategic and operational business goals. Additionally, she developed and deployed globally aligned strategies throughout the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific regions for both Performance and Talent.

She was the owner and principal human resources consultant for RTL Consulting, where she specialized in HR strategy and organizational effectiveness for various companies going through M&A and divestitures. Ms. Lieberman also spent 10 years at Target Corporation serving in a variety of roles and leading organizational transformations for both corporate and store divisions.

As a community volunteer, Ms. Lieberman has served in various roles with Children’s Cancer Research Fund, YPO and Junior League of Minneapolis. She previously served in a chair position for the Minneapolis Jewish Federation. Rebecca holds a BA in Mass Communication and Journalism from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University.

Julie McDonough
Private Wealth Management Executive, Minnesota Market President, Old National Bank

Julie McDonough is a Private Wealth Management Executive and the Minnesota Market President for Old National Bank. She has over 20 years of financial services experience including wealth management, private banking and commercial banking.

Julie is a graduate of Iowa State University with a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication. She attended ISU on a full athletic scholarship and was a 4-year letter winner on the women’s basketball team. As a senior Julie helped lead her team to its first ever NCAA tournament bid.

Julie and her husband, Matt, reside in Plymouth with their sons, Chase and Cole. She is a community volunteer with passions around early childhood education, cancer research and support for families dealing with cancer diagnosis/treatment. She was a Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Lifeblood Award Winner in 2014 and the LLS 2018 Woman of the Year for her volunteer work and fundraising in honor of her son, Cole, a leukemia survivor. It was through Cole’s cancer journey that the McDonough family experienced firsthand the incredible level of quality and compassionate care delivered by Children’s Minnesota.

Ann McGarry
Head of enterprise marketing & branding, Securian Financial Group

Ann McGarry is the Head of Enterprise Marketing & Branding at Securian Financial Group. At Securian, Ms. McGarry leads all business-to-business and business-to-consumer marketing efforts to drive consideration of Securian Financial. She also oversees brand strategy and reputation management, as well as corporate communications. She has more than 30 years of financial services experience and has held strategic marketing roles at United Health Group, Wells Fargo, Mackenzie Marketing, and American Express.

An active supporter of the local community, Ms. McGarry has served on the board of her children’s schools, volunteered as the manager of her daughter’s soccer team, and currently volunteers at the Minneapolis Crisis Nursery. Ann earned her BA in Business Administration from the College of St. Benedict and her MBA with an Emphasis in Marketing from the University of Saint Thomas – School of Business.

Raquel Melo
Vice President of Product Innovation, Dairy Farmers of America

Raquel Melo is Vice President, New Products at Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a farmer-owned cooperative. Prior to this capacity, Ms. Melo has held roles as Vice President, Innovation and New Business Development at Land O’Lakes Inc as well as other marketing and innovation roles in the Twin Cities including General Mills.

Ms. Melo was most recently the Chair of the Board for The Brand Lab. She has held board or board chair roles with Rainbow Families, The National Society of Hispanic MBAs (Twin Cities chapter,) The MN AIDS Project, RI Project AIDS and the Campus Outreach Opportunity League (COOL).

Ms. Melo holds a BA from Brown University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. A native of the Dominican Republic, Raquel grew up primarily in NYC and Boston, and has lived in the Twin Cities for 25 years. Ms. Melo holds a BA from Brown University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She and her wife adopted their three children Tyler, Sofia, and Bennet (now young adults) through Hennepin County.

Cathy Muggee
Community Volunteer

Cathy Muggee retired from 3M after a long career recognized as a collaborative leader with a passion for organizational efficiency. She worked in a variety of functional areas at 3M, including IT, Global Supply Chain, and Mergers & Acquisitions, developing cross-functional teams who delivered results.

In addition to her role on the Children’s Minnesota Foundation Board, Ms. Muggee is involved in a variety of volunteer activities including serving on the Planned Giving and Endowment committee at the Greater Twin Cities United Way, Board Member of Spirit Song Choir, Finance Council at St. Pascal Baylon Church, and has served with Loaves and Fishes at Catholic Charities.

Ms. Muggee has been a long-time supporter of Children’s Minnesota and cancer research, beginning when her youngest son was diagnosed with leukemia and received comprehensive care at Children’s Minnesota in St. Paul.

