Three Year Member
Walter White
President and Chief Executive Officer
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
Walter White is president and CEO of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life®), based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is a board member of the Minnesota Business Partnership, the American Council of Life Insurers, the Financial Services Roundtable, and a director and member of the Executive Committee of Senior Community Services.
“The Minnesota Lynx embody everything we are trying to achieve at my own company: A mission driven culture, unparalleled performance standards, individual leadership within a team-first system, and a strong commitment to the community. You can learn a lot about professional excellence by watching the Lynx closely on and off the court.”
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, one of FORTUNE’s 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2016, has been keeping its promises since 1896. Today, it carries on that tradition, helping Americans achieve their retirement income and protection goals with a variety of annuities and life insurance products. In 2015, Allianz Life provided a total of $2.4 billion in benefit payments that supported policyholders’ financial objectives. As a leading provider of fixed index annuities, Allianz Life is part of Allianz SE, a global leader in the financial services industry with 142,000 employees in more than 70 countries worldwide. More than 85 million private and corporate customers rely on Allianz knowledge, global reach, and capital strength to help them make the most of financial opportunities.
Two Year Member
Yvonne Hamblin and Lutricia Vincent
My name is Lutricia. I go by Trish. I love sports like basketball and football. I have a husband whose name is Troy. I am a school teacher and a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Chruch. I joined the President’s Circle for many reasons. I want to support the Lynx and participate in the activities.
Two Year Member
Christina and Michael McCollum
First Year Member
Becky Corbid
I have been a Lynx ticket holder since inaugural season in 1999. While I LOVE the game of basketball, purchasing season tickets was more about ensuring equal opportunities for women to play a sport professionally. I purchase 4 season tickets in order to bring family and friends and expose new people to women’s professional basketball. The Lynx players and coaches are leaders and role models for boys and girls for success in life beyond athletic performance. I joined the Presidents Circle to help promote gender equality, on and off the court.
First Year Member
Tammy Aaron
First Year Member
Beverly Hlavac
First Year Member
Empire Entertainment
Photo coming soon!
First Year Member
Kate and Marianne Wulf-Christianson
Marianne Christianson was a behavior specialist and special education teacher working with emotionally disturbed children in the Minneapolis Public Schools for 31 years retiring in 2001. To prepare for that awesome task, she attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa where she played on Luther’s first intercollegiate basketball team. She spent 2 years as a missionary volunteer in Japan teaching English at a Japanese High School, worked as a canoe guide in the Boundary Waters, and coached track at Minneapolis South.( An eclectic mix to be sure.) Marianne enjoys gardening and women’s sports.
Kate Wulf grew up outside Pittsburgh and attended Penn State where she was on the PSU fencing team. Post graduation, while working at a Girl Scout camp in New Hampshire, Kate was offered a job with the State of Minnesota one night in a bar. She moved to Saint Paul and spent 31 years in a variety of jobs with the State including planner in the state demographer’s office and grants administrator for the Department of Corrections. She retired as a division director in the MN Department of Human Services in 2011. In between stints with the State, Kate was the director of the Metropolitan Center for Displaced Homemakers. Kate enjoys woodworking and women’s sports.
We’ve been together since 1980; as pre-Title IX college athletes we have long been committed to supporting opportunities for girls and women in athletics. We attended Minnesota Fillies games in the old Women’s Professional Basketball League and were thrilled to put down a deposit on Minnesota Lynx season tickets before the team even had a name. We see membership in the President’s Circle as another way to support our Lynx athletes and the organization’s mission.
First Year Member
First Year Member
Lynn Christensen
I joined, because athletes in women’s professional sports are woefully underpaid for the effort and commitment that they put forth, as compared to men’s professional sports. The amount that these ladies give back to the community, and to their fans, is nothing short of amazing, again, as compared to their male counterparts. If by my joining the Presidents Circle, it helps to give the organization the funds it needs to support the athlete’s salaries, and the work that they do in the community, I am happy to do so. This is my 2nd year holding season tickets and I do love going to the games. It’s fun and exciting. Women’s sports has SO much more finesse. The Lynx organization makes it fun and exciting.
