OF NOTE

Law firm Nilan Johnson Lewis, Minneapolis, announced the retirement of firm co-founder and shareholder Don Lewis, 70, who has begun serving as an arbitrator and mediator with JAMS, a private alternative dispute resolution provider. Lewis’ career includes stints with U.S. Department of Justice and dean of Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul from 2008 to 2013.

ADVERTISING/PUBLIC RELATIONS

MONO, a Minneapolis-based design, advertising and branding agency, announced the hires of Chris Yocum and Christopher Howe as associate creative directors. Yocum’s brand work includes Google, Target, Walmart, Alfa Romeo, State Farm, and Ziploc; Howe has worked with Arby’s, H&R Block, Walmart, Redbox, and Larabar. Both are rejoining the agency.

EDUCATION

Reflection Sciences, an Excelsior-based provider of executive function measurement tools and implementation services to educators, clinicians, families and businesses, announced it has appointed Isaac Van Wesep as chief executive officer, effective June 1. … Dunwoody College of Technology, Minneapolis, announced the upcoming retirement of President Rich Wagner, effective in July 2024.

ENERGY

Xcel Energy, Minneapolis, recognized the following Minnesota businesses for energy efficiency from May 2021 to Dec. 2022: Excellence for Electric Savings-Commercial: Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Minneapolis; Excellence for Gas Savings-Commercial: Ramsey County Correctional Facility, Maplewood; Excellence for Electric Savings-Industrial: SkyWater Technology, Bloomington; Excellence for Gas Savings-Industrial: 3M, Maplewood; Excellence for Electric Savings-Small to Midsize Business: Solhem, Minneapolis; Excellence for Gas Savings-Small to Midsize Business: Centennial United Methodist Church, Roseville.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union announced the opening of a branch at 1315 University Ave. West, St. Paul. … Stone Arch Advisory Group, Edina, announced that founding partner Craig Volk was added to the 2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor list.

GOVERNMENT

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development announced has named Ekta Prakash as director of its office of public engagement, effective May 31. Prakash previously was program director and CEO at CAPI USA – Immigrant Opportunity Center, a community services provider in Brooklyn Center. … Minnesota IT Services, the information technology agency for the state’s executive branch, announced it has named John Israel as assistant commissioner and chief information security officer for the State of Minnesota. Israel has served in that role on an interim basis since October 2022.

HONORS

MEDA, the Metropolitan Economic Development Association, Minneapolis, announced that it has named NEOO co-founder D’Angelos Svenkeson as its 2022 Entrepreneur of the Year. NEOO Partners is a St. Paul-based commercial real estate and planning firm.

LAW

Fredrikson, Minneapolis, announced that firm attorney Navita T. Lakhram has been appointed to the Twin Cities Diversity in Practice and Wanton Injustice Legal Detail board of directors; the organization promotes a diverse and inclusive legal community in the Twins Cities.

MANUFACTURING

Graco, a Minneapolis-based maker of fluid handling equipment for industry, announced that Heather L. Anfang has been appointed to the board of directors. Anfang serves as senior vice president, general manager for U.S. dairy foods, Land O’ Lakes, Arden Hills. … EMI, Electro-Mechanical Industries, a Plymouth-based maker of electrical distribution equipment for industry, announced the hire of John Haugum as sales manager.

NONPROFITS

RCN, the Recovery Community Network, St. Cloud, announced it has received a $300,000 grant from the State of Minnesota, for assisting people living with or seeking help with a substance use disorder with their re-entry into the community. … The Center for Economic Inclusion, a St. Paul-based organization focused on promoting racial economic equity, announced it has named May D. Vang to its board of directors. Vang is vice president of treasury and chief investment officer for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Eagan.

TECHNOLOGY

Vanco, a Bloomington-based provider of electronic payment products and services to faith organizations, education and nonprofits, announced the appointment of Oliver Chang as chief product and technology officer. Oliver has held leadership positions at TSYS, First Data, FleetCor, Diebold Nixdorf and

FICO.

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