Her academic background includes a B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Irvine and an M.S. in Microbiology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Ms. Muggee and her husband John enjoy spending time with family and friends, learning more about our world through travel, and indulging their passion for music as members of two choirs. They have three adult children.

Hao Nguyen
Director of the Trials Division, Ramsey County Attorney’s Office

Hao Q. Nguyen is the Director of the Trials Division at the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, where he oversees a division of 37 attorneys and about 20 support staff. In addition to his directorial duties, he also serves on the Minnesota Violent Crimes Enforcement Team. Hao handles a wide variety of cases ranging from murder, sexual assault, and other serious person related offenses. Prior to becoming a lawyer Hao served the state of Minnesota as a police officer and sheriff’s deputy. Hao came to this country as a refugee from Vietnam at the age of nine. He grew up in Saint Cloud, Minnesota and was raised alongside his two older brothers by their single mother. After graduating college Hao served as a police officer in a patrol unit responding to 911 calls for service. He later went on to law school attending Hamline University School of Law and received his jurist doctorate in 2010.

The recognition that prosecutors at their core are ministers of justice as opposed to solely utilizing the justice system to punish others has been at the forefront of Hao’s dedication to public service. Hao believes education is the great equalizer, in that spirit he previously taught several semesters of Constitutional Criminal Procedure as an adjunct professor at Mitchell Hamline School of Law. He is the board chair of Asian Women United of Minnesota (AWUM, a nonprofit that provides housing and care for women and children who experience domestic violence and homelessness). Hao is also the Chair of the MCAA (Minnesota County Attorney’s Association) Diversity Committee and is a board member for MNCIT (Minnesota Critical Incident Training) a nonprofit that trains law enforcement and other professionals on how to serve people who are experiencing mental health crisis.

Nawal Noor
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Noor Companies

Nawal Noor is the dynamic and visionary CEO and Founder of Noor Companies. Noor Companies is an award-winning social benefit corporation, real estate development and construction firm in Minnesota. Noor Construction is also one of the largest minority and women owned general contractors in Minnesota. Noor’s mission, as a social benefit corporation, is to do business that demonstrates progress in achieving positive social impact. The “benefit” part of our mission is a big deal to us. We use business as a force for good in everything we do.

Nawal is the first East African Real Estate Developer and is recognized as the Power 30 Developers in Minnesota. Nawal has amassed almost a decade of hands-on experience in the construction and real estate industry. Prior to launching Noor Companies, Nawal had over 10 years of a successful career in corporate finance, audit, strategy, and marketing experience. She also spent four years working for a non-profit organization that focuses on affordable housing. Starting her career as a Licensed General Contractor, she quickly rose through the ranks, showcasing exceptional leadership skills and technical acumen.

She is a transformational leader creating opportunities and advocates for women of color and minorities to make commercial real estate accessible. She launched a successful business to build affordable housing, and community-based development projects employing, and training workers historically left out of real estate development and construction projects. Her leadership style is characterized by a blend of innovation, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, making her a respected figure in the construction industry.

Nawal is a 2019 Bush Fellow and is continually active in the community. She served on several boards and committees including, Minnesota Children’s Hospital Foundation, Hennepin County Workforce Leadership Council as the Co-Chair with Commissioner Fernando, ULI MN Market Council member, Friends of Hennepin County Library. She served on the board of Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA), State of Minnesota Disparity Study External Stakeholders, University of Minnesota National Diversity Advisory Board, Vice President of National Association of Minority Contractors Midwest Chapter, Board Secretary for Ecolab Credit Union, and the Board Chair of Nurul-Iman Institute/Mosque and Community Center.

Nawal is a graduate of the University of Saint Thomas, with a degree in Finance and Computer Science and an MBA from Northwestern Kellogg. She is also a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certified Project Manager.

Anne Novak
Wealth Advisor, Cresset Capital
Vice President, Cresset Trust Company
Legacy Advisors Representative

Anne is a Wealth Advisor at Cresset and Vice President of Cresset Trust Company. She brings over 20 years of experience working in family office.  She is responsible for providing highly sophisticated, customized and comprehensive financial solutions to ultra-high-net-worth clients and their families. Anne’s client advisory role is enhanced by her extensive experience in accounting and tax. She also manages and oversees the growth and operations of Cresset Trust Company.