I never played basketball in school. I am not athletically gifted in any way. The only time I made a basket in gym class, was when I got the ball, dribbled my way down the court, oblivious to my team mates yelling at me. I took a shot, dropped the ball in the hoop, only to discover that it was the oppositions goal. I shoot pool in a pool league, I am, and have been for many years, the captain of the team. Like any team, we have good seasons, and not so good ones. We are coming to the end of a season, and we don’t shoot in the summer season. Summer in Minnesota is too short to waste it in a pool room.
First Year Member
Tresa Undem
Founding Partner
PerryUndem Research and Communication
Tresa conducts public opinion and market research for a number of national foundations and non-profit organizations. She specializes in understanding attitudes toward gender equality, health care, and LGBTQ issues. Tresa’s work is frequently reported in outlets such as the New York Times, Washington Post, and Salon. She has briefed numerous policymakers on her work, including members of Congress, White House officials, and Department of Health and Human Services leadership.
Tresa holds a master’s degree from the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota.
Tresa and her partner, Lorie, split their time between St. Paul and Washington, DC.
“I fell in love with the Lynx organization from the very first game I attended. I was so impressed that the next day I Googled “Lynx booster club” and found my way to the President’s Circle. I’m grateful for the opportunity to support this top-notch, trailblazing group of leaders – and I appreciate the chance to support gender equality outside the realm of national politics!”
First Year Member
I’m honored to join the Minnesota Lynx President’s Circle in the quest for gender equity in sports. This organization also embodies diversity and the commitment to give back to the community through volunteerism – which I applaud.
My professional life includes 30+ years in sales management and consultation as a professional space planner, podcaster and volunteer. Yes, I watch Marie Kondo – as a 6ft tall woman, she would fit in my back pocket!
My past volunteerism has included being a member/chair of the Roseville planning commission, youth sports basketball coach, school board member, President of the Builders Association Foundation and President of the Gopher Women’s Volleyball Point U Booster’s. I am currently involved with Bolder Options – an organization providing mentorship to youth whose mission says it best: “teaching youth to succeed in all of life’s races”. (shameless plug: We’re always in need of mentors!). I am also active with The Spinal CSF Leak Foundation – an organization that brings awareness to the debilitating condition of spinal fluid leaks.
In my personal life, I am the proud mother of three strong women – all athletes and so much more, 2 granddaughters (possible future athletes – the height doesn’t stop with me!), a fantastic husband, and two great son-in-laws. As a former competitive athlete, just post Title IV, I have watched the progression of athletics firsthand. While we have, as they say, “come a long way baby”, we still have work to do! I look forward to being involved in that progression and connecting with others through this great organization.
First Year Member
Stephen P. Glynn
Managing Director
Market Head
Minnesota-Northern Plains Market
Stephen is the Market Head of the Minnesota-Northern Plains Market for UBS Financial Services Inc. The market consists of 160 Financial Advisors servicing the wealth management needs of high net worth and ultra-high net worth clients. In 2017, he was appointed Co-Head of the firm’s prestigious Leadership Advisory Council serving as an advocate for field leaders in the Central Division.
Before taking on his current role, Stephen was the Complex Director of the Central Los Angeles Complex and Branch Manager of the Downtown Los Angeles branch. In 2016 the Downtown Los Angeles branch was named UBS “Branch of the Year”. Prior to running the Los Angeles business, he was Chief Operating Officer, Wealth Management Advisor Group US, a division of UBS Wealth Management Americas (WMA). The Wealth Management Advisor Group US housed the firm’s 225 domestic branches. He also served as Chief Operating Officer, first for the Central Region, then for the Eastern Division.
Earlier, as Director of Talent Acquisition and PWA Recruiting, Stephen managed internal and external recruiters and supervised the firm’s national recruiting platform, focused on drawing top competitor talent to the firm.
He joined UBS in 2006 as the Branch Manager of the Greenwich, CT office and he became a member of the firm’s Director’s Council in 2007.
