The Health Services Management program is supported and directed by talented, engaged professionals at every level. Their experience and knowledge will help you navigate an educational and career path that works for you.

The Student-Advisor Relationship

We encourage you to cultivate a relationship with your academic advisor. Meet with them to discuss your career goals and more. Your academic advisor can:

  • Discuss and support personal and career goals, but also challenge students to make the best choices in line with aspirations and academic performance.
  • Provide accurate information about degree program requirements.
  • Assist with understanding of academic policies and procedures.
  • Offer referrals to campus resources and relevant opportunities.

In addition to talking with your advisor, we want you to:

  • Cultivate relationships with faculty and staff.
  • Read your U of M email. It is the University's official form of correspondence and contains need-to-know information.
  • Understand important policies and specific degree requirements and become familiar with University tools for degree planning and charting progress.
  • Use the One Stop website to find information about courses, registration and tuition.
  • Bookmark the University calendar for important deadlines.

Advisors

Alissa Bigelow head shot

Alissa Bigelow

Academic Advisor

Alissa Bigelow joined CCAPS in 2018. Previously, she worked as an associate registrar at Bethel University, and before that, as an academic advisor with University of Minnesota student-athletes in what is now the Lindahl Academic Center. She enjoys supporting students through their educational journey and helping them find their passion in the health care industry. Alissa has a bachelor’s degree in physical education, a master’s degree in educational policy and administration, and a master of education in sport administration.

Current HSM students may schedule an appointment directly on her calendar: alissabigelow.appointments.umn.edu 

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Liz Hruska

Career Counselor

Liz Hruska has been providing career counseling and coaching services for degree-seeking students since she joined the team of Career and Internship Services in 2008. She is a 2013 recipient of the John Tate Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising, which recognizes high-quality advising at the University of Minnesota.

Liz helps students with tactical pieces of the job search, including resume help, interview coaching, and internship search support. She also coaches students around larger self-exploration issues, including clarifying values and strengths and finding a work culture that fits. She has a special interest in providing support for student veterans, students from diverse backgrounds, and those with disabilities.

If you are an admitted degree-seeking student and would like to make an appointment with Liz, please visit: lizhruska.appointments.umn.edu (you will need to log in). 

Liz teaches HSM 3051 − Career and Internship Skills in Health Services Management.

Faculty Director

Frances Fernandez headshot

Frances Fernandez

"Our HSM program incorporates DEI principles into our curriculum and content, including addressing topics such as health disparities, cultural competency, social determinants of health, the impact of diversity in health care delivery, etc. We also promote inclusive pedagogy that involves using teaching strategies that accommodate different learning styles, and engage diverse perspectives and foster inclusive classroom discussions. And our program has one of the most diverse student populations within the U, which creates opportunities for our students to share and reflect on different perspectives and health care equity needs of our growing population."

Frances Fernandez has over 25 years of experience in both nonprofit and for-profit executive health care leadership in a variety of settings, including home health, hospital-based outpatient services, research and education, assisted living and consulting. She is particularly interested in human development and minority empowerment, and works fearlessly to promote inclusivity, diversity, and equity in human services. Frances is an advocate of mental health awareness and education, particularly for youth and in her professional career has received accolades and recognition for quality initiatives and grant allocations for access, increased and improved healthcare services for the HIV/AIDS population. She enjoys teaching and developing course materials as well as mentoring our future healthcare leaders. 

Frances is a member of CCAPS DEI Faculty subcommittee as well as the CCAPS Student Success subcommittee where she is excited to collaborate in changes and improvement in diversity, equity, inclusivity, and belonging as well as continued student success initiatives for the college. For more about Frances' career and visions for the HSM program, read "Putting the 'Care' in Health Care."

Frances received her MHSA in health services administration from Florida International University and a BA in business administration from Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. In addition to serving as the faculty director for HSM, she teaches:

  • HSM 3521 – Health Care Delivery Systems
  • HSM 4521 – Inclusion and Equity in Health Care Management

HSM Faculty

headshot of Josh

Joshua Berg

Josh Berg is an energetic, collaborative leader whose goals are to improve the lives of seniors, individuals with disabilities, the overall health care system, and related public policy at all levels. He is currently the director of services and strategic growth at Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI), a national nonprofit affordable, accessible housing provider serving and supporting very low-income individuals with physical disabilities, brain injuries, seniors, and veterans. In this role he focuses on all aspects of the program and housing support services in Minnesota, as well as business and partnership development and innovation in disability services. Josh has prior leadership experience in nonprofits, for-profits, and governmental agencies in the areas of senior living, accessibility, assisted living, home care, county services, and behavior therapy.

Josh is a city council member and serves on local, county, and state boards and commissions. He received a BA in psychology from Creighton University, Omaha, NE. He teaches:

  • HSM 4586/6586 – Management in Assisted Living and Senior Care Settings
Frederick Bw'Ombongi

Frederick Bw'Ombongi

Frederick Bw’Ombongi is the VP for operations and clinical and support services, formerly VP for access management, at Allina Health. Before that, he was interim VP for operations at KentuckyOne Health (CommonSpirit), providing leadership in the delivery of strategic, financial, quality, and operations results. He also worked at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in various leadership roles. Fred cofounded two nonprofits, Opening Village Doors Foundation, which fights poverty in Kenya through entrepreneurship and student scholarship, and the Refugee Education Center in West Michigan. Fred is looking forward to starting his PhD program at UMN in fall 2023.

Fred earned an MHA in health administration from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI and a BS in international business from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI. He teaches:

  • HSM 3521 – Health Care Delivery Systems
Christina Cauble

Christina M. Cauble

"I value honesty and integrity above all else. You can make up for a lot of things, but as a leader if you don't lead with honesty and integrity, you cannot expect many people to follow you."

