MNSHRM State Council  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 Director-Elect
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, 2025

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 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

Connie Larson

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State Council term ends December 31, 2024

Connie started in the HR field in 1994, beginning in benefits and pensions and then expanding to become a full-fledged HR generalist working in all areas of HR at both public and private employers, union and non-union environments.   She was a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), SHRM Certified Senior Professional (SHRM-SCP), and earned her basic Safety Certificate through the Minnesota Safety Council.

Connie was a charter member of the MNSHRM Arrowhead Chapter, serving on the board for many years, including as Chapter President.  She was elected to serve as Director-Elect of the SHRM Minnesota State Council for 2011-2012, Director of the State Council for 2013-2014 and Past Director from 2015-2016 and is very honored to have been asked back as the Interim Past Director for 2024.  Connie became “semi-retired” in 2018 and now does training as an adjunct instructor for Minnesota North Customized Training Solutions, teaches yoga, does HR projects for businesses, and seeks opportunities to do other projects and training for employees and professionals. Life is good!

MNSHRM State Council Co-Certification Director
Tracy Overson, CLM, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, C(k)PF
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State Council term ends December 2024

Tracy Overson, CLM, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, C(k)PF, is the Executive Director at Eckland & Blando where she has been employed since 2011. Tracy's career in the legal industry spans over 35 years.  She is a strong business development professional  with a Bachelor of Science degree focused in Management from Cardinal Stritch University.  At Eckland & Blando, Tracy  is responsible for overall financial management, including billing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial reporting, budgeting,  facility management, human resources, office administration, and overall firm management. Tracy is the President of the North Star SHRM Chapter as well as the MNSHRM State Council Certification Director. Tracy resides in Fridley with her husband, Joel, and their Field Bred English Springer Spaniel, Reggie.

MNSHRM State Council Co-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 College Relations Director
Jessica Westberg, SHRM-CP
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State Council terms ends December 2025

Jessica Westberg, SHRM-CP, is the Vice President of People at Media Bridge, overseeing all HR and DEI functions on the Executive Leadership Team. Jessica brings two decades of DEI experience, emphasizing educational equity in local school districts and a decade of Human Resources experience. She is well-versed in talent management, recruitment, policy development, education and training, conflict management, and strategy. Jessica actively contributes to the community by serving on the Boards of Directors for Black Business Enterprises and People Serving People. As a community organizer, she resides in the northwest suburbs with her husband Pete, six children, three cats, two dogs, and various foster animals.

MNSHRM State Council SHRM Diversity Director
Bree Maddox
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State Council terms ends December 2025

Bree Maddox is not just an HR professional; she's a catalyst for creating inclusive and equitable workplaces where every individual's unique talents and perspectives are valued. Her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident in her strategic approach to HR management and her dedication to fostering diverse, high-performing teams.

MNSHRM State Council SHRM Foundation Director
Omega Szweduik
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State Council terms ends December 2024

Omega Szweduik is currently a Human Resources Generalist at Fairview Range. In this role she works daily with Executive Directors, and Department leaders and employees to provide support with  HR related matters. 

Omega Szweduik for over 10 years has called the human resources sector home, working in healthcare, corrections, and financial industries. She approaches every day with integrity, compassion, and openness as she strives to be innovative and confident in all that she does.  She’s been active in the AHRA with experience in various volunteering roles for over a decade as well, including as a member of the MNSHRM Conference Committee since 2017.

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.

MNSHRM State Council Professional Development Director
Jennifer Ungaro
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State Council appointment ends December 2025

Jennifer is the Human Resources Manager at one of Crown Cork and Seal, LLC manufacturing facilities in Southeast Minnesota.  I have been in Human Resources for 15+ years as an HR Generalist, so I am used to having my hands in everything.  I have a Bachelor’s Degree in HR Management from University of Phoenix.  HR fell in my lap about 18 years ago and have enjoyed the evolution and tenacity of HR Professionals.  I have been a member of National SHRM for 15 years, member of local SHRM Chapter for 6 years, and here I am starting my journey on the MNSHRM State Council!