Prior to joining UBS, Stephen served in a variety of senior field management positions – including Complex Director, Branch Manager and Sales Manager – at Wachovia Securities and Smith Barney. While at Wachovia Securities, he was a member of the Branch Manager Advisory Council. Stephen began his career at Smith Barney in 1986 as a Financial Advisor, advising high net-worth and ultra- high net worth clients. He was a member of the firm’s prestigious President’s Council and Chairman’s Council.
Stephen received his M.B.A. from Cornell University S.C. Johnson Graduate School of Management and his B.S. from Fordham University Gabelli School of Management. He has served on the board of the following not-for-profit organizations; Alzheimer’s Greater Los Angeles, American Heart Association of Westchester County, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County, The New York-Presbyterian Hospital Planned Giving Advisory Board, and Westchester Arts Council.
I joined the President’s Circle because I am a Lynx fan and I wanted to show my support for the team. Also, I am passionate about supporting an organization that is dedicated to advancing women in professional sports.
First Year Member
Holly and Hunter have been happily married for 8 years now, and currently reside in Plymouth, MN with their dog, Gabby. As loyal Season Ticket Members for the last 6 years, they saw the President’s Circle as an opportunity to meet new people and support the team they love the most!
We decided to join the President’s Circle because we wanted to meet new people, help out in the community, and the take our support of the Lynx to the next level!
First Year Member
Village Green, Talo Apartments
First Year Member
Philip Kaufman
Chief Executive Officer
UnitedHealthcare of Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota
Philip Kaufman is Chief Executive Officer of UnitedHealthcare of Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. From its headquarters in Minnetonka, UnitedHealthcare provides people and employers with health care coverage choices that deliver better access, better health and better support. Over the last 15 years, Philip has held several leadership positions within UnitedHealth Group, including President of UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits and Chief Executive Officer of UnitedHealthcare Vision.
Prior to joining UnitedHealth Group, Philip worked in mergers and acquisitions for the Rothschild Group and Deutsche Bank AG.
Philip holds a MBA from the Harvard Business School, a master of health care delivery science from Dartmouth as well as a BA in economics from Harvard University.
At UnitedHealthcare, we don’t just talk about equality and diversity – we try to put actions behind our words. Joining the President’s Club is one of the many ways we are supporting the women in our community. We love that these women aren’t just talented athletes, they are inspiring the next generation of girls to get up, move and make their health a priority.
Four Year Member
Vice President, Global Supply Chain and Logistics
Target Corporation
Irene Quarshie is a vice president in Target Corporation’s global sourcing organization. She leads a global team of nearly 400 team members, and is responsible for product quality and responsible sourcing. Her team’s purpose is to ensure Target’s vendors and suppliers operate efficient, safe and ethical factory environments where they can produce safe, reliable, high-quality products.
Previously, Irene was Target’s Director of Government Affairs where she oversaw all government affairs activities at state and local levels nationwide. She has held other leadership positions during her tenure at Target, including Senior Group Manager of Corporate Risk and Responsibility and Group Manager of Supplier Diversity.
Prior to Target, Irene spent five years as a strategy and management consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton, and three years in the government affairs industry.
Among her many affiliations, Irene serves on the Board of Directors of the YWCA of Minneapolis, Meet Minneapolis, The Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts, and the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Her graduate paper on juvenile justice was published in A Comparative Perspective on Major Social Problems. She holds a B.A. in political science from Adelphi University and Master’s in Public Policy from American University.
In 2017, Irene was honored by the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal as a “Top 50 Women in Business.”
Three Year Member
Kevin Goodno
Chair, Government Relations Practice
Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.
Kevin Goodno is currently the Chair of the Government Relations Practice at Fredrikson & Byron P.A. where he has worked for over 10 years. Prior to that he served as commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Before joining the Department of Human Services, he served in the Minnesota House of Representatives for twelve years being recognized for his leadership on health care, human services and tax policy issues. Kevin’s private sector experience includes practicing business and employment law with a Moorhead law firm and owning and operating a retail business. His currently serves on the Board of the American Brain Foundation, The Bush Foundation, and as a member of the Campaign for Legal Aid Committee for Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services.
