Business people

A listing of who's on the move and winning awards.

January 19, 2014 at 7:23PM
Tim Benz (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

At the top

University of Minnesota Foundation, Minneapolis, named Kathleen Schmidlkofer president and chief executive, effective March 3. Schmidlkofer was an executive vice president for Greater MSP and held leadership positions at General Mills. She serves on the board of Tubman and the St. Paul Foundation and is a graduate of the University's Carlson School of Management.

Minnesota Independent School Forum, St. Paul, named Tim Benz associate president and said he will become president after a period of transition. Benz has held leadership positions at the College of St. Benedict, Catholic Charities of St. Paul/Minneapolis and Cretin-Derham Hall. He serves on the board of the Hopkins Early Learning Center.

Campbell Mithun, Minneapolis, named Steve Arndt chief operating officer. Arndt was the chief financial officer and joined Campbell Mithun in 2001. He has worked for KPMG and is a graduate of Luther College.

Nina Hale, Minneapolis, named Donna Robinson president. Robinson joined Nina Hale in 2012 and was the managing director. She has worked for Space 150, Pillsbury and Larsen.

Quadion, Plymouth, named Marlin Braun chief executive. Braun joined Quadion in 2013 as chief operating officer and has worked for Greene Tweed, Veeco Instruments and Perkin Elmer.

On the move

Minnesota Board on Judicial Standards, Mendota Heights, named Thomas Vasaly the board's executive secretary. Vasaly was an assistant attorney general and has represented many state boards including the Judicial Board. He received his law and undergraduate degrees from the University of Minnesota.

Resource, Minneapolis, named Joanne Kosciolek vice president of resource development. Kosciolek held leadership positions at Aeon, HealthEast, Fairview Health Services and United Way of the St. Paul Area. She has served on the board at Hired.

St. Thomas Academy, Mendota Heights, named David Hottinger director of institutional advancement. Hottinger held leadership positions at the University of St. Thomas, American Paper Corp. and Alcoa. He is volunteer sports coach for Eagan Athletic Association and Faithful Shepherd Catholic School.

On the board

Famous Dave's of America Inc., Minnetonka, named Ed Rensi to the board. Rensi was a president and chief executive for McDonald's U.S.A. He serves on the board of Snap-On Inc. and has been a board member for Great Wolf Resorts, International Speedway Corp. and Freedom Group.

Canopy Co., Minneapolis, named Steve Babick to the board. Babick is principal of B-Con Capital Corp. and has served on the board for iModa.


Donna Robinson (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Marlin Braun
Marlin Braun (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Joanne Kosciolek
Joanne Kosciolek (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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