OF NOTE

James Lukaszewski

The Midwest District of the Public Relations Society of America announced it has named James Lukaszewski as a recipient of its Platinum Award. Lukaszewski, known as America’s Crisis Guru, began his PR career in 1974 as a deputy press secretary for Minnesota Gov. Wendell Anderson. He was nominated by the leadership of the PRSA Minnesota chapter.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

U.S. Bancorp, Minneapolis, announced that Shailesh Kotwal, vice chair of Payment Services, intends to retire from the company in the first half of 2025. … Baird, an employee-owned wealth management, investment banking and private equity firm, announced the addition of Brad L. Spencer as vice president and financial adviser to its wealth management office in Minnetonka. Spencer comes from RBC Capital Markets, where he managed over $206 million in assets. … Nepsis, a Minneapolis-based national financial adviser and investment management firm, announced the appointment of Kelly Nanasy as vice president of accounting and advisory services. Nanasy’s résumé includes CFO at ThreeBridge Solutions and Wausau Financial Systems and vice president of finance at Deluxe Corp.

HEALTH CARE

UCare, a Minneapolis-based health insurer, announced that Health Equity Officer Pleasant Radford Jr. was selected by Managed Healthcare Executive magazine as one of 14 emerging leaders in managed care. In addition to his role at UCare, he hosts the “Heart of Equity” podcast, where he interviews Black health care professionals across the Midwest region and nationally to talk about health equity work for Black Americans. … The Minnesota Council of Health Plans announced it has elected UCare President and CEO Hilary Marden-Resnik chair of the association’s board of directors. Marden-Resnik succeeds Dana Erickson, president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.

LAW

Elizabeth Sorenson Brotten has been elected president of the Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association. Sorenson Brotten has previously chaired the association’s Products Liability committee, and co-founded its Women in the Law Committee. Sorenson Brotten is a Minneapolis-based partner at Foley Mansfield, which announced the appointment.  … Fredrikson, Minneapolis, announced the return of attorney Alexander Rosenstein as an officer in its Corporate, Corporate Governance, Finance & Securities, Life Sciences and Public Companies & Capital Markets groups. Prior to rejoining Fredrikson, Rosenstein was general counsel and corporate secretary of Cardiovascular Systems, until its acquisition by Abbott Laboratories in 2023. … Zachary S. McFarland has been appointed to the Hennepin County Bar Association board of directors for a three-year term. McFarland is an attorney at Fredrikson, which made the announcement.

MEDIA

Audacy’s 830 WCCO (WCCO-AM), a Minneapolis-based radio station, announced it is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

BioMADE, a developer of biological-based commercial and industrial products sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense, announced Jill Zullo as executive vice president and chief operating officer. Zullo previously was with Cargill, where she most recently served as interim president and CEO of its NatureWorks joint venture. BioMADE is based jointly in St. Paul and Emeryville, Calif.

OPENINGS

Perspire Sauna Studio, a franchised provider of retail infrared sauna treatments, announced the opening of a location at 7808 Main St., Maple Grove. The franchisee is Robin Grierson.

ORGANIZATIONS

The Minneapolis Regional Chamber announced the hiring of Mike Logan as interim president for one year beginning Oct. 1. Logan is a past president at Twin Cities in Motion and has held executive leadership roles at Comcast and Target. He succeeds Interim President John Stanoch, who was appointed in June following the resignation of Jonathan Weinhagen. … The Minnesota Marijuana Association announced Fatima Moore as executive director. The association advocates for and supports businesses and workers who are involved in Minnesota’s marijuana industry. … Medical Alley, a trade group for Minnesota medical technology companies, announced Peder Hatling as interim director of Medical Alley Starts, a venture platform to accelerate the creation and growth of health care startups. Hatling most recently was a partner and head of digital health investment banking at pH Partners, Austin, Texas.

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