“I joined the President’s Club because my entire family—myself, my wife, Linda, and my three daughters Sara, Abby and Katie—are all avid Lynx Fans. We believe in the promotion of women’s professional sports and elite women athletes as a way to foster gender equity in our community. Besides, the Lynx are a class act, and fun to watch. “
Direct Dial: 612.492.7348
Three Year Member
CJ Floyd
Retired
CJ is a life-long resident of the Land of 10,000 Lakes and is retired from over 25 years in the retail industry with her last position as a Corporate Account Manager with a retail supply distributor. Volunteering is at the heart of her retirement activities – Feed My Starving Children, Animal Humane Society (“cat adoption specialist”), visitation of elderly shut-ins, playing cello in Minnetonka Civic Orchestra, as well as involvement in civic and political organizations.
Widowhood is difficult at best, and overwhelming when it comes unexpectedly. Finding myself sitting at home every day after work, the call of the Lynx beckoned me – and I became a Lynx member six years ago. I joined the President’s Circle because I see an organization that has values of teamwork, integrity, competitive spirit, caring and sharing that go far beyond the basketball floor and include the front and back offices. On and off court, the team and its leadership are wonderful role models to girls and boys state-wide and nationally.
Two Year Member
DAUN HENNING
Daun Henning is an Enterprise Program Manager with Becton Dickinson, a global medical technology company that is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. Her role is to lead the strategy, design, build and implementation with client based hospitals. These services result in maturation and automation of their Medication Management Portfolio enhancing healthcare delivery.
KRIS BOIKE
Kris Boike is an Information Security Leadership Executive with Fortune 500 and consulting experience. Backed with numerous industry leading certifications and framework experience, Kris helps organizations ensure their data is confidential, available and has integrity.
Why we joined the President’s Circle
We are humbled to offer our small contribution to this philanthropic organization. We appreciate the opportunity to support the Minnesota Lynx President’s Circle and this venue focused on reaching out to our community, empowering those of all ages and ethnicity.
Thanks to the pioneering women, Title IX, and the Minnesota Lynx for advancing girls’ and women’s athletics, leveraging this path, and shaping positive productive lives. Once again, in typical fashion, Minnesota sets the standards for the entire sports world, let alone the WNBA, for the betterment of our next generation.
First Year Member
Shelly Lucken – Aflac Benefits Advisor Professional
Liberty Lucken – Aflac District Sales Coordinator & Benefits Consultant
Shelly
I have enjoyed over 18 years with Aflac. I love what I do, getting great satisfaction in bringing affordable benefit solutions to employers and employees. In today’s benefits market, it can be challenging for all. Aflac policies compliment and assist a benefit offering to allow for a more attractive benefit package. My goal is to bring the highest level of integrity and service to my clients.
Liberty
I help businesses navigate and execute supplementary benefits plans to retain top talent in a competitive marketplace.
Two Year Member
Don Davidson – Dealer Principal and President
Don graduated from Luther College in 1968 with a BA in Accounting and Economics. Spent over three years with Arthur Andersen & Co in Chicago as a CPA. Subsequently, he joined the international pharmaceutical company, G D Searle & Co, as a Corporate Accountant, later becoming an International Internal Auditor and ultimately the Director of Financial Reporting for the Pharmaceutical Group. In 1979, Don joined his father-in-law at Sears Imported Autos where for the last 20+ years I have been Dealer Principal and President.
Ruth Maynard – Corporate Account Manager/ Corporate Events
Ruth is a Minnesota native. However, her family members live in London, Barbados, Atlanta and Orlando. She has worked in the auto business for over 30 years. Ruth loves the outdoors, travel, most sports and is passionate about doing something good in the community.
“I joined the President’s circle as I am a bigtime Lynx fan and wanted to support them. I also wanted to interact with others who want to lift up women, men, boys and girls to have a more inclusive world.”