Christina Cauble, LNHA, HSE, is an enthusiastic participant in the aging services field as a business leader with an emphasis on retirement communities, nursing care, assisted living, and aging services in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Christina’s strengths include development and implementation of strategic business plans, human resource and financial management, and creating growth in profits. She is currently the geriatric education specialist at the U of M Medical School. She has held leadership positions with a number of health care communities, including Ecumen, Ebenezer, and one of Minnesota’s largest nursing care facilities, Southview Acres Health Care Center.

Christina has an MBA in business administration from Augsburg University and a BA in health care administration and Spanish from Concordia College. She teaches:

  • HSM 4682/6682 – Long Term Care, Services, and Supports
Steven Chies

Steven Chies

"What I recommend students have is skills in spreadsheets, an essential skill for both the financial management course and employment in healthcare."

Mr. Chies most recently served as senior vice president of operations for the Benedictine Health System. He is a former aide to a US congressman and has held numerous leadership positions in health care professional, trade, and advocacy organizations, with a particular engagement in the advancement of long-term care administration and excellence. He is an AHCA Baldrige Examiner. Mr. Chies has also taught courses in health care administration. His student-centered learning approach combines a practical understanding of the health care delivery system with high expectations for academic coursework.

Mr. Chies holds an MS in health care administration from St. Joseph’s College in Standish, ME and a BES from the University of Minnesota. He teaches: 

  • HSM 4541 – Health Care Finance
Eric Christensen

Eric Christensen

"People are universally smart. They respond to the incentives they are given in logical ways. We just need to figure out where a particular set of incentives will lead."

Dr. Christensen is the Director of Economic and Health Services Research at the Neiman Health Policy Institute of the American College of Radiology in Reston, VA. He is also a private consultant for health care organizations and in litigation matters. Dr. Christensen directed the Health Research and Policy team at the Center for Naval Analyses in Alexandria, VA, 2001−2015, where he conducted and oversaw research for the Military Health System, Navy Medicine, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Health and Human Services, and others. During 2015−2017, he conducted health economic research in pediatrics for Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. His research has covered cost, efficiency, medical homes, accountable care organizations, interventions, compensation and retention of health care professionals, and infrastructure. He has authored or coauthored approximately 100 publications and presentations.

Dr. Christensen has a PhD in economics from the University of Illinois; an MA in economics from Colorado State University; and a BS in finance from Brigham Young University. He teaches: 

  • HSM 3101 – Applied Health Economics
Head shot of Steven Comingdeer

Steven Comingdeer

Steven Comingdeer is global director for HR reporting and analytics at Accenture, where he leads a team of 120, providing reporting, advanced analytics and modeling, consultative insights, and decision support. He has previously been chief of staff to Accenture’s North American health practice director, operations director for a national managed-care organization, business office director for a rehabilitation company, program manager for a large physician and hospital quality program, and clinic manager for a local integrated physician group. He has taught online since 2009 in the areas of health care marketing, operations, information management, economics, law and policy, and ethics.

Steven holds an MA in management, health care administration, and HR management a BA in business management, health care informatics and information management and computer science and information systems, both from the College of Saint Scholastica. He teaches:

  • ABUS 4104 − Management and Human Resource Practices
  • HSM 4596 − Health Services Management Internship
Rebecca J. Davis

Rebecca J. Davis

"The element I love most in working with HSM students is the excitement and new visions that they bring to healthcare. As a constantly evolving field, and an industry plagued with problems to solve, we need new ideas, change, hope, and vision in the healthcare industry and I see that daily in my work with HSM students."

Ms. Davis is the operations administrator for the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Urology at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. She previously held leadership roles within Mayo Clinic, HonorHealth, and the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, for service lines including hematology, blood and marrow transplant, cellular therapy, gynecology, dermatology, and psychiatry/psychology. She focuses on empowering and leading multidisciplinary teams to accomplish program development, innovation, quality improvement, and service line growth. Rebecca is an instructor of healthcare administration in the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine and Science, Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), and Prosci® Certified Change Management Professional.

Ms. Davis holds an MHA from the University of Minnesota and a BA in International Studies and Spanish from the University of Kentucky. She teaches:

  • HSM 4575 – Innovation in Health Services
  • HSM 4596 – Health Services Management Internship
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Kari Everson

Kari Everson has 25 years of experience in health care, with expertise particularly related to assessment, care delivery, compliance, leadership, education, and quality. She is the director of clinical care and clinical consultant for LeadingAge Minnesota and the president of Euvoia Senior Care Consulting. Kari has experience leading clinical and operations teams in nursing homes, senior housing, and home care and has served as a clinical educator in post-secondary nursing programs. She has also assisted with systemic conversions and strategic planning in senior housing and skilled nursing communities.

Kari earned a BS and MS in nursing and an MS in health care administration from the University of Phoenix. She teaches:

  • HSM 4683 – Long Term Care Environment and Quality
Liz Hruska photo

Liz Hruska

Liz Hruska has been providing career counseling and coaching services for degree-seeking students since she joined the team of Career and Internship Services in 2008. She is a 2013 recipient of the John Tate Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising, which recognizes high-quality advising at the University of Minnesota.

Liz helps students with tactical pieces of the job search, including resume help, interview coaching, and internship search support. She also coaches students around larger self-exploration issues, including clarifying values and strengths and finding a work culture that fits. She has a special interest in providing support for student veterans, students from diverse backgrounds, and those with disabilities.

If you are an admitted degree-seeking student and would like to make an appointment with Liz, please visit: lizhruska.appointments.umn.edu (you will need to log in). 

Liz teaches HSM 3051 − Career and Internship Skills in Health Services Management.

Cheri Jacoby

Cheri Jacoby

Ms. Jacoby is currently senior director of IT for the medical device division at Abbott (a health care product provider in Saint Paul). She has also worked at EMC, Digineer, and Fairview Health Services. Before that she was with PricewaterhouseCoopers for 20 years, the last 10 as the partner responsible for IT business consulting and advisor to the Women’s Leadership Group. Each of her positions has focused on health care and the coordination and collaboration between IT and business functions. Ms. Jacoby cofounded Women Leading in Technology (WLiT) and works with the Women’s Health Leadership Trust in Minnesota.

