MNSHRM State Council Director 

Justin Terch, MBA MA SPHR

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As Principal and Managing Partner of Terch and Associates, Justin has been providing unparalleled HR expertise to organizations of all sizes since 2009. His comprehensive education in, and understanding of, human resources, employment law and business allows him to lead his team of professionals to provide exceptional solutions and results time and time again.  Justin was Senior Lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Superior for 11 years, teaching courses in Human Resources, Mediation, and Professional Ethics.  He is a licensed investigator in Minnesota and Wisconsin and holds an undergraduate degree in Legal Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Supeiror and both Master of Business Administration and Master of Arts in Management from The College of St. Scholastica.  

Justin currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Kitchi Gammi Club, is a former member of the UW-Superior Human Resources Advisory Committee, and is a past board member and Treasurer of the Northland Human Resources Association.  He is a member of numerous investigative associations including MAPI and NCISS.

Susan Shold, MLS SHRM-CP

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State Council term ends December 31, 2026

As the Vice President of Human Resources at Members Cooperative Credit Union, Susan is a results-oriented HR executive with a forward-thinking approach. Proficient in translating organizational vision into effective HR strategies, Susan ensures the delivery of exceptional service to both internal and external members. Her role involves reinforcing the organization's mission, vision, and values within the HR team and across the organization. Susan oversees all facets of human resources and learning and development, ensuring compliance with policies, procedures, and employment and labor laws. Collaborating with senior leadership, she plays a key role in shaping strategies related to these areas. With 15 years of experience in human resources, Susan is an active member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM).

Currently serving as an at-large board member of the Northland Human Resource Association (NHRA), she previously held the position of treasurer for six years. Susan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources Management from Concordia University, St. Paul, and a Master's degree in Legal Studies with a focus on employment law and organizational conflict resolution, from the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. She is also a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP).

 MNSHRM State Council Secretary/Treasurer

Jenn Brekkestran

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State Council term ends December 31, 2026

Outside of her professional commitments, Jenn enjoys spending quality time with her family, and exploring new opportunities to learn and grow both personally and professionally.

MNSHRM State Council Membership Director

Tori Addison, MBA

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State Council term ends December 31, 2025

• Fifteen+ years ago I fell into Human Resources and have not looked back. I truly feel to be an effective HR leader you have to be emphatic and have a heart to serve. I have had the pleasure to serve organizations both large and small and in the public and private sector. Each position has provided the opportunity to grow my skill set and expand my HR competencies. I can unequivocally say I love HR. Is what we do every day challenging and rewarding? Yes. Some days does it seem like you make progress yet the list continues to grow? Am I making a difference and advocating for what creates the best candidate and employee experience…a resounding yes. People are the driving force within an organization, supporting their development and growth is essential to the HR function.  It is also the key to successful organizations.

MNSHRM State Council  Past-Director and College Relations Director

Carrie Patton, SHRM-SCP, SPHR

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Carrie is the Director of Human Resources for Horizon Commercial Pools.  In this role, Carrie leads the Human Resources function and guides the organization both in its overall human resources strategy, as well as day-to-day tactics.  Among her responsibilities are compensation and benefits; policy development and administration; employee relations; performance management and recruiting.

Carrie has more than 20 years of experience in the human resources profession and has worked with a diverse range of companies and industries.

Carrie is an active member of the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM), where she currently serves the Twin Cities chapter as a member of the Board of Directors and Immediate Past President. In addition, she is the Director of the Minnesota SHRM State Council.

Carrie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Bemidji State University, and her Master’s Certificate in Project Management from The George Washington University School of Business. She is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP),  and certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) from the Human Resources Certification Institute.

MNSHRM State Council Certification Director

Becky Johnson, PHR, SHRM-CP, Resident Insurance Producer of Accident & Health, Life, is an experienced Human Resources and Benefits professional with a demonstrated history working in various industries with emphasis in manufacturing. Becky exhibits a strong team approach with a high level of integrity, organization, attention to detail and skillful communication style. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University of St, Paul and an Associate of Arts Degree from Bemidji State University. Her skills range from Payroll, Applicant Tracking Systems, I-9 Compliance, Recruiting, Strategic planning, process improvement, safety, and employee benefits. 

Becky has been a member of the Lakes Area Human Resources Association (LAHRA) since 2007 and has served as a volunteer with the Board of Directors for most of those years in various positions, including President. She is driven with a strong sense of giving back to the community and helping to facilitate and empower others to reach their highest potential.  In her spare time you can find her enjoying family and friends, fishing, hunting, riding horse, and spending time photographing the wide variety of beauty found on the cattle farm she shares with her husband.

MNSHRM State Council Legal Counsel
Alec Beck
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State Council appointment ends December 2025

Alec Beck has practiced exclusively labor relations, employment law and workers’ compensation for over 30 years.  He is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources by HRCI, and as a Labor and Employment Law Specialist by the Minnesota Bar Association.  He has tried over 100 cases on behalf of employers throughout the country.

MNSHRM State Council Legislative Director
Cory Genlin
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State Council appointment ends December 2025

Cory Genelin, a partner at Gislason & Hunter, combines his knowledge of the law with common sense and leadership experience. His practice includes civil litigation, labor and employment law, business and corporate law and finance and banking law.

Cory serves as the Chair of Gislason & Hunter’s Employment, Labor and Benefits Practice Group. As the employment and general counsel for numerous Southern Minnesota businesses, he keeps operations running smoothly by producing policies, handbooks and checklists along with the training to implement them all. In the area of finance and banking law, Genelin provides expert and efficient representation on foreclosures, debt collection and workout agreements to the lenders he represents.

His litigation experience ranges from trust disputes to employment discrimination in both jury trials and court trials. He has even litigated cases before Administrative Law Judges and Courts Martial. For nearly 20 years, Cory has served in the Air National Guard. He is the current Staff Judge Advocate for the 119th Wing in Fargo, North Dakota. Cory is a decorated combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Cory is a native and resident of Le Sueur, Minnesota. He enjoys coaching youth wrestling and football, fishing, hunting, hobby farming and spending time with his wife and four children.