Anne earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of St. Thomas. She is a CPA, CTFA, PFS.

Emily Reitan
Managing Director, Project Consulting Group

Emily Reitan is currently Managing Director at PCG, a management consulting firm empowering transformation from strategy to execution for their clients. With over 18 years in financial services, Emily provides strategic guidance, industry knowledge and tactical experience to her clients and consultant teams alike.

Prior to joining PCG, Emily spent sixteen years in various executive leaders roles in the financial services industry from Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff, VP of Strategy and Business Development, VP Allianz Life Ventures and VP Fintech Strategy. She holds a M.A. in International Economic Policy from American University and a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from University of Puget Sound where she graduated with honors.

Emily has been involved with Children’s Minnesota since 2008 when her son became a patient of Children’s Heart Clinic and was impressed with the care both her son and family received.

Mara Ryan
Managing Partner, Baccus Group

Mara Ryan is a former Fortune 500 marketing leader with 15 years of experience building global brands, leading marketing strategy and digital transformation efforts. Most recently Mara was at The Mosaic Company with oversight of advertising and public relations campaigns, global brand management as well as the evolution of digital properties and social engagement strategies.

Ms. Ryan was first introduced to Children’s Minnesota as she and her family navigated their first daughter’s food allergies. The journey inspired her to become an advocate and investor in advancing the food allergy care model.

In early 2020, the Ryan family’s relationship with Children’s Minnesota deepened as they navigated a high-risk pregnancy and welcomed their third daughter via emergency C-section at 26 weeks gestation. Ms. Ryan and her daughter spent a combined 129 days at The Mother Baby Center, Children’s Minnesota and Maple Grove Hospital NICUs.

Ms. Ryan currently sits on the Foundation Board of Directors of Children’s Minnesota and is co-chair of Star Gala. Previously, she served on the executive committee of Children’s Council as well as the Corporate Giving Committee and Marketing Advisory Committee. In addition, Mara has served on the board of directors for Avivo, WomenUnited for Greater Twin Cities United Way and The LEAD Project.

Ms. Ryan holds a Master’s of Business Administration from the Opus College of Business and an undergraduate degree in Entrepreneurship from the University of St. Thomas. She’s also attended courses at Stanford University and Aspen Institute. Ms. Ryan is most proud of her husband, Colin and three strong-willed daughters Cooper, Quinn and Whitney.

Steve Ryan
Partner, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Steve joined the Minneapolis law firm of Briggs and Morgan, P.A. in 1994 as a real estate and finance attorney, became a shareholder in 2001 and was named the firm’s Chair in 2015. He served as President and Managing Partner of the firm from 2017 to 2020, and presided over Briggs and Morgan’s merger with Taft Stettinius & Hollister in 2020.  Steve served as Partner-in-Charge of the Minneapolis office until 2021 and currently serves on Taft’s executive committee.

Steve has nearly 30 years of experience representing a broad range of clients in the areas of banking and finance, capital markets and real estate. Among other significant matters, Steve represented the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins on the financing, development and construction of U.S. Bank Stadium and Target Field, respectively.

Steve is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and the University of Minnesota Law School.  He and his wife Anne live in Orono, Minnesota and have six children.

Tawnya Stewart
Chief of people and culture, Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures

Tawnya Stewart holds the position of Chief of People and Culture at Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures (MLCV). As an entity rooted in Indigenous ownership and operations, MLCV stands at the forefront of equality advocacy and diversity celebration, with our greatest potential for impact lying within our organizational boundaries. In her role as Chief of People and Culture Officer, Ms. Stewart collaborates with business leaders across the portfolio to integrate racial equity strategies while reinforcing an inclusive culture.

Ms. Stewart’s academic achievements include an Executive MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor’s degree in business and communications. She also possesses a Master’s degree in Human Resources from Loyola University Chicago.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Ms. Stewart has an affinity for music, travel, reading, podcasts, and theatre. She resides in Golden Valley, Minnesota, with her son, and invests time in understanding her Ojibwe heritage. Anchoring her philosophy is the tenet to “let love rule”.

