Two Year Member
“If I care about diversity and inclusion with women and people of color in the Twin Cities, then I need to be a part of the change. In order to do that, I need to make sure that I’m there front and center. That’s why I decided to support the players today and to support the franchise today by being a part of the President’s Circle.”
Sharon Smith-Akinsanya is CEO of Rae Mackenzie Group — an award-winning diversity, equity and inclusion marketing firm and author of “Colorfull: Competitive Strategies to Attract and Retain Top Talent of Color.” She recently founded People Of Color Careers™ Social Hiring Network to help professionals of color land their dream careers with employers who are serious about increasing racial inclusivity at all levels of the corporate structure. Learn more at BoldySharon.com
Second Year Member
Burkhart family. Robbie, Ivy and Aubrey.
Robbie is CEO/CIO of Blue Rock Advisors. Ivy is a teacher at Minnewashta elementary school. Aubrey is a 7th grader at Minnetonka Middle School West and plays travel basketball for Minnetonka and 43 Hoops AAU.
“We love women’s basketball and being a part of the extended Lynx family.” – Robbie Burkhart
Two Year Member
Pat and her daughter Christine attend most of the Lynx games. My favorite player was Rebecca Brunson because of her defensive and rebounding skills.
I have loved basketball since I played the game in Iowa in the 1960’s. The game was a 6 on 6, Half Court game back then and very different. I played on the defensive end. For those of you who heard of her, I played against Denise Long, who was the first woman drafted by an NBA team — The San Francisco Warriors, in the 13th round of the 1969 NBA draft.
When my daughter was interested in basketball, I coached her travel teams here in Eden Prairie, as well as served as a Board Member on the EP Girls Basketball Association and Travel Director for the grade she was in.
We shared Lynx season tickets with another family when the organization was formed. We skipped a few years when Christine was active in AAU Basketball and Club Soccer in the summers.
Christine coaches Girls Basketball and Lacrosse at Edina High School.
Five 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.
Three 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.
Three 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!”
Three 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.
Three 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 ultrahigh 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 Lynx Presidents Circle, because I am passionate about supporting women in professional sports.” – Stephen Glynn
Three Year Member
Holly and Hunter have been happily married for 9 years now, and currently reside in Plymouth, MN with their dog, Gabby. As loyal Season Ticket Members for the last 7 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 Members
Two Year Member
Two Year Member
Second Year Member
Two Year Member
Two Year Member
Three Year Member
Three Year Member
Four Year Member
Christina and Michael McCollum
Three Year Member
Tammy Aaron
Three Year Member
Beverly Hlavac
Six Year Member
Vice President, Global Supply Chain and Logistics
Target Corporation
Irene Quarshie is a Vice President in Target Corporation’s global supply chain and logistics organization. In this role she has general management responsibilities for a multi-billion-dollar P&L, leading the indirect, reverse and returns supply chain functions. Indirect supply chain operations include the forward movement of all non-sellable items procured to enable Target operations in all Stores, Distribution facilities and corporate offices. Reverse dispositioning and returns logistics include developing and executing strategies to maximize gross margin recovery rates through secondary markets and removing consumer friction points related to product returns. Her responsibilities also include leased and owned facility operations management.
Previously, Irene was a vice president in Target’s global sourcing organization. She led a global team of 300+ team members and was responsible for product quality and responsible sourcing. Her team’s purpose was to ensure Target’s vendors and suppliers operated efficient, safe and ethical factory environments where they could produce safe, reliable, high-quality products. She had direct accountability for overseeing the production of nearly $30B in private label retail sales.
Irene was also 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 Meet Minneapolis and Artspace. She also serves as a Board Observer to Inspectorio—a digital start up— and is a member of the President’s Advisory Council for Adelphi University. She is a member of the Executive Leadership Council and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Additionally, 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.
Five Year Member
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. “
Five 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.
Four 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.
Four 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.”
Four 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
Five 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.”
Five 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!”
Five 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!”
Five Year Member
Five Year Member
Retired Air Force Pharmacist
Five 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.”
Five Year Member
Cheryl Greene
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 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.
Five 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.”
Five 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! “
Five 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.”
Five 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.”
Six Year Member
Producer/Director/Editor
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 “Give the 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 Design House and feature news stories editor at KSTP.
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