The Better Business Bureau Serving Minnesota and North Dakota has announced that New Brighton Mayor Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas will assume the role of president and CEO, effective June 30. This appointment follows the departure of Susan Adams Loyd, who is relocating to the greater Boston area. Niedfeldt-Thomas brings a wealth of experience to the role, having most recently served as the managing director and chief operating officer of Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose.
The announcement comes as the Better Business Bureau continues to expand its influence and maintain its commitment to fostering trust between businesses and consumers. Niedfeldt-Thomas’s leadership is expected to further these goals, leveraging her extensive background in corporate responsibility and community engagement.
Architectural Achievements and Leadership Changes
Meanwhile, MSR Design, a Minneapolis-based architecture firm, has been recognized with an American Institute of Architects Architecture Award for its innovative work on the RIDC’s Mill 19 adaptive reuse project in Pittsburgh. This accolade highlights the firm’s commitment to sustainable design and adaptive reuse, a growing trend in architecture.
In related news, the engineering and consulting firm WSB, based in Golden Valley, announced key promotions within its ranks. Sarah Rohne has been elevated to senior director of Talent Planning & Partnerships, while Caitlin Austin steps into the role of director of Talent Performance & Development. These changes reflect the firm’s ongoing investment in leadership development and talent management.
Expansion in Co-Working and Financial Services
The Coven, a Minneapolis-based network of co-working spaces, has opened its seventh location at Nordøst Exchange. This expansion is part of The Coven’s mission to provide collaborative workspaces for historically underserved communities, offering resources and support to foster entrepreneurial growth.
In the financial sector, Bloomington’s BGM accounting firm has hired Dyanne Ross-Hanson to lead a new Succession & Exit Planning unit. This initiative aims to assist business owners in navigating the complexities of transitioning their businesses, a critical service as many entrepreneurs look to retire or pivot in the coming years.
Healthcare and Legal Sector Updates
Accra, a Minnetonka-based provider of homecare services, announced Colin Raymond as its new chief executive officer. Raymond succeeds John Dahm, who will transition to an executive chairman role, continuing to provide strategic guidance. Raymond’s appointment is seen as a move to strengthen Accra’s leadership in the homecare sector, particularly as demand for such services grows.
In the legal field, Fredrikson in Minneapolis has expanded its team with the addition of attorney Nicholas Smith to its Mergers & Acquisitions Group. Similarly, Maslon has bolstered its investigations team with former federal prosecutor Samantha Bates, enhancing its capacity to handle complex government inquiries and litigation.
Innovations in Manufacturing and Medical Technology
The Central Minnesota Manufacturers Association has recognized Two Rivers Enterprises of Holdingford, Minnesota, as its 2024 Manufacturer of the Year. Known for its stainless steel equipment, TRE continues to set industry standards in the foodservice and industrial sectors. Additionally, Les Engel has been named the 2024 Collaborator of the Year for his contributions to the manufacturing community.
In the realm of medical technology, SynerFuse, based in Eden Prairie, has appointed Dr. Michael Park as chief technology officer. Dr. Park, a board-certified neurosurgeon and key inventor of SynerFuse technology, is expected to drive innovation in the treatment of back pain associated with spinal fusion surgery.
These developments across various sectors underscore a dynamic period of growth and change, with leadership transitions and expansions poised to shape the future landscape of business and community services in the region.
