Good Leadership Award
Winner
Kelly Hansen, Senior Vice President, People & Culture, Veit
Kelly Hansen believes in the power of people. Whether through her mentorship of emerging female leaders or by training executives through the Minnesota Manufacturing Alliance’s Strategic Leadership Certification Program, she demonstrates a dedication to uplifting future leaders. Her authenticity, empathy, and high standards have earned the trust and respect of colleagues across all levels.
Known for her ability to connect with others, her compassion, and her commitment to building workplaces where employees thrive, Hansen has built a reputation as a transformative visionary in her field. At Veit, Hansen has implemented meaningful initiatives, from creating the Veit University leadership program to establishing a Mental Health Committee and launching Mental Health First Aid training for employees.
But what stood out to the judges was Hansen’s impact beyond her workplace and across the broader HR field. She combines strategic insight with human connection, mentoring emerging leaders as naturally as she discusses executive growth targets. She is an advocate for women in construction, elevating Women in Construction Week and creating creating pathways for women in skilled trades while delivering keynotes.
She has also contributed to professional organizations such as the Forum for Executive Women, where she served as president, and has held statewide and national leadership roles, including participation in the first-ever White House STEM, Education, and Workforce Initiative.
“Her influence spans industries, communities, and countless individuals whose lives and careers she has touched,” says Tim Reimann, president of Veit. “Her legacy is one of empowerment, innovation, and service, and her positive impact will continue to shape the construction and manufacturing industries for years to come.”
Finalists
Lindsey Bauer, Vice President of HR, Perforce Software
Nominated for her work at Perforce, Lindsey Bauer leads with purpose, brings people together, and builds systems that elevate performance across Perforce. To evolve the organization’s HR operating model, Bauer designed and implemented a Global Service Center, centralizing core HR operations and enabling better service delivery at scale. In addition, Bauer has improved talent planning, delivered new sales enablement programs, and facilitated programming that helped employees build awareness of their leadership styles and improve coaching behaviors.
Denise La Mere-Anderson, Vice President, Talent & Culture Enablement, Andersen Corporation
With more than 20 years of experience, Denise La Mere-Anderson delivers initiatives that align talent and culture with business objectives. At Andersen Corporation, she accelerates the work of nine business impact groups that connect employee engagement with operational and financial outcomes. She has also held senior leadership roles at Taylor Corporation, UnitedHealth Group, Daikin-McQuay, and Best Buy. She serves on the boards of Genesys Works Twin Cities, Thrive! Family Recovery Resources, and The Islander Foundation.
Michelle Mueller, Senior Vice President of HR, The Minnesota Star Tribune
With 32 years in the industry, including seven at The Minnesota Star Tribune, Michelle Mueller’s compassionate and smart leadership confirms that supporting employees is essential to long-term business success. She ensured people felt equipped and confident during a large-scale digital transformation, and respected and heard as the organization closed its printing facility. She also led the hiring and onboarding of an almost entirely new executive leadership team within a single year. Engagement, retention, leadership effectiveness, and the company’s ability to effect change are all strengthened by her influence.
Rochelle Remund, Director of HR, Pipestone
In two and a half years as HR director, Rochelle Remund has nurtured a positive and supportive work environment and reduced turnover by 6 percent, even as the management division grew from 990 to 1,211 employees. Her proactive approach to workforce planning has helped the company maintain stable staffing levels and minimize labor shortages. Remund is also a champion for workforce development across the region and mentors all Southwest Minnesota CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) program students.
Honorable Mentions
Jennifer Bartels
Vice President of People & Impact, Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities
Rhonda Cox
Vice President of People & Culture, Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
Tami Cybulski
Vice President of HR, Blaze Credit Union
Oyekolawa Fatusin
HR Manager, The Bond Between
Kathy Megarry
Vice President of HR and Labor Relations, Metropolitan Airports Commission