Ms. Jacoby holds a BSBA in information systems and accounting from Robert Morris University. She teaches:

  • HSM 4043 – Project and Program Management in Health Services Management
Maverlyn A. Johnson

Maverlyn A. Johnson

Dr. Johnson has significant experience in clinical and administrative health care services as a college instructor, presenter, and community educator. She has always identified as a teacher, beginning with fourth-grade students immediately after graduating from college. Her most recent position was nine years of teaching health care management at South University in West Palm Beach, FL. Before that she taught health service administration at Keiser University in Pembroke Pines, FL for five years. She is eager to share not only academic content but also subjective experiences that will convey firsthand knowledge of the US health care system.

Dr. Johnson earned her PhD in health care administration from Capella University and her master's and bachelor's of health services administration from Florida International University. She teaches:

  • HSM 4591 – Health Care Law and Ethics
Geoff Kaufmann

Geoff Kaufmann

"I'm inspired by anyone who battles physical or mental challenges."

Geoff Kaufmann, a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, is vice president for patient services of the Biomedical Division of the American Red Cross. He is the former director of planning and marketing for the University of Minnesota Hospital and the Minnesota Regent for the American College of Healthcare Executives. A nationally recognized authority in health marketing, Geoff has 45 years of experience in business development, strategic planning, marketing, new product development, and operations. His focuses have included physician-clinic-hospital networks, clinical and service outcomes, senior health care services, a wound care business, and diagnostic imaging centers.

Geoff has an MA in health policy and management from the University of Chicago and a BA in biology from St. Olaf College. He teaches:

  • ABUS 4501 – Building and Running a Small Business Enterprise
  • ABUS 4701 – Introduction to Marketing
  • ABUS 4703 – Marketing for the Professional Practice
  • HSM 4861 – Leadership and Business Planning in Health Care: Capstone
William Kenney Photo

William Kenney

"A characteristic I value most is integrity by being honest and guided by moral principles which cannot be compromised."

William O. (Bill) Kenney is chief executive officer of Dermatology Consultants. Previously, he served as president of the Phillips Eye Institute for Allina Health and later as the VP of operations for the United Hospital Cardiovascular Service Line. He has served as a clinical social worker at United Hospital, focusing on oncology, psychiatry, endocrinology, and geriatrics. Later he served at HealthEast and Park Nicollet Health Services, Northwestern University and Medical Faculty Foundation, and Presbyterian Hospital. Bill has expertise in clinic, hospital, and long-term operations, and his experience in health care leadership includes administrative responsibility in cardiovascular services, ophthalmology, senior services, dermatology, and primary care operations.

Bill earned his MHA from the University of Minnesota and his BA in business administration and social work from St. John’s University. He teaches:

  • HSM 4561W – Health Care Administration and Management
Yvonne Kinney

Yvonne Kinney

"As a consultant, stories from real-life organization and leader interactions provide a great convergence of learning theories, frameworks, and critical information about leadership as well as hearing how situations play out in a work environment."

Dr. Yvonne Kinney has over 20 years of consulting experience as an executive coach. Her passion is the study of people: work behavior (performance of tasks) and work settings to understand how behavior can be influenced, changed, and enhanced to benefit both employees and organizations. She is known for turning dysfunction into function. She is skilled in challenging leaders to look at issues from different angles and discover their own solutions to reclaim their stake in the future. Her clients span manufacturing, health care, retail, and financial and professional services. She has certifications and accreditations from recognized global executive coaching organizations.

Dr. Kinney earned her PhD in business psychology/organizational consulting and Certificate in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology; an MA in leadership from Augsburg University; and a BS in business management from St. Cloud State University. She teaches:

  • HSM 4041 – Leadership in Health Services Management
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Ellen Koski

Ellen is employed as the executive director of the Fox Valley Advance Care Planning Partnership in Appleton, WI. The Partnership is made up of local health care systems and the community, working together to make advance care planning and conversations an integral part of living, with the ultimate goal of improving end-of-life care for all. In her free time, Ellen enjoys gardening and hiking local trails with her husband and kids.

Ellen holds a Master of Public Health and and BA in Spanish from the University of Minnesota. She teaches:

  • HSM 3040 − Dying and Death in Contemporary Society: Implications for Intervention
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Mark Kuhl

"I love the flexibility the HSM program provides students who have to work full time, take care of their family, or participate in extracurriculars. It also engages students in multi-modal learning so they become familiar with a variety of virtual and in-person platforms!"

Mark is a senior improvement advisor with Fairview Health Services. He is trained in Lean Six Sigma, and he serves as a coach, facilitator, and consultant to executives on continuous improvement efforts at M Health Fairview. Before joining Fairview, he led a continuous improvement team at University of Minnesota Physicians. Mark began his career in clinic operations and continuous improvement for Cancer Treatment Centers of America, a national network of specialty hospitals and clinics. Additionally, he built a value-based care and insurance model for a subsidiary of United Healthcare. 

Mark earned his BA in leadership management from Saint John’s University. He teaches:

  • HSM 4301 – Health Care Quality and Patient Safety Management
Scott Lee-Eichenwald

Scott Lee-Eichenwald

MS in software design and development (MSDD), University of Saint Thomas; BA, psychology, College of Saint Scholastica

Scott Lee-Eichenwald has diverse professional experience in social sciences and medical technology, with over 20+ years with medical devices companies including Guidant, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, and Smiths Medical. He also has experience providing enterprise interoperability software solutions for Infor's health care division. He has managed research and development and many global technology implementation projects. In addition, he has been teaching online for 15+ years. He is published in Healthcare Information Technology and received his Six Sigma Green Belt certification from the University of Saint Thomas in 2012. Scott holds an Information Systems Security Certificate from Colorado Technical University.

