Michelle Bjerkness Email & Phone Number

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

The USWBSI's national multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional coordinated research system is focused on enhancing food safety and supply by reducing the impact of Fusarium Head Blight (scab) on wheat and barley. The USWBSI Networking & Facilitation Office (NFO) is located at the University of Minnesota in the Department of Plant Pathology.Executive LeadershipAdminister and execute the evolving responsibilities of the Networking and Facilitation Office (NFO) of the U.S. National… Show more The USWBSI's national multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional coordinated research system is focused on enhancing food safety and supply by reducing the impact of Fusarium Head Blight (scab) on wheat and barley. The USWBSI Networking & Facilitation Office (NFO) is located at the University of Minnesota in the Department of Plant Pathology.Executive LeadershipAdminister and execute the evolving responsibilities of the Networking and Facilitation Office (NFO) of the U.S. National Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative (USWBSI).Operations & Financial PlanningDevelop, initiate, and support implementation of the business plans and fiscal operations that support strategic plans and goals of the USWBSI. Liaison between the USWBSI’s Executive Committee and Steering Committee and consortium members, government agencies, and the public. Prioritize research schemes and facilitate resolution of consensus research plans.Educational ProgrammingCoordinate activities of scientists and institutions involved in the USWBSI by leading the planning and facilitating collaborative scientific meetings, workshops, symposia, the annual NFHB Forum, and other across-Initiative activities.CommunicationsAdvocate and clearly communicate efforts and outcomes, serving as liaison between the public and USWBSI participants. Develop and oversee compelling communication strategies for improved visibility, recognition and awareness of USWBSI.Team ManagementFoster a working climate in which the team is motivated to advance organizational strategies through innovation and collaboration. Show less

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Management HQ is a world-class association management firm, focused on securing a thriving, competitive future for client membership associations. MHQ promotes a culture of collaboration, partnerships, and professional operations that are membership associations' keys to success.Executive LeadershipServe as proactive leader to the Association for Death Education and Counseling and other MHQ clients, driving overall association growth and sustainability. Shape strategic plans… Show more Management HQ is a world-class association management firm, focused on securing a thriving, competitive future for client membership associations. MHQ promotes a culture of collaboration, partnerships, and professional operations that are membership associations' keys to success.Executive LeadershipServe as proactive leader to the Association for Death Education and Counseling and other MHQ clients, driving overall association growth and sustainability. Shape strategic plans, oversee all functional areas of operations, including membership development, event management, sponsorships and partnerships, education and certification management, and marketing. Implement decisions and policies approved by the association leadership, communicate objectives and strategies to staff team, and coordinate duties of committees and staff.Project-Based LeadershipLead and implement projects, programs, and events that the organization undertakes through our project-based leadership system, including providing project management support to team members, volunteers, staff, and vendors.Financial Oversight & DevelopmentServe as key strategist on the client financial management team, responsible for closely monitoring and acting on risks and opportunities that could impact the client.CommunicationsOversee and implement client marketing and communications plans and tactics. Maintain effective internal and external relationships. Show less

St. Paul, Mn

Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest (JAUM) is a non-profit organization passionate about inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Reaching nearly 170,000 student each year, JA programs focus on entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy. Strategy Development and Board Interactions Collaborated with board and staff to support program processes, educational outcomes, volunteer engagement, and priority initiatives; developed program and… Show more Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest (JAUM) is a non-profit organization passionate about inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Reaching nearly 170,000 student each year, JA programs focus on entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy. Strategy Development and Board Interactions Collaborated with board and staff to support program processes, educational outcomes, volunteer engagement, and priority initiatives; developed program and operation strategies for greater impact and growth. Led the team toward key goals, monitored and reported on progress; developed effective outreach plans and communications targeted at education and business communities, responded to program dynamics to meet educational needs; and built external awareness of JA experiential learning opportunities with key stakeholders.Financial and Partnership Development Developed, managed, and oversaw operational budgets; and strategically pursued opportunities to grow funding and partnerships specifically supporting key initiatives.Program Delivery and Expansion Delivered impactful experiential learning opportunities to youth at onsite JA learning labs, in-classroom programs, and with community partners; supervised program quantity and quality; assured volunteer engagement, evaluated program outcomes; participated in education community to ensure JA is addressing the needs of its education partners and to strengthen JA's position as a thought leader; and ensured that all reports and data were in compliance with JA program implementation standards and met all reporting deadlines.Employee DevelopmentExemplified a leadership model consistent with JA’s value based behaviors; and directed the Operation program staff including the effective recruiting, selection, training, development, and performance management for a diverse, empowered and successful team. Show less

St. Paul, Mn

Director of Operations for the American Phytopathological Society (APS), and the Cereals & Grains Association (formerly AACCI), and the International Society of Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions. • Operations/Strategy – Implemented strategies and priorities, maintained active involvement in all projects and services and provided direction and coordination for increased member engagement, and annual meeting/education and publication advancement.• Financial Management – Partnered… Show more Director of Operations for the American Phytopathological Society (APS), and the Cereals & Grains Association (formerly AACCI), and the International Society of Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions. • Operations/Strategy – Implemented strategies and priorities, maintained active involvement in all projects and services and provided direction and coordination for increased member engagement, and annual meeting/education and publication advancement.• Financial Management – Partnered with the executive staff team on operational and financial goals; provided strategic recommendations and metric analysis. • Leadership – Created a working climate in which employees are motivated to develop their skills and abilities and are well informed on the organizational strategies. Developed and fostered a culture that encourages innovation and collaboration.• Communications and Public Relations – Led plans to ensure the organizations' mission, programs, products and services were consistently presented in a strong, positive image to stakeholders; ensured compelling stories were creatively presented to all audiences. • Development – Oversaw advancement initiatives for two Foundations, facilitated new funding opportunities, exceptional and impactful donor relations and stewardship, award/grant process and engaged awardees.• Program/Education Management – Directed programs and educational events to ensure top-level experiences for participants and their educational needs, implemented tactics, oversaw content development and evaluated outcomes.• Board/Volunteer Administration – Effectively administered the governing bodies of the organizations, advised and informed key leaders/volunteers, interfaced with staff and implemented policies.• Advocacy – Supported science-based advocacy efforts to increase awareness of scientific gaps and funding needs in alignment with organizational priorities. Worked with member experts to build-out strategies and comprehensive plans. Show less

St. Paul, Mn

• Supported the advancement of the Scientific Societies by building and encouraging initiatives that positively impact the mission of the organizations and the science of plant pathology, cereal chemistry, brewing science ad technology, and molecular plant-microbe interactions. • Provided vision and direct strategic membership and communications initiatives to increase and maintain visibility and engagement with members, prospective members, donors, students, and the public; initiate… Show more • Supported the advancement of the Scientific Societies by building and encouraging initiatives that positively impact the mission of the organizations and the science of plant pathology, cereal chemistry, brewing science ad technology, and molecular plant-microbe interactions. • Provided vision and direct strategic membership and communications initiatives to increase and maintain visibility and engagement with members, prospective members, donors, students, and the public; initiate innovative value-added services, deliver effective multi-audience programs, enhance partnerships, monitor trends and best practices, implement strategic planning priorities; measure, report and analyze results; administer budgets and meet objectives aligned with organizational goals. • Developed relationships with academic, government and industry leaders and scientists through their volunteer efforts on boards/committees in public policy, media relations, outreach, industry relations, