2024 Chapter Leadership
The Chapter is powered by volunteers. These volunteers put in and get back in a variety of ways. They serve on important committees – education, seminar, membership, public relations and social media as committee members, committee chair people – and in leadership positions on the Board of Directors. There are so many ways to contribute to the Chapter. In doing so, volunteers enhance the prestige of the full range of CEBS designations, increase the knowledge of people and groups in the benefits community, demonstrate value to employers and grow in their professional development. And volunteers have fun and form life-long friendships through their involvement with the Twin Cities Chapter of ISCEBS.
For more information about volunteering, contact one of the committee chairs listed below, email the Chapter at [email protected], or let a Board Member know you are interested.
For more information about volunteering, contact one of the committee chairs listed below, email the Chapter at [email protected], or let a Board Member know you are interested.
Board of Directors:
President
Jessica Henderson, CEBS
Email Jessica
Phone: 612. 202. 3705
Jessica is a Vice President at Aon. She has over 20 years of experience in all aspects of employee benefits that include: partnering with clients to develop their overall health and welfare strategy, plan administration, competitive market bids, merger and acquisition activity, compliance, and vendor relationships. She will work with you to identify priorities for your benefits program, develop strategies to address those priorities, and work with the team to create a detailed work plan for execution.
Jessica is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. She received her CEBS designation in 2009.
Jessica Henderson, CEBS
Email Jessica
Phone: 612. 202. 3705
Jessica is a Vice President at Aon. She has over 20 years of experience in all aspects of employee benefits that include: partnering with clients to develop their overall health and welfare strategy, plan administration, competitive market bids, merger and acquisition activity, compliance, and vendor relationships. She will work with you to identify priorities for your benefits program, develop strategies to address those priorities, and work with the team to create a detailed work plan for execution.
Jessica is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. She received her CEBS designation in 2009.
Vice President
Jared Schmillen, CEBS
Email Jared
Phone: 952. 484. 9455
Jared is an Account Executive at USI Insurance Services. He joined ABRC / USI in January 2020. He works as a liaison between clients and insurance companies. He assists clients with the design, implementation, education of complex benefit issues, and employee wellness programs. Jared is passionate about employee benefits and loves helping clients find solutions to their benefit needs.
Jared has worked in the insurance industry since 2000. Jared started his insurance career as an analyst, underwriter and broker working in property and casualty insurance. He then changed to health insurance, where he worked as a financial underwriter for UnitedHealthcare. Prior to joining USI, he worked eight years at Hays Companies as a benefits consultant, where he managed benefits for 25 clients.
Jared holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota Morris. There he majored in Statistics and earned Biology and Math minors. He earned his CEBS designation in 2017.
Active in his community, besides participating on the Twin Cities ISCEBS Chapter board. He also volunteers on the PTA at his kids’ elementary school and is a Sunday school substitute teacher at his local church. He is an energetic player and manager on his broomball and softball teams.
Jared Schmillen, CEBS
Email Jared
Phone: 952. 484. 9455
Jared is an Account Executive at USI Insurance Services. He joined ABRC / USI in January 2020. He works as a liaison between clients and insurance companies. He assists clients with the design, implementation, education of complex benefit issues, and employee wellness programs. Jared is passionate about employee benefits and loves helping clients find solutions to their benefit needs.
Jared has worked in the insurance industry since 2000. Jared started his insurance career as an analyst, underwriter and broker working in property and casualty insurance. He then changed to health insurance, where he worked as a financial underwriter for UnitedHealthcare. Prior to joining USI, he worked eight years at Hays Companies as a benefits consultant, where he managed benefits for 25 clients.
Jared holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota Morris. There he majored in Statistics and earned Biology and Math minors. He earned his CEBS designation in 2017.
Active in his community, besides participating on the Twin Cities ISCEBS Chapter board. He also volunteers on the PTA at his kids’ elementary school and is a Sunday school substitute teacher at his local church. He is an energetic player and manager on his broomball and softball teams.
Treasurer
Angela Subera, CEBS
Email Angela
Phone: 651. 642. 4687
Angela is the Benefits Manager at Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc. She has over 20+ years of experience working in plan administration, compliance, and management of both in-house and vendor plans. Angela unknowingly started her career while working part-time in the Pension Department of G. Heileman Brewing Company during college. Prior to her current role, she was the Benefits Manager at the Star Tribune Media Company.
Angela has a B.S. degree in Finance and Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. She obtained her Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation in 1994 and is a past Fellow.
