The Minnesota Vikings announced the hiring Wednesday of a longtime Cargill executive as the team's new vice president of legal and human resources.

In a news release, the Vikings called Karin Nelsen a leader in the legal community and a "champion for diversity and inclusion." The job carries direct responsibility for the daily operations of the team's legal and human resources departments.

Nelsen worked at Cargill for 18 years, most recently as law vice president and North America general counsel.

Working for the Vikings is a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and an incredible fit," she said.

The team is "embedded in the fabric of Minnesota" and "on the precipice of transforming our great community in so many unique ways," she said.

Chief operating officer Kevin Warren noted that Nelsen grew up in Minnesota and said she has an "impeccable reputation" and "remains engaged within, and dedicated to, the Minneapolis-St. Paul community."

Nelsen worked as a litigator in Minneapolis and Seattle before joining Cargill.

She earned her law degree from the University of Iowa and her undergraduate degree in accounting from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

The Vikings news release noted that she is the third woman named a team vice president in the last year. Tanya Dreesen is vice president of partnership activation and special projects. Kate Shibilski is vice president of finance. The team has a total of nine vice presidents.

Rochelle Olson