  • HSM 4043 – Project and Program Management in Health Services Management
  • HSM 4065 – Information Privacy and Security in Health Services Management
  • INET 1001 – Survey of Information Technology
  • INET 3011W – Social Impact of Information Technology
  • INET 4051 – IT Infrastructure Operations
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Daniel McGinty

Daniel McGinty is a health care consultant and expert witness. He served as president and CEO of Franciscan Sponsored Ministries in Manitowoc, WI, during 2016–18. Prior to that, he was executive vice president at Allina Health, overseeing the operations of 13 hospitals and emergency medical Services and pharmacy. He has also worked at Duluth-based Essentia Health, where he was responsible for seven acute-care hospitals, four long-term care facilities, and 11 physician clinics. He served as president and CEO of Holy Family Memorial Health Network in Manitowoc and as an administrator at St. Mary’s Medical Center.

Daniel has an MA in health care administration from the University of Minnesota and a BA in economics from Gustavus Adolphus College. He teaches:

  • HSM 4861 − Leadership and Business Planning in Health Care: Capstone
Rajean Moone

Rajean Moone

Rajean's experience includes working at the Minnesota state unit on aging and area agencies on aging, and leading Training to Serve and the Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging. He is currently the Faculty Director for Long Term Care Administration in the College of Continuing and Professional Studies and the Associate Director of Education for the Center for Healthy Aging & Innovation.

Rajean is appointed to the Governor’s Council on an Age-Friendly Minnesota, the MN Association of Geriatrics Inspired Clinicians Board, and FamilyMeans Board. He is a Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America, a lifetime member of the Minnesota Gerontological Society, a McNair Scholar, and a Congressional/Health and Aging Policy Fellow. He also holds a Minnesota nursing home administrator’s license.

Rajean earned a PhD in social work from the University of Minnesota; an MS in gerontology from St. Cloud State University; and a BA in psychology from the College of Saint Scholastica. He teaches:
 

  • HSM 4582 – Practicum in Long Term Care
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Donald Moschkau

"The insight I bring to my teaching is the ability to view HR as a strategic partner to drive organizational results."

Donald (Don) Moschkau is a human resources strategy system executive with Fairview Health Services, where he leads the Human Resources Strategy and Operations areas. He serves as a consultant to other executives throughout the organization on strategic initiatives and the impacts or drivers of the organization’s human capital. He has more than 20 years’ experience in human resources and specializes in strategic human resources, employee relations, employment law, diversity, recruitment, and onboarding as well as human resources regulatory compliance in the health care market. Don’s certifications include an SPHR from the Human Resources Certification Institute and an SHRM-SCP and Green Belt from the Society for Human Resources Professionals.

Don has an MHA from the University of Minnesota and a BA in multicultural marketing from Metropolitan State University. He teaches:

  • HSM 4531 – Human Resources in Health Care Settings
Gerard Niewenhous

Gerard Niewenhous

"I'm inspired by John Kotter for his brilliantly pragmatic book, Leading Change; Sandro Galea for his brilliantly visionary book, Well: What We Need to Talk About When We Talk About Health; and Alexandra Morehouse, Chief Marketing Officer for Banner Health, who parlayed her rich experience at American Express into helping Banner Health innovate ways to be consumer-centric."

Gerard has over 30 years of management experience nationally in health care systems and payer organizations, with emphasis on strategic planning, innovation, change management, and operations. His experience in health care systems covers development and delivery of services in rural and urban settings. His experience with payer organizations includes operations, business development, and quality improvement for employer, federal, and state lines of business. Gerard is particularly interested in pragmatic solutions that empower consumers and achieve better health outcomes. He is eager to help students become the next generation of health care leaders.

Gerard earned a master of social work from Tulane University and a BA in communications from the University of Connecticut.

  • HSM 4541 – Health Care Finance
  • HSM 4575 – Innovation in Health Services
Nick Nyhus head shot

R. Nickolas (Nick) Nyhus

Nick is vice-president of human resources and information technology at University of Minnesota Physicians. He has more than 25 years of human resources, education, and business experience with other organizations, including American Express and Ameriprise Financial. Among his specializations are leadership development, organizational effectiveness, executive coaching, psychological assessment, and human capital strategy and delivery. His certifications include a Senior Professional Human Resources certificate from the Human Resources Certification Institute, an SHRM-SCP (Society for Human Resource Management–Senior Certified Professional), and a Six Sigma Black Belt from American Express.

Nick has an MA in applied psychology from the University of Santa Monica and a BA in health care management from the University of Minnesota. He teaches:

  • HSM 3051 – Career and Internship Skills in Health Services Management
LaShonda Ouk

LaShonda Ouk

Dr. Ouk is a quality assurance manager in county public health in North Carolina. She has 20 years of experience in managing health care systems and business operations, health care security, quality improvement and assurance, and staff development. She is an SPSS innovative leader in delivering performance-driven management and staff training and development programs for revenue and profit growth. LaShonda has certification in HIPAA security (CHP), Six Sigma (Black Belt), health care quality (CPHQ), and health information technology (HIT). Her passion for working with adult learners is a strong foundation for her methodologies in teaching, training, and coaching.

Dr. Ouk has a PhD in health care administration from Walden University; an MBA and MHA from Pfeiffer University; and a BS in textile technology from North Carolina State University. She teaches:

  • HSM 4591 – Health Care Law and Ethics
Head shot of John Reynolds

John Reynolds

"The majority of HSM students are compassionate and empathetic (we know this from the leadership and personality profiling that we conduct in our class) and care deeply about others. I always come away from class with a sense of great optimism for the future based on the smart, engaging and compassionate students in the HSM program who are going to do great things over the course of their careers."

Dr. John Reynolds has over 30 years of health care services, benefit consulting, and financial technology experience. He is Senior Vice President and General Manager of a Division of Optum Financial Services. Before joining Optum, he held leadership roles at NationsBenefits as its President; Cognizant as Business Lead for Digital Healthcare Operations; Senior Vice President, Optum Insight; Chief Executive Officer, CieloStar; President, FIS Global Healthcare, Government and Biller Solutions; Senior Vice President and General Manager of Wells Fargo Health Benefit Services, Master Trust and Custody and Benefit Consulting; Vice President and Regional Manager BNY/Mellon Healthcare and Consumer Products. He has also been an Adjunct Professor at St. Catherine’s University where he has taught Healthcare Economics and Policy within their MBA program. 

