News

  • October 31, 2019 12:25 PM | Christine Strak

    Focusing on Internal and External Customer Experience Featuring Samantha Hanson - featuring Samantha Hanson, CAO of North Memorial!

    Most companies look at customer experience and at employee experience. The best companies look at how they are connected.  Understanding the drivers of engagement, relationships, and results for both internal and external customers is critical.  Join us to learn how North Memorial created an integrated campaign highlighting what makes North Memorial a great place to work and a great place to receive care.


  • September 01, 2019 8:52 AM | Christine Strak

    We are grateful for Lance Hazzard and ICF Minnesota for sponsoring our September 10th program!

    Seats are going fast and this event will sell out - register today so you don't miss out!


  • July 01, 2019 3:07 PM | Christine Strak

    GROW Your View of Coaching Featuring Alan Fine

    Alan Fine, co-creator of the widely recognized GROW® Model, is the founder and president of InsideOut Development.

    Alan is considered a pioneer of the modern coaching movement, and many of the world’s most respected organizations have adopted his inside-out approach to performance improvement, including IBM, NASA, Honeywell, Gap, and Coca-Cola.

    Register today!

  • June 14, 2019 6:50 AM | Christine Strak

    Are you looking to build your HR network?

    Stay current with Hr trends?

    Learn best practices from peers?

    #hrexcecutiveforum is the only professional association in the Twin Cities focused on development for HR Directors and Vice Presidents. The 2018-2019 program year for HREF was one of best yet with record attendance, excellent speakers and great conversations! We are getting ready for the 2019-2020 year which begins in September. We hope you will join us as a member this year and to help you we are offering an early-bird discount if you join or renew by August 30th!


  • June 10, 2019 12:22 PM | Christine Strak

    We are excited to announce the theme for our upcoming programming year ...Developing 20/20 Leadership Vision!

    As we look toward the year 2020, HR Executive Forum will continue to bring you highest quality content in the Twin Cities especially crafted for HR Executives. 

    Whether you want to sharpen your sight in applied best practice, seek a whole new talent perspective, or seek to build the best employment and leadership brand - we have it covered. 

    Join us as we drive toward a 20/20 HREF Leadership Vision like you've never seen before.  

    Registration is Open for all of the 2019-2020 Programs

    September 10 - GROW Your View of Coaching Featuring Alan Fine
    October 23 - Communicating so you are Heard and Seen
    November 21 - Focusing on Internal and External Customer Experience
    January 21 - Gaining a New Perspective: Human-Centered Designed for HR
    March 25 - Looking at Culture from a New Angle
    May 14 - Views from Across the Generations

  • June 04, 2019 8:21 AM | Christine Strak

    We have an amazing board at HR Executive Forum and adding new board members is a great way to continue furthering our objective of serving and supporting the professional development needs of senior-level HR professionals in our community.

    We are very excited to announce the addition of eight new board members: 

    • Ruth Gutierrez Hafoka (Sr. Vice President, Chief HR Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota); 
    • Sherrie Kronforst, M.A., SPHR, SHRM-SCP(Director, Human Resources/HR Consulting with the University of Minnesota);
    • Kristin Gaarder, SPHR (Chief Human Resources Officer, SVP HR with Amplifon);
    • Heidi Grange (Vice President, Human Resources at Thomson Reuters);
    • Patricia Jesperson, MBA (Chief Curiosity Officer with ExployeeEXP);
    • Steve Schad (President of Optima Advisory, LLC)
    • Mary Ann Slipka (Interim Talent Acquisition Leader at IRET); and
    • Tamara K. Tasche, M.S., L.P.(VP Executive & Transition Services at CPI)

    The HR Executive Forum is fortunate to have a diverse group of board members who have the expertise and the desire to help us achieve our ambitious goals.

    Ruth, Sherrie, Kristin, Heidi, Patricia, Steve, Mary Ann and Tamara have the experience and the passion for our mission that will allow them to add tremendously to the great work being done by our board. 

  • May 17, 2019 12:11 PM | Christine Strak

    Seven amazing HR Executive Board Members are finishing up their terms at the end of the year: Pat ChenKevin JohnsonJoel KruegerAnne LosbyBetty PotasnakDarcy Stivland and Lisa Tollakson!

    Board service is one of the toughest volunteer roles of all, and you all performed with dedication and tenacity and your collective contributions have furthered the mission of the organization while providing top-quality programming that encourages professional growth and relationship-building.

    As you look back on your time with us, please know that our recent achievements would not have been possible without you at the helm.

    On behalf of the board, members and attendees, thank you!

  • May 06, 2019 11:15 AM | Christine Strak

    We are so pleased to officially announce our board for 2019-2020 - please join us in congratulating each of them! 

    We look forward to experiencing their innovation and contributions to this vibrant organization.

    Officers:

    • Mia Mulrennan, President
    • Sarah Waite, Vice President
    • Ruth Hafoka, Secretary
    • Sherrie Kronforst, Treasurer
    • Rebecca Ervasti, Nomination Committee Chair

    At Large Board Members:

    • Kristin Gaarder
    • Heidi Grange
    • Lorraine Griffin Johnson
    • Patricia Jesperson
    • Diane Kozlak
    • Steve Schad
    • Mary Ann Slipka
    • Tamara Tache
  • March 25, 2019 10:48 AM | Christine Strak

    Our sold out March 20th HR Executive Forum event was a great way to get the scoop about optimal employee benefits approaches.

    The "New Rewards" SOLD OUT panel discussion on March 20th with Erin Hargrove, Chip House, Andre Rooks and Board Members (left to right) Mia Mulrennan, Psy.D., Lorraine Griffin Johnson, MA, Anne Losby, Pat Chen, Sarah Waite, Darcy Stivland, Lisa Tollakson, Betty Potasnak and Rebecca Ervasti, MBA. 


  • September 25, 2018 11:03 AM | Christine Strak

    HR Executive Forum would like to welcome 4 new board members for our 2018-19 year. Join us today for our program on Human Capital Trends featuring Deloitte’s Dr. Gary Gerstner – and congratulate our new leaders when you see them!

    Dr. Mia Mulrennan is the Chief Talent Officer at Edmentum. Her focus on talent, learning and culture, as well as her award winning experience in academia and Fortune 500 companies make her a great addition to our board.

    Kevin Johnson is the VP of Client Relationships at Career Partners International. In addition to his work coaching and inspiring teams and individuals, Kevin has an M Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary and has directed a leading adult non fiction line, publishing up to 35 books  a year.

    Pat Chen is the Director of HR for Lexington Manufacturing. We are excited to leverage Pat’s experience across a variety of industries. Pat also volunteers on the Brooklyn Park Athletic Association, supporting sports in his local community.

    Sarah Waite is the VP of Talent Management at Abra. Sarah leads talent management and leadership development and is excited to foster both our HREF programming and community. You can follow Sarah’s blog the Business of Talent


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