New Faces in Minnesota: Who's Joining the Local Scene?

Minnesota is seeing some fresh faces in various industries. Roxane Battle, a familiar face from local TV, has taken on a new role. She's now the vice president of communications and strategic initiatives at the Women's Foundation of Minnesota. This organization focuses on grants, research, and policy changes. Battle's background in media might bring a new perspective to the foundation's work. In other news, Dario Anselmo is the new president of the Minneapolis Renaissance Coalition. This group aims to revitalize the city's downtown area. Anselmo has a background in politics and music, which could bring a unique approach to the coalition's goals. The business world is also seeing some changes. Scott Dahl has come out of retirement to join Nordeast Marketing Group as chief creative officer. Dahl's experience in advertising could bring fresh ideas to the firm. Meanwhile, the Lacek Group has been named the agency of record for FNBO's credit card marketing. This could mean big things for both companies. In the healthcare sector, Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers is opening a new clinic in White Bear Lake. The franchisee, Kyle Smaagard, has a background in artificial intelligence. This could bring a unique approach to physical therapy and rehab. Storm Creek, an Eagan-based apparel company, has made it onto the 2025 ASI Counselor Power 50 list. CEO Teresa Fudenberg has been recognized as one of the most influential leaders in the promotional products industry. The company has also pledged to donate $5 million to charity by 2030. Central Lakes College's meat cutting and butchery instructor, Jess Feierabend, has been named 2025 Post-Secondary Educator of the Year by the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation. Feierabend will also participate in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Convention in Anaheim, California. In the legal world, attorney Masha M. Yevzelman has been appointed to serve a two-year term as vice chair of the Tax Section’s State and Local Taxes Committee of the American Bar Association. Solventum, a St. Paul-based medical components provider, has appointed Heather Knight as chief commercial officer. Knight's background in operations could bring a new perspective to the company. AngioInsight, a Minnetonka-based AI-powered cardiovascular diagnostics developer, has appointed Shlomi Nachman to its board of directors. Nachman's experience in cardiovascular solutions could be a valuable addition to the company. Provation, a Minneapolis-based healthcare software provider, has appointed Dr. Lukasz Kowalczyk as executive medical director. Kowalczyk's background in gastroenterology and AI could bring a unique approach to the company's software. Pulsar Helium, a Portugal-based helium exploration company, has appointed Peter Barry as its scientific helium-3 adviser. Barry's experience in oceanographic research could be beneficial to the company's Topaz helium project in northern Minnesota. Sherman Associates, a national commercial real estate firm, has appointed Mary Jo Kelly as manager of Commercial Leasing and Business Development in Minneapolis. Kelly's background in financial services could bring a new perspective to the firm. LiquidCool Solutions, a Rochester-based computer hardware systems developer, has appointed Brian Casey as chief operating officer. Casey's experience in electronic manufacturing could be a valuable addition to the company.