Dr. Reynolds is a member of the National Ski Patrol where he is certified in outdoor emergency care, mountain rescue and is a volunteer Nordic and Alpine Patroller within the Three Rivers Park District. In addition, he is a certified commercial pilot, multi-engine and instrument flight instructor. He has been a frequent speaker at national healthcare and financial services conferences and has published numerous articles on consumer directed healthcare, healthcare payment technology, digital healthcare, treasury management, electronic commerce, customer loyalty and related topics. Dr. Reynolds co-authored the book, “Overdose: Your Health, My Money” which explains the Affordable Care Act and its ramifications for the American public. 

Dr. Reynolds holds a PhD in business, organization and management; an MA in management and administration; and a BS in economics. He teaches:

•    HSM 4041 − Leadership in Health Services Management
 

Head shot of Jennifer Schoenecker

Jennifer Schoenecker

Jenny Schoenecker is associate vice president of quality and safety with the Minnesota Hospital Association, where she develops, implements, and facilitates hospital and health system clinical activities in support of the Quadruple Aim (to enhance patient experience, improve population health, reduce costs, and improve the work life of health care providers). She is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality and has a passion for positioning Minnesota’s hospitals and health systems as national leaders in quality, safety, and mental health. Jenny provides MHA members with technical and implementation support, including consults; training and education; and assistance with prioritization of quality, safety, and mental health action plans.

Jenny earned a BS in healthcare administration from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She teaches:

  • HSM 4301 – Health Care Quality and Patient Safety Management
Daniel Trajano

Daniel Trajano

Dr. Daniel (Dan) Trajano is the president of Pop Health Consulting LLC. He has over 25 years of experience as a physician and executive leader in family and geriatric medicine, health care system transformation, value-based payment, accountable care, policy, equity, and social justice. His previous positions include VP and senior medical director for population health and quality at Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota, Medica, HealthEast, and Park Nicollet. Dr. Trajano is also an adjunct professor of health care economics at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business. He serves on the board of directors for MNsure and the Philippine Medical Association.

Dr. Trajano has an MD from the University of Minnesota; an MBA from the University of St. Thomas; and a BA in biology and secondary education from Carleton College. He teaches:

  • HSM 4541 – Health Care Finance
Head shot of Roger White

Roger White

"What I like most about working with HSM students is the passion for elderly that the students bring to the program is invigorating!"

Roger White has 25 years of experience in human resources, entrepreneurship, and leadership. As associate administrator and head of people and culture at Mount Olivet Careview and Mount Olivet Home since 2008, he has excelled in creating diversified human resources cultures with quantified outcomes. Before that, he was CEO for Lifecycle Health Services. He holds professional certifications in human resources (SPHR and SHRM-SCP) and administration (LADL and LNHA). Combining a passion for collaborative culture design, expertise in employment law and counsel, and polished skills as a facilitator of change management, he brings a holistic approach to human resources and health care administration.

Roger holds a BS in business and human resource management from Capella University and a Master of Professional Studies in human resources management from Georgetown University. He teaches:

  • HSM 4589/6589 – Long Term Care Human Resources Management
  • HSM 4684/6684 – Long Term Care Leadership and Strategy

Applied Business Faculty

William Bengston

William Bengtson

EdD, leadership, University of St. Thomas; MA, leadership, Augsburg University; BA, computer science/business administration, Minnesota State University, Mankato 

Dr. William Bengtson is a corporate leadership consultant with over 30 years of experience in business and technology, having served over 20 Fortune 500 corporations and governmental entities. His expertise includes strategic assessment, project recovery and turnaround, change leadership, and program/project management. He is currently president and leadership consultant at the Minnesota Leadership Institute, which he founded. Dr. Bengtson previously served as chief operating officer of the Minnesota Security Board, director of financial systems at UnitedHealth Group, and senior manager with PricewaterhouseCoopers. He has spoken nationally on a variety of topics and retains certifications as PMP and Agile ScrumMaster.

  • ABUS 4043 − Project Management in Practice
Richard Brynteson head shot

Richard Brynteson

PhD, education, University of Minnesota; MBA, marketing and finance, University of Chicago; BA, English, Dartmouth College

Dr. Richard Brynteson is a teacher, executive coach, innovation consultant, author, and public speaker. He has been a professor in the MBA program at Concordia University since 1992. He is a prolific presenter of workshops and seminars and has published six books on business subjects like innovation, decision making, and behavioral economics. Dr. Brynteson has also been a marketing manager and has worked with companies on innovation projects in Africa, Asia, and the United States, including one year as a Fulbright Scholar in Mauritius. He has had to bribe his way out of jail only once.

  • ABUS 4518 - Leadership and Innovative Decision Making in Applied Business
Head shot of Steven Comingdeer

Steven Comingdeer

Steven Comingdeer is global director for HR reporting and analytics at Accenture, where he leads a team of 120, providing reporting, advanced analytics and modeling, consultative insights, and decision support. He has previously been chief of staff to Accenture’s North American health practice director, operations director for a national managed-care organization, business office director for a rehabilitation company, program manager for a large physician and hospital quality program, and clinic manager for a local integrated physician group. He has taught online since 2009 in the areas of health care marketing, operations, information management, economics, law and policy, and ethics.

Steven holds an MA in management, health care administration, and HR management a BA in business management, health care informatics and information management and computer science and information systems, both from the College of Saint Scholastica. He teaches:

  • ABUS 4104 − Management and Human Resource Practices
  • HSM 4596 − Health Services Management Internship
Michael Essien

Michael Essien

JD, William Mitchell College of Law; BS, chemical engineering, University of Oklahoma

Mr. Essien is the principal at Essien Law Office, PLLC, whose practice areas are intellectual property, business and corporate law, and international law. He is about to complete a PhD in organizational leadership and is interested in how leadership styles affect performance and creativity. He has taught online courses in business
law, legal environment of business, and business ethics at Strayer and Concordia universities and currently teaches legal environment of business at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. He is president of the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers (MABL).