Two Year Member
Brandy Herbst – President/Owner
Brandy Herbst is the sole owner of B’s Homecare Inc. for the past ten years, where the business has steadily grown to meet the needs of not only Isanti county special needs and elderly residence, but as far north as Kettle River, and south to Brooklyn Park. B’s Homecare Inc. has cultivated a strong reputation and has become award winning in the homecare community and across multiple counties. There are currently 271 employees of B’s Homecare Inc., serving 194 clients. Brandy started her homecare business in response to the lack of services she discovered while caring for her special needs son and actively dying mother. Her want for all people to be treated with respect, dignity and love has been the driving force to make this company no matter the size into a family for all that are involved.
“As a women business owner, I strive to employ women and young ladies for our amazing health care field. Strong women training strong young women! I joined because I believe women should support women in all aspects of life. We are all the same no matter the job, disability, income or color.”
Main phone: 763-689-8984
Main fax: 763-689-1170
Three Year Member
Dr. Trenda Boyum-Breen
President
Rasmussen College
Dr. Boyum-Breen is President at Rasmussen College. Prior to Rasmussen College she was Vice President at Metropolitan State University in the Twin Cities, and has served in positions at several institutions in Texas and Minnesota, including San Antonio College, University of the Incarnate Word, Minneapolis Community and Technical College and Capella University. She has published, presented and consulted in higher education, and is the author of “Across the Sectors,” a career column in the national higher education daily news journal, Inside HigherEd.
Dr. Boyum-Breen is on the board of Jeremiah Program—Minneapolis/St. Paul, a leading non-profit organization proven to help single mothers and their children break the cycle of generational poverty two generations at a time. She is also on the board of the American Council on Education Women’s Network of Minnesota and was honored by them last year as recipient of their “Sustainability Award.” The award recognizes someone who has significantly contributed to the over-all growth and development of women leaders in higher education.
She and her wife are also committed to community development and awareness regarding the plight of undocumented youth in the United States, GLBTQ causes and supporting a grant program they started that helps eliminate cost as a barrier for girls to participate in sports.
Bachelors from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN; Masters from Winona State University, MN; and Doctorate from the University of Minnesota in Higher Education Policy and Administration.
Three Year Member
The Sanneh Foundation
Retired CEO and Chair, Nelson Laboratories. Spent her career in management in the telecommunications industry, sports, and animal health. Advocate for Title IX and women’s opportunities in athletics and business. Has served on business and non-profits boards to promote opportunities for women, growth and development for children, and progressive causes. One of the boards currently serving on is The Sanneh Foundation.
“It is important to support women in all areas and continue to work for equity and fairness in opportunities for women, so it is an easy decision to support the Lynx and celebrate the wonderful organization and the ownership’s commitment to the team.”
Two Year Member
Ashlee Davis
Global Lead−External Relations, Global Inclusion & Diversity
Cargill
June Davis
Cargill
Cargill provides food, agriculture, financial and industrial products and services to the world. Together with farmers, customers, governments and communities, we help people thrive by applying our insights and over 150 years of experience.
We are proud of our Minnesota roots and also have 150,000 employees in 70 countries who are committed to feeding the world in a responsible way, reducing environmental impact and improving the communities where we live and work.
“You can feel an excitement about coming together for a common purpose. There are a lot of reasons to be confident about where the WNBA is going”
Three Year Member
“We have been season ticket holders with the franchise since day one! We’ve always enjoyed the game, and have really appreciated watching the sport go from women’s basketball to basketball!”
Three Year Member
Debbie Cote is a Northern California native who moved to the Twin Cities a couple years ago. Given her warm-weather roots, she spend winters in Snowmass, CO, skiing, swashbuckling, troublemaking, engaging in excessive merriment, and pursuing other adventures while practicing law remotely for a San Francisco law firm. Yet, few things make her happier than returning to the Twin Cities in the spring for another Minnesota Lynx schedule of superb WNBA basketball.
