MANUFACTURING

Laura Watterson

Andersen Corp., a Bayport-based maker of windows and doors for the residential market, announced it has named Laura Watterson senior vice president and chief human resources officer, succeeding Karen Richard, who has retired. Watterson previously was executive vice president and chief human resources officer at CWT, formerly Carlson Wagonlit Travel.

ADVERTISING/PUBLIC RELATIONS

Gregory J. Zimprich announced the launch of business communications consultancy Curtiss Partners in Victoria, Minn. Zimprich’s experience includes work with Fortune 500 organizations such as Medtronic, General Mills and Honeywell, as well as senior agency roles supporting national brands. … Latitude, a Minneapolis-based ad agency, announced the promotion of Allison Checco to CEO, succeeding founder Krista Carroll, who becomes chair. Checco previously was executive director of accounts; succeeding her in that position is Aaron O’Keefe, who was previously group account director. The agency has also said it has promoted Eric Husband to chief creative officer from executive director; James Robinson succeeds him in that role.

AIRPORTS

The Metropolitan Airports Commission announced it has selected Allison Winters as assistant director of strategic communications. She joins the MAC from Goff Public, where she served as director of public relations. Winters previously served on the MAC’s strategic communications team in 2023. MAC owns and operates Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and six general aviation airports in the Twin Cities metro.

AGRICULTURE

CHS, an Inver Grove Heights-based farmer-owned global agribusiness cooperative, announced the election of the following board members: Alan Holm, Sleepy Eye, Minn.; Kevin Throener, Cogswell, N.D.; Hal Clemensen, Aberdeen, S.D.; Mark Farrell, Cross Plains, Wis., and Jerrad Stroh, Juniata, Neb.

ARCHITECTURE/ENGINEERING

Nelson-Rudie and Associates, a St. Louis Park based engineering consultant, announced it has hired Melissa Kelley-Jones as vice president of marketing and business development.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Market Financial, Prior Lake, announced that Kyle Haugen has joined the team as financial adviser effective Nov. 21, 2025. He joins Deb Erickson, who has been the sole adviser since 2003. Market Financial is an affiliate of New Market Bank.

HEALTH CARE

Essentia Health, a Duluth-based operator of hospitals and clinics, announced Gerald “Jerry” Staley as chief human resources officer. Staley most recently served as head of human resources for Cook County in Illinois. … The Minnesota Department of Health announced the annual Betty Hubbard Maternal and Child Health Leadership Award honorees for 2025 are Teresa Freitag, Mankato; Mary Zaffke, Spring Grove, and Dr. Adele Della Torre, Minneapolis, recognizing people or organizations in Minnesota making significant contributions to supporting good health for mothers and children.

HONORS

SiebenCarey, Minneapolis, announced that attorney Susan M. Holden has been selected as a 2025 Minnesota Icon Award honoree by Minnesota Lawyer, celebrating leaders whose careers have made a meaningful and long-standing impact on Minnesota’s business and legal communities. … Fredrikson, Minneapolis, announced that Minnesota Lawyer has named attorneys Alethea (Leah) M. Huyser, Nathan D. Converse, Pari I. McGarraugh and Karen G. Schanfield as Attorneys of the Year for 2025.

LAW

Tuft, Lach, Jerabek & O’Connell, Maplewood, announced that Ashley Pattain has joined the firm as an associate attorney. Previously, Pattain worked as law clerk to Referee Jenese Larmouth in Ramsey County Family Court, and is a commissioner and vice chairperson of the Sustainability Commission for the City of Minnetonka.

NONPROFITS

George Family Office, a community engagement arm of the George Family Foundation, Minneapolis, announced the promotion of Terry Jackson to office manager, effective Jan. 1. Jackson joined the organization in October 2023 as an executive assistant. She succeeds Diane Weinhold, who retired on Sept. 30, 2025. … Laura Baker Services Association, a Northfield, Minn.-based provider of housing and support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, announced the appointment of Megan Zwolenski as its director of community relations. Most recently, Zwolenski served as community school coordinator for Northfield Public Schools; she succeeds Andrei Sivanich, who retired at the end of December.

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