Stephanie Thomes
Senior Investment Consultant, Mercer

Stephanie Thomes is a Senior Investment Consultant within the U.S. Insurance practice at Mercer.  Her expertise includes investment and risk strategy, alternatives, asset allocation, and capital efficient investing for general accounts.  Prior to joining Mercer in 2023, Stephanie was the Head of Investment Strategy and the Head of Alternative Investments for Allianz Investment Management across a $150b GA.  She formerly worked in asset management for firms including AB Carval Investors and Black River Asset Management, and was a Controller for a technology start-up company.  Stephanie currently serves on the Foundation Board and Investment Committee for the Childrens Hospital of Minnesota, and was a prior member of the Advisory Board for OWNS; an impact ETF focused on equality in minority home ownership.

Stephanie recieved her B.S. in finance and economics from St. Cloud University and her MBA in finance from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School.

Maria Troje
Vice president of sales and service, Minnesota Wild

Maria Troje is in her 21st season with the Minnesota Wild and fifth as vice president of sales and service. In her current role, she oversees the Wild’s Season Ticket Holder base to continually provide excellence in customer service and fan experience, which has led to renewal rates that have consistently exceeded 90%. Her duties also include managing ticket sales for the Wild, including season ticket packages, groups and single game tickets.

Over the past few seasons, Ms. Troje has instituted an overarching customer service philosophy campus-wide for the organization, called Service First, which connects full and part-time staff as well as key partners of the Minnesota Wild to focus on service and culture at the core of the business. She also serves as the lead contact with Levy Restaurants.

Ms. Troje played an integral role in two ground-breaking initiatives: the first-ever Wild Fan Advisory Board to gain fan insights and steadily improve the fan experience; and Wild Rewards, a loyalty program designed to reward Season Ticket Holders with merchandise and one-of-a-kind experiences. She also led the organization s task force for the 2016 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series weekend that took place Feb. 20-21, 2016, at TCF Bank Stadium and was one of the leaders on the task force for the 2022 Discover NHL Winter Classic that took place Jan. 1, 2022 at Target Field.

Ms. Troje received her undergraduate degree from the University of St. Catherine and her Masters from the University of New Haven, Connecticut. She currently serves on the Foundation Board of Children’s Minnesota and on the Schubert Club Board. She has been with the Wild organization since its inception in 2000 and was named one of Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journals Women in Business in 2018.

She and her husband, Chris, have three children, Connor, Brady, and Addison. The family resides in Blaine, MN.

Nico Wyrobek
CEO and owner, Northstar Balloons LLC
Foundation Board Treasurer

Nico Wyrobek is co-founder and President of Morris Packaging Minnesota (MPM) and co-founder and CEO of Northstar Balloons LLC.

Morris Packaging is a Minnesota based company specializing in flexible packaging for food products. MPM supplies a wide range of markets from dry powder mixes to pet foods. The business services domestic customers with flexographic printing, lamination, and pouch making capabilities. MPM brings together full vertical integration at multiple locations with seasoned talent and entrepreneurial energy. Our relentless commitment to superior customer services and unsalable quality continues to set us apart from the competition. Prior to founding MPM, Nico was co-founder and CEO of Northstar Balloons LLC, an ingenious collective of creatives and engineers looking to alter the balloon industry as we know it.

Northstar Balloons was founded as an ingenious collective of creatives and engineers looking to alter the balloon industry as we know it. We are proud to say that in partnership with Pioneer Balloons, every single one of our balloons are 100% made in the USA.

Nico serves on the Children’s Minnesota Foundation Board, which supports Children’s Minnesota’s vision to be every family’s essential partner in raising healthier children. She also serves on the Board of the Edina Hockey Association where she leads the Mite program. She is a member of the Young Presidents Organization, a global leadership community of chief executives. She is also a member of C200, a community of the most successful women in business, representing companies with more than $1.2 trillion in combined revenue and employing more than 2.5 million people.

Nico holds a Masters in Business Management from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, a Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota, and a Masters in Public Policy from the University of Minnesota. She completed her undergraduate degree at Middlebury College where she was a two-time National Champion in Women’s Hockey. Nico’s most difficult and favorite job title is Mom to two sons (8 and 6), two daughters (4 and 4 months), and three stepdaughters (24, 22, and 19).