  • ABUS 4013W − Legal, Ethical, and Risk Issues for Managers
Gordon Flanders Photo

Gordon Flanders

DBA, University of Phoenix; MBA, Carlson School of Management; BA, Augsburg College

Gordon Flanders teaches courses in marketing, market research, international business, consumer behavior, strategic management, advanced management seminar, critical thinking and decision making, selling and sales management, and macroeconomics. He is a tenured assistant professor of business and winner of a Merit Award for excellence in teaching, service, and research at Montana Tech of the University of Montana. Before working in academia, Dr. Flanders spent 20 years at 3M/Imation, where he earned the Circle of Technical Excellence Award and three Golden Step Awards for successful new product launches. The new products he launched have also won industry-specific awards for innovation and a US government environmental award.

  • ABUS 4101 − Accounting and Finance for Managers
  • ABUS 4151 − Innovation for Leaders and Organizations
  • ABUS 4509 − New Product Development
David Franke Photo

David Franke

BLA (Bachelor of Landscape Architecture), University of Minnesota

LEED AP

David Franke has worked in various project, construction, real estate, and facilities management roles throughout his career. Since April of 2017, he has been working in the Hennepin County Facilities Services group overseeing capital projects. He spent 11 years as project tenant services director at Xcel Energy, 7 years as director of design at UnitedHealth Group, and 21 years at various positions in the facilities group at 3M/Imation.

  • ABUS 4213 – Fundamentals of Facility Management
Uriah Giordana

Uriah Giordana

MBA, University of Phoenix; BBA, management, University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire

Uriah has held consulting, leadership, and management roles inside software, telecommunications, and solar energy industries since 2005. In 2012, he cofounded SKYWISE Communications, a local business specializing in residential and commercial internet and TV. Uriah currently works at Capitalize Consulting helping finance and accounting clients implement software to automate cumbersome processes. His areas of expertise are motivating and coaching high-performance teams, managing strategic partnerships, and leading go-to-market strategy. Uriah values flexible routines, careful prioritization, and carving time for life’s most important milestones.

  • ABUS 3052 – Career Building in the Remote Gig Economy
  • ABUS 4104 – Management and Human Resources Practices
  • ABUS 4151 – Innovation for Leaders and Organizations
Bradley Goodell headshot

Bradley Goodell

PhD, industrial/organizational psychology; MBA, St. Mary’s University; BA, psychology, Hamline University; Certificates in strategic and executive HR leadership and in data analytics, Cornell University.

Dr. Bradley Goodell is an organizational development psychologist. He is the owner of BDG Strategic Consulting, LLC, which provides expert consulting services in the areas of strategic planning, leadership coaching and development, team-building, and organizational structure assessment.

  • ABUS 4022W – Management in Organizations
  • ABUS 4023W – Communicating for Results
Phillip Hampton head shot

Phillip Hampton

BA, economics, Clark Atlanta University; MA, international management with a concentration in finance, University of St. Thomas

Mr. Hampton is the owner/CEO of a real estate acquisition and investment firm. Before that he worked in investment banking, commodities, traditional banking, and the credit card industry. His employers have included Metris Companies, U.S. Bancorp, the Federal Reserve Bank, the Minneapolis Grain Exchange, and Piper Jaffray. Throughout his career, he has worked tirelessly on initiatives to unlock the potential of individuals in diverse workplaces. Mr. Hampton has extensive teaching experience at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. He currently teaches business, finance, and economics at Anoka-Ramsey Community College and Concordia University, where he is finance chair.

  • ABUS 4545 – Defying Racial Bias in the Workplace: Individual Action and Accountability
Tonya Hampton

Tonya Hampton

BA, political science/pre-law, Clark Atlanta University; MBA, human resource management, and EdD, organization development, University of St. Thomas

Dr. Hampton has over 25 years of experience in strategy development, organization and leadership development, change management, talent management and acquisition, diversity and inclusion, employee engagement, training and learning development, performance management, total rewards and recognition, employee relations, project management and planning, process redesign and implementation, HR outsourcing, business acquisitions, and reorganizations. Tonya has spent the last decade designing and executing critical human resources practices, culture changes, organizational effectiveness, and diversity and inclusion in the healthcare industry. She is an adjunct professor at St. Catherine University and St. Thomas University, teaching in the master’s programs for leadership and organization development.

  • ABUS 4104 – Management and Human Resources Practices
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Garth Hickle

PhD, Industrial Ecology and Sustainability, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; MSEL (Master of Studies in Environmental Law), Vermont Law School; MA, public administration, Hamline University; BA, history, College of Wooster

Garth Hickle is an independent environmental consultant with an emphasis on the circular economy and product stewardship. He led the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency product stewardship program for 15 years and served as the MPCA technical lead on product stewardship at the legislature. He was lead author of the Minnesota solid waste policy report and contributed to the pollution prevention evaluation report. He represented MPCA in international and national initiatives and symposia on product stewardship, recycling policy, and sustainable materials management. Dr. Hickle is also a senior lecturer in bioproducts and biosystems engineering at the University of Minnesota.

  • ABUS 4515 − Strategy and Management for a Sustainable Future
David Husom head shot

David Husom

MFA, photography and film, art history; BFA, photography and film, University of Minnesota

David Husom has taught photography, media design, health journalism, digital media, and web design at the University of Minnesota and other colleges for many years. He has also been an OIT Technology Fellow, researching digital media in journalism and technology in the classroom, and he has been a commercial photographer in advertising, marketing, and media. His photos have been exhibited widely, including the J. Paul Getty Museum, San Francisco Museum of Fine Art, the Weisman Art Museum, and the Minnesota Historical Society. With his wife, David owns a printing company doing limited edition digital printing for artists, photographers, and museums.

