Recognition

Women of the Year Candidate

Margaret Heise - Top 10 Candidate from our GREN Network

Networker of the Year - Winner

Kathy Lessard, CFP

Kathy works at UBS Financial Services, Inc. She is a Financial Advisor, Certified Financial Planner and also a CPA (Certified Public Accountant). She helps individuals, families and businesses plan for their future (goals, objectives and needs). She has been in the finanical industry for 25 years. She has been a member of GREN since June of 2005. Kathy held the position of VP - Finance officer for the last 2 years with GREN. She is also a board member and a volunteer with "Rideability" (therapeutic horse riding for families and individuals with special needs).

Kathy A. Lessard, CFP

Finanical Advisor

UBS Financial Services, Inc.

kathy.a.lessard@ubs.com

Networker of the Year - Candidate

Kari Toft

Top 10 Bio

GREN:

I have been a member of Greater Rochester Express Network since 2003. I have held the positions of Vice President of Administration/Membership and Vice President of Communications. I am currently the webmaster for the network's website.

Education:

I have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Scandinavian Studies from Luther College. And I have a Master's degree in Human and Health Service Administration from Saint Mary's College of MN.

Professional Achievements:

I have worked professionally in the field of computer programming for over 23 years, 21 of those at the Mayo Clinic - Rochester. I recently was elected to join the administrative voting staff, an honor few administrative personnel receive. I am the owner/developer of a Scandinavian Online Gift Shop and the developer of numerous other websites for other businesses.

Professional Memberships and Societies

American Business Women Association, 2003 - present

American Legion Auxiliary, 2001 - present

Great Rochester Express Network, 2003 - present

Healthcare Information and Management System Society 2001- present

Minnesota Medical Group Management Association, 2000- 2001

Women In Technology International, 2004-2005

Publications

Patricia Schryver, BS, Saralyn Pruett, BA, Bruce Bjorgum, BA,

Peter Amadio, M.D., Kari Toft, MA, George Klee, M.D., Ph.D. (2006).

Informatics Techniques for Harmonizing Laboratory Test Values Across the Mayo Health System: Abstract. AcademyHealth.org, June 2006. 42.

Extramural

Girl Scouts of America, Daisy Leader, 2005-2006

Girl Scouts of America, Brownie Leader, 2006-present

Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Church Council - Publicity, 2006 - present

YMCA, Y-PAL, 1991-1994

Networker of the Year - Candidate

Kim Wettlerson

Kim joined Greater Rochester Express Network in December 2004. She has been the publicity/marketing chair person from July 2007-2008. Kim enjoys making new friends and getting to learn about other businesses in Rochester.

Whoever thought Kim would still be working at Mayo Clinic 27 1/2 years later? She currently is an executive secretary in Administration working for the Director for Education at Mayo Clinic Rochester. Kim also is a busienss owner and customer with Melaleuca, Inc.

Kim received a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Cardinal Stritch University in 2001. She joined the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce in March 2007. It has been a wonderful opportunity meeting business owners and networkers from Rochester.

Fifteen years ago Kim was a charter member of the Southern MN Chapter of USA Dance. It was a rewarding experience watching the ballroom dance chapter grow in many ways. She also has been a member of the Traverski Ski and Social Club for many years. The club has an annual charity auction. A "2009 Calendar Girls" calendar has been made and Kim is "Miss July." Proceeds from the calendar sales ($15 each) will go toward the Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer Research fund.