Angela Subera, CEBS
Email Angela
Phone: 651. 642. 4687
Angela is the Benefits Manager at Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc. She has over 20+ years of experience working in plan administration, compliance, and management of both in-house and vendor plans. Angela unknowingly started her career while working part-time in the Pension Department of G. Heileman Brewing Company during college. Prior to her current role, she was the Benefits Manager at the Star Tribune Media Company.
Angela has a B.S. degree in Finance and Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. She obtained her Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation in 1994 and is a past Fellow.
Secretary
Stephanie Carter, CEBS
Email Stephanie
Phone: 612. 889. 6432
Stephanie is the Director Total Rewards at Star Tribune. She joined Star Tribune in 2020 and oversees its benefits, payroll, and compensation functions. Stephanie has over 25 years of benefits and human resources experience, previously holding HR leadership roles with Patterson Companies and Green Tree Servicing.
Stephanie holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas and a juris doctorate from the University of Minnesota Law School. She received her Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation in 2008.
Stephanie Carter, CEBS
Email Stephanie
Phone: 612. 889. 6432
Stephanie is the Director Total Rewards at Star Tribune. She joined Star Tribune in 2020 and oversees its benefits, payroll, and compensation functions. Stephanie has over 25 years of benefits and human resources experience, previously holding HR leadership roles with Patterson Companies and Green Tree Servicing.
Stephanie holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas and a juris doctorate from the University of Minnesota Law School. She received her Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation in 2008.
Director At-Large
Natalie Chandler, CEBS
Email Natalie
Phone: 763.670.3324
Natalie has been an active Twin Cities Chapter member since 2018 and co-chair of the Marketing and Membership Committee for the Chapter since January 2020. Natalie earned her CEBS designation in 2020, and with almost 10 years of Human Resources experience works as the Total Rewards Manager for Salo, LLC headquartered in Minneapolis, MN.
Natalie Chandler, CEBS
Email Natalie
Phone: 763.670.3324
Natalie has been an active Twin Cities Chapter member since 2018 and co-chair of the Marketing and Membership Committee for the Chapter since January 2020. Natalie earned her CEBS designation in 2020, and with almost 10 years of Human Resources experience works as the Total Rewards Manager for Salo, LLC headquartered in Minneapolis, MN.
Director At-Large
Patricia Oestreich, CEBS
Email Patti
952. 844. 2652
Patti is the Benefits Manager at Midco, a telecommunications company in the Midwest. She has worked more than 20 years working in the employee benefits space, with experience in plan administration, plan design, and strategy for a variety of benefit plans. Prior to joining Midco in 2016, Patti has worked in a variety of industries: manufacturing, restaurant services and pharmacy benefit management.
Patti holds a B.S. degree in Human Resources Management from Winona State University. She obtained her Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation in 2017.
Patricia Oestreich, CEBS
Email Patti
952. 844. 2652
Patti is the Benefits Manager at Midco, a telecommunications company in the Midwest. She has worked more than 20 years working in the employee benefits space, with experience in plan administration, plan design, and strategy for a variety of benefit plans. Prior to joining Midco in 2016, Patti has worked in a variety of industries: manufacturing, restaurant services and pharmacy benefit management.
Patti holds a B.S. degree in Human Resources Management from Winona State University. She obtained her Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation in 2017.
Director At-Large
Cheryl Nienhuis, CEBS
Email Cheryl
507. 422. 6103
Cheryl is the Director of Health and Welfare Programs at Mayo Clinic. She has over 25 years of benefits experience. Prior to her current role, she worked with employers, focusing on complex and serious conditions within their benefit design to manage health care costs while providing high-value health care benefits to employees.
Cheryl holds a Master of Business Administration in Marketing and Health Care Management degree and obtained her CEBS in 2018.
Cheryl Nienhuis, CEBS
Email Cheryl
507. 422. 6103
Cheryl is the Director of Health and Welfare Programs at Mayo Clinic. She has over 25 years of benefits experience. Prior to her current role, she worked with employers, focusing on complex and serious conditions within their benefit design to manage health care costs while providing high-value health care benefits to employees.
Cheryl holds a Master of Business Administration in Marketing and Health Care Management degree and obtained her CEBS in 2018.
Past President
Brent Bordson, CEBS
Email Brent
Phone: 612. 696. 6005
Brent is a Director of Benefits at Target Corporation. He joined Target in 2004 and oversees compliance and participant engagement for Target’s qualified and non-qualified savings programs. He also leads Target’s financial well-being initiative. Prior to his current role he held various roles in HR and Finance at Target. Prior to joining Target, he was a Tax Manager at Ernst & Young.