  • ABUS 3201 – Digital Design Strategies for Small Business
David Kaiser Photo

David Kaiser

MALS, interdisciplinary studies, Hamline University; MBA, organizational behavior, Mankato State University

David Kaiser's academic interests and consulting practices coincide in the areas of leadership, ethics, and organizational behavior. He has developed and taught numerous university courses about management. David has held both line and staff management positions in industry; consulted and conducted seminars with companies throughout the United States and Europe; and received three professor of the year awards. David's educational philosophy is grounded in mindful inquiry and critical reflection rather than reaction and judgment. Whether in the classroom or in the boardroom, he strives to provoke interdisciplinary ways of thinking about organizational issues and opportunities.

  • ABUS 4041 – Dynamics of Leadership
Geoff Kaufmann

Geoff Kaufmann

"I'm inspired by anyone who battles physical or mental challenges."

Geoff Kaufmann, a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, is vice president for patient services of the Biomedical Division of the American Red Cross. He is the former director of planning and marketing for the University of Minnesota Hospital and the Minnesota Regent for the American College of Healthcare Executives. A nationally recognized authority in health marketing, Geoff has 45 years of experience in business development, strategic planning, marketing, new product development, and operations. His focuses have included physician-clinic-hospital networks, clinical and service outcomes, senior health care services, a wound care business, and diagnostic imaging centers.

Geoff has an MA in health policy and management from the University of Chicago and a BA in biology from St. Olaf College. He teaches:

  • ABUS 4501 – Building and Running a Small Business Enterprise
  • ABUS 4701 – Introduction to Marketing
  • ABUS 4703 – Marketing for the Professional Practice
  • HSM 4861 – Leadership and Business Planning in Health Care: Capstone
Carol Klempka

Carol Klempka

MA in leadership and BA in human services, Concordia University, Saint Paul

Carol Klempka has been a provider of higher education for over 25 years. She is faculty emeritus at Concordia University, having held the positions of program chair of the BA Business program and associate dean of the School of Continuing Studies. During that phase of her academic career, she developed curriculum in organizational behavior and mindful and authentic leadership behaviors, helping learners move along the continuum of self-directedness, honing their business skills and discovering their leadership potential. She has been developing user-friendly, tech-forward, interactive systems of instruction for CCAPS since 2017.

  • ABUS 3051 – Career Search for the Professional Environment
  • ABUS 4105 – Becoming an Authentic Leader in an Applied Business Setting
Ann Lowry

Ann Lowry

PhD, organizational communication, University of Minnesota; MA, interpersonal communication, University of Wisconsin-Madison; BA, communication and English, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Ann Lowry has over 20 years of experience as an educator and organizational consultant on topics such as presentational speaking, conflict resolution and negotiation, and intercultural communication. She is owner and president of Ann Lowry and Associates, an organizational development consulting firm, where she specializes in group and team effectiveness, strategic planning and goal setting, conflict resolution, and more. She also teaches at Northland College. She was named one of the U of M's CLA Alumni of Notable Achievement in recognition of her contributions to Minnesota businesses. She is currently pursuing a second PhD in mind-body medicine with the intention of assisting leaders to improve performance.

  • ABUS 3510 – Communicating Virtually Across Global Teams in Applied Business Settings
  • ABUS 4023W – Communicating for Results
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Deborah Mackay

JD, Hamline University; MA, French and German, Cambridge University; BA, French and German, Cambridge University

Deborah Mackay practiced construction law for 14 years at the Minneapolis firm of Faegre & Benson, where she handled a broad range of construction industry disputes and transactions. She has represented large commercial contractors, design professionals, subcontractors, material suppliers, and project owners. Deborah taught construction law and ethics in the Infrastructure Systems Engineering program at the University of Minnesota and has presented numerous construction law continuing education seminars. She is a past chair of the Construction Law Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association and a past president of the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA), Twin Cities chapter.

  • ABUS 4013W – Legal, Ethical, and Risk Issues for Managers
Alyssa Maples headshot

Alyssa Maples

PhD, family social science with an emphasis on couple and family therapy, and BA, child psychology, University of Minnesota; MA, counseling and psychological services, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Dr. Maples has extensive experience teaching undergraduate students and conducting research on college experiences that increase flourishing for college students. She has experience as a career counselor, and as a therapist she continues to work with young adults, focusing primarily on healing trauma and finding ways to thrive (including referrals to professional resources and career development). As an instructor in ABUS 3051, Alyssa enjoys assisting students to develop the skills and confidence that they can take forward into their professional lives.

  • ABUS 3051 – Career Search for the Professional Environment
Head shot of Caroline Marin

Caroline Marin

MA, Strategic Communications, Purdue University; BA, Sociology, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Caroline Marin’s studies at Purdue University focused on audience development and marketing. She has nearly two decades of experience in communications and organizational success spanning multiple industries, including education, journalism, public and media relations, and strategic marketing. She currently works at Thomson Reuters as a marketing operations lead. The most rewarding parts of her career come from supporting and developing collaborative and cohesive teams, something she’s pleased to bring to her teaching at the University of Minnesota.

  • ABUS 3051 – Career Search for the Professional Environment
Kate Mohn

Kate Mohn

MA, Sustainable Design, Minneapolis College of Art and Design; BA, English and Environmental Studies, Hamline University

Ms. Mohn has over a decade of experience in strategic communications, grant writing, and program design. Her master's thesis project (funded with a grant from the Bush Foundation) focused on using the tools of sustainable design to drive creative community development in rural Minnesota communities. She serves as Director for Foundation Relations and Strategic Communications for the PFund Foundation and runs her own consulting business.

Jeff Neidt

Jeff Neidt

MEd., University of Minnesota; BA, English and political science, St. Olaf College

During grad school at the U of M, Jeff taught courses in poetry and literature. He took a break from teaching to serve as a copywriter and creative director at several agencies. In 2010, he cofounded an agency, Neidt Writer, as a way to work with brands and agencies who wanted to tell thoughtful, authentic stories. In addition to running Neidt Writer, he is a frequent speaker and teacher of both poetry and professional writing, often looking for areas where the two fields intersect.