“I joined the President’s Circle for the opportunity to support this team of outstanding female athletes while also helping underprivileged youth, promoting diversity, and advancing women’s leadership was one I simply could not pass up. Indeed, the goals of this group are exactly consistent with my own personal values. In these complicated times, I only wish I could have joined sooner. Hooray for the Lynx President’s Circle!”
Three Year Member
Three Year Member
Retired Air Force Pharmacist
Three Year Member
Susan J Albrecht (Sue) Retired Insurance Executive after 45 years in the business. Born and raised in Wisconsin I have lived all over the US including NYC, Chicago, Kansas City and Madison but considers the Twin Cities Home. I am world traveler and avid golfer.
“I joined the Presidents Circle for three reasons. Love the Lynx, love basketball and wanted to get closer to the team.”
Three Year Member
Cheryl Greene
Deputy Director
Human Rights Campaign Foundation Program, Welcoming Schools
Cheryl Greene has spent her career in education and is passionate about making school a place where all children can thrive. She is the Deputy Director of The Human Rights Campaign Foundation Program, Welcoming Schools. This program provides professional development, support and resources aimed at creating elementary schools that are more gender and LGBTQ inclusive, embrace family diversity and prevent bias-based bullying.
In addition to her work with Welcoming Schools, Cheryl is the Program Coordinator/Adjunct Professor for Hamline University’s Graduate Bullying Prevention Certificate Program.
Cheryl and her wife Angie Craig joined the Lynx President’s Circle because the Lynx provide an opportunity for girls to dream big and witness what happens when you work hard, stay focused and surround yourself with people that believe in you.
Angie Craig
U.S. Congresswoman
U.S. House of Representatives
Angie Craig is a Member of Congress from Minnesota’s second congressional district. She is an investor and former advisor to St. Paul software technology company, Structural. Prior to serving in Congress, Angie spent two decades in the private sector at two healthcare manufacturing firms. She is the former President of the St. Jude Medical Foundation and a former newspaper reporter. She and her wife Cheryl live in Eagan and have four boys: Josh, Jonas, Jacob and Isaac.
We joined the President’s Circle because we want to be a part of positive change in our community for full gender equality. The Minnesota Lynx are incredible role models for all kids. We are so lucky to have such an amazing franchise in our community focused on positive social change.
Three Year Member
Three Year Member
Jan Ballman
President and CEO
Paradigm Reporting & Captioning
Jan Ballman is President and CEO of Paradigm Reporting & Captioning, the largest court reporting and closed-captioning agency in the upper Midwest. Paradigm captures the official record in court cases and provides captioning for television and sports arenas, including Target Center and the Xcel Energy Center.
“I joined the President’s Circle by invitation, upon learning about its purpose and mission. I love the fact that the rest of the basketball world is trying to figure out and emulate what the Lynx have here. The opportunities and experiences offered through programs such as the President’s Circle continue to create and grow ‘Lynx Nation’–the most envied, raving fan base in the WNBA.”
Three Year Member
Portfolio Advisor
Senior Financial Advisor
Merrill Lynch
Lisa focuses on working with individuals, and their families, to identify their financial goals, create a financial plan and match an investment strategy to achieve their goals
Lisa is a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor® and has spent the last 5 years at Merrill Lynch serving high-net-worth investors and their families. Prior to Merrill Lynch, Lisa worked for 18 years at Piper Jaffray’s an investment banker in Public Finance, where she was the Managing Director of the Health Care / 501(c)3 practice
Lisa graduated from the University of Iowa with a BBA and an MA in Business Administration. She also completed course work toward a PhD in Business Administration
In her free time, Lisa enjoys golf, fly fishing and donating her time to charitable organizations such as the YWCA of Minneapolis, Stevens Square Foundation, Team Women, Giving WoMNand Friends of NgongRoad where she sponsors the education of two children in Kenya.
“I graduated from high school the year before Title IX was passed. No women in my high school went to college on an athletic scholarship. It is important to me to give women access to college. After going to school on an athletic scholarship, there are so few opportunities for outstanding women athletes to continue with their sports. Professional Women’s Basketball is one of the few programs for professional women athletes. We all need to support professional women, whether it is in athletics or another area. Women need to help women succeed. Men need to help women succeed, as well.”
Three Year Member
College Professor
Normandale Community College
Nancy is a college professor at Normandale Community College. Coaching and teaching has been her career for the past 27 years. Nancy was a Lynx season ticket holder for the first 10 years of the teams existence and has become active once again, five years ago.
“This is such an awesome program and I believe in everything the team/franchise stands for. Joining the President’s Club has many benefits we enjoy. Getting to watch practice and communicate with the players and coaches is wonderful. I am an avid basketball fan, former player and coach. This gives me an opportunity to get back to the game. It is important to spread the word and get young people involved. I am jazzed to be able to help kids attend some games. They are our future and can help continue the Lynx tradition! Thank you for this opportunity! “
Two Year Member
Kate Mortenson
President and CEO
2019 Minneapolis Final Four Local Organizing Committee
Kate Mortenson is the President and CEO of the 2019 Minneapolis Final Four™ Local Organizing Committee, responsible to execute all aspects of the NCAA™ Men’s Basketball Championship in 2019.
With an eclectic background including engagements with the United States Peace Corps and in news operations at Hubbard Broadcasting, Kate combines experience in diverse sectors with a global mindset, to create positive change in the community.
“Having the opportunity to support a history-making franchise, with extra-ordinary access to the inner workings of the Lynx organization and its mission promoting equality for women on and off the court there’s just nothing like it! I believe The President’s Circle is the most exciting member access and benefits programs connected to pro-sports, and on top of that, it’s making a difference in the community. I’m ‘IN’.”
Three Year Member
Vice President, Business Systems
PreferredOne
Pat Rissinger is a Minnesota transplant originally from Pennsylvania. She has always had a passion for basketball and when the opportunity came around to support a Minnesota WNBA team, she was first in line to get tickets for the Lynx. She has been a season ticket holder since the team’s inception and looks forward to many more seasons.
“Always wanting to support women’s sports in any way possible, it was a no brainer to join the President’s Circle. Being able to expose the youth of Minnesota to the wonderful Lynx role models is a fabulous opportunity and I am glad to be part of that effort.”
Three Year Member
Partner at Stellman & Green Consulting
Andrew Stellman and Lisa Kellner live in New York City and spend summers (and, increasingly, most of the spring and fall) living in the Twin Cities. Andrew is a speaker, consultant, and author of multiple books about software engineering, agile development, and project management. He is a partner in Stellman & Greene Consulting, which provides software development services and training to companies, non-profits, and research institutions.
“We are passionate about women’s basketball, but it wasn’t always that way. We’d never watched a single game (or, for the most part, sports of any kind) before the 2012 Olympics. Watching Team USA was a truly eye-opening experience: there’s something amazing and unique about the combination of quick decision-making, teamwork, and creativity that happens when this sport is played at its highest level. The Lynx President’s Circle is our way of supporting that. It’s especially important to us that a portion of the Lynx President’s Circle membership goes to tickets for underprivileged kids to see the Lynx. We imagine that seeing the Lynx for the first time can be a mind-expanding experience for a young player, much like a young musician or artist experiencing the work of a master for the first time. This is why we were excited to join the Lynx President’s Circle. We see it as a way to support women’s basketball, much like one might become a patron of a museum or orchestra, but also to give back to the community in a way that helps to expand the world of women’s basketball.”
Four Year Member
Director/Editor
Cutback Films
Shari has years of Directing and Editing experience working on commercials, independent films, documentaries and corporate videos. As a Director and Editor her philosophy is, “I want to give producers, more than they ask for. It’s my job to take their idea and bring it to life.”
Shari’s experience includes, producing special projects and partner shows for the ShopNBC Network. Working on both corporate and commercial projects at HDMG a Minneapolis, MN based Post and De- sign House and feature news stories editor at KSTP, She Brings a passion and knack for her craft, but also an enthusiasm for working closely with agencies and clients in order to bring out the very best of their collective vision in the form of effective, persuasive and noteworthy pieces.
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