Brent holds a B.A. degree in Business Management from Hamline University and a Law degree from Hamline University School of Law. He obtained his Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation in 2017.
Brent Bordson, CEBS
Email Brent
Phone: 612. 696. 6005
Brent is a Director of Benefits at Target Corporation. He joined Target in 2004 and oversees compliance and participant engagement for Target’s qualified and non-qualified savings programs. He also leads Target’s financial well-being initiative. Prior to his current role he held various roles in HR and Finance at Target. Prior to joining Target, he was a Tax Manager at Ernst & Young.
Brent holds a B.A. degree in Business Management from Hamline University and a Law degree from Hamline University School of Law. He obtained his Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation in 2017.
List of past presidents
2023 - Brent Bordson, CEBS
2022 - Joshua Hoover, CEBS
2021 - Leigh Stepan, CEBS
2020 - Lara Pischke, CEBS
2019 – Terri Jo Halverson, CEBS
2018 – Francine Merrell, CEBS
2017 – Bethany Charlsen, CEBS
2016 – Jim Vetter, CEBS
2015 – Yvonne Lutz, CEBS
2014 – Janis Koltun, CEBS Fellow
2013 – Michael Deffner, CEBS
2012 – Jennifer Johnson, CEBS
2011 – Richard Fitzpatrick, CEBS Fellow
2010 – Janis Koltun, CEBS Fellow
2009 – Jennifer Eager, CEBS
2008 – Kristine Jordahl, CEBS
2007 – Kristy Lucksinger, CEBS
2006 – David Wilson, CEBS
2005 – Karen Malm, CEBS
2004 – Tamara Johnson, CEBS
2003 – Richard Storms, CEBS, Past President ISCEBS
2002 – Tracy Thompson, CEBS
2001 – Elaine Grittner, CEBS Fellow
2000 – Rex Kohl, CEBS
1999 – Ron Jensen, CEBS
1998 – Joyce Traver, CEBS
1997 – Lori Larson, CEBS
1996 – Pat Pechacek, CEBS
1995 – Katie Lewis, CEBS, Past President ISCEBS
1994 – Mary Komornicka, CEBS, Past President ISCEBS
1993 – Janice Wander, CEBS
1992 – Deb Rosenberg, CEBS Fellow, 2014 & 2015 ISCEBS Governing Committee
1991 – Jim Cuff, CEBS
1990 – Art Jacobson, CEBS
1989 – Madison Groves, CEBS
1988 – Ronald Tollefson, CEBS
1987 – Ann Dudero, CEBS
1986 – Walter Jacobson, CEBS, 1986-1988 ISCEBS Governing Council, 1988 Secretary/Treasurer
1985 – Mark Tierney, CEBS
2022 - Joshua Hoover, CEBS
2021 - Leigh Stepan, CEBS
2020 - Lara Pischke, CEBS
2019 – Terri Jo Halverson, CEBS
2018 – Francine Merrell, CEBS
2017 – Bethany Charlsen, CEBS
2016 – Jim Vetter, CEBS
2015 – Yvonne Lutz, CEBS
2014 – Janis Koltun, CEBS Fellow
2013 – Michael Deffner, CEBS
2012 – Jennifer Johnson, CEBS
2011 – Richard Fitzpatrick, CEBS Fellow
2010 – Janis Koltun, CEBS Fellow
2009 – Jennifer Eager, CEBS
2008 – Kristine Jordahl, CEBS
2007 – Kristy Lucksinger, CEBS
2006 – David Wilson, CEBS
2005 – Karen Malm, CEBS
2004 – Tamara Johnson, CEBS
2003 – Richard Storms, CEBS, Past President ISCEBS
2002 – Tracy Thompson, CEBS
2001 – Elaine Grittner, CEBS Fellow
2000 – Rex Kohl, CEBS
1999 – Ron Jensen, CEBS
1998 – Joyce Traver, CEBS
1997 – Lori Larson, CEBS
1996 – Pat Pechacek, CEBS
1995 – Katie Lewis, CEBS, Past President ISCEBS
1994 – Mary Komornicka, CEBS, Past President ISCEBS
1993 – Janice Wander, CEBS
1992 – Deb Rosenberg, CEBS Fellow, 2014 & 2015 ISCEBS Governing Committee
1991 – Jim Cuff, CEBS
1990 – Art Jacobson, CEBS
1989 – Madison Groves, CEBS
1988 – Ronald Tollefson, CEBS
1987 – Ann Dudero, CEBS
1986 – Walter Jacobson, CEBS, 1986-1988 ISCEBS Governing Council, 1988 Secretary/Treasurer
1985 – Mark Tierney, CEBS