  • ABUS 3201 – Digital Design Strategies for Small Business
  • ABUS 4702 – Applied Digital Marketing
Stacy O'Fallon

Stacy O'Fallon

MBA, Augsburg College; BS in Accounting, Golden Gate University

Stacy O'Fallon is a Certified Managerial Accountant, specializing in start-up and growth-oriented organizations. She has over 20 years of experience in service-based industries, focusing on the areas of accounting, finance, and technology. She has held senior accounting and finance positions with Oceanaire Seafood Room, HMS Host, Nath Companies/Bonfire Restaurants, and Kaskaid Hospitality. She started her own hospitality accounting consulting service in 2014, Front Burner. In 2012 she was selected as one of the Top Women in Finance by Minnesota Finance & Commerce. Stacy is an adjunct instructor in business and accounting for St. Paul College and the University of Phoenix.

  • ABUS 3051 – Career Search for the Professional Environment
  • ABUS 4101 − Accounting and Finance for Managers
Kay Rindels

Kay Rindels

MBA, marketing focus, University of St. Thomas; BA, business administration and French, special emphasis on international business, Concordia College 

Kay Rindels is an independent marketing consultant with more than 25 years of experience equipping high-growth companies with the strategies to engage customers and stakeholders with compelling marketing and digital communications. She works with emerging and established technology firms across the United States to drive measurable change across their B2B sales channels. In 2004, she launched Rindels Technology Marketing Inc. to offer strategic marketing, analyst and public relations, public speaking coaching, and customer advocacy programs to a wider set of organizations. She brings these marketing best practices and examples to her courses to ready students for today’s business environment.

  • ABUS 4701 − Introduction to Marketing
Carol Rinkoff

Carol Rinkoff

Dr. Rinkoff has been teaching in and administering higher education since 2005. She is most interested in systems thinking and information fluency, which have in common asking good questions, critical thinking, and collecting information and turning it into applied knowledge and wisdom. Carol has previously served higher education institutions in Minnesota, California, and Maryland as the director of undergraduate and graduate business programs, dean of academic affairs, dean of a satellite campus, and vice president of academic affairs. She has coauthored a book on how managers can use social media in business, and teaches a graduate course in CCAPS, CIVE/ASCL 6314 – Leading Projects and Teams.

Karen Schaffhausen

Karen Schaffhausen

Mini-master's in e-commerce, St. Thomas University; BA, political science, University of Minnesota

Ms. Schaffhausen is a marketer and business strategist who works as a consultant to the entrepreneurial community, including SaaS, manufacturing, and mid-cap businesses. Her special focuses are business and growth strategy, partnerships and business development, Lean Canvas, and Six Sigma. She draws on 15 years of experience as marketing manager for Honeywell International, the GEM Group, Gelco, the Carlson Companies, and Holmes Protection Group. Ms. Schaffhausen has taught a wide variety of classes on business development in the local community and is a facilitator for the UW River Falls Entrepreneurial Training Program.

  • ABUS 3301 – Introduction to Quality Management
Ralf Schirg

Ralf Schirg

MA, management and psychology, Saint Mary’s College, Minneapolis; BA, political science and psychology, Hamline University

Ralf Schirg, a German native, is founder and president of Serenity Consulting, specializing in leadership development and cross-cultural consulting for leaders and employees. He has supported change initiatives, visioning, and human dimension-focused issues. Ralf also works as an executive coach. In the past ten years his focus has been DEI leadership and high-performing teams, and mental health in the workplace. He has worked with both Fortune 100 companies and small businesses in over 35 countries. Clients include Cargill, 3M, General Mills, EY, Honeywell, J&J, Medtronic, Zeiss, Merck, Bausch & Lomb, HP, L’Oreal, BP Amoco, Polaris, ADC, and NFL Europe.

  • ABUS 4502 − Inclusive Business Leadership: Advancing Diversity
  • ABUS 4518 − Leadership and Innovative Decision Making in Applied Business
Brian Simons

Brian Simons

MBA, supply chain and operations focus, Arizona State University; BS, international finance, Arizona State University; BA, history, Arizona State University; BA, political science, Arizona State University; BA, religious studies, Arizona State University.

Brian Simons has been an adjunct instructor since 2018 focusing on management and finance topics. In addition to teaching, he currently serves as the CEO of Janus Logistics Technologies, a VC back technology firm in the supply chain and logistics space. Previously he held leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies including Honeywell, United Technologies, and NCR as well as private equity owned firms.

Steven Taylor Photo

Steven Taylor

MPA, George Washington University; BA, psychology and economics, George Washington University

Steven Taylor has expertise in facility management, resource optimization, and public administration. He is currently employed by Carver County, MN, and is responsible for 25 percent of the county’s operating budget. In all, he has managed over $100 million in new and remodeled facility construction efforts over the past several years, utilizing multiple delivery methods. He has also served as director of finance and administration for the Denver Public Library, senior budget and management analyst for the City and County of Denver, program controls manager for the Department of the Navy, and project manager at Lockheed-Martin.

  • ABUS 4211 – Facility Asset Management, Finance, and Budgeting
Julie Tschida

Julie Tschida

PhD, Management with a focus on Organizational Leadership, University of Phoenix; MA, Organizational Leadership, St. Catherine University; BA, Human Resource Management, Metropolitan State University

Dr. Tschida’s career has focused on human resources as a practitioner, consultant, educator, business owner, coach, and mentor. She has led strategic human resources initiatives in corporate, government, and academic settings. Her leadership roles have included human resources vice president, director, and consultant. As a business owner, she has applied business concepts and theories to develop solutions to meet day-to-day operational needs and strategic objectives of organizations. She has held various faculty roles at Concordia University, St. Paul College, and Anoka-Ramsey Community College, and serves on the board of directors of Lee Carlson Center, a Twin Cities-based nonprofit mental health provider.

  • ABUS 4104 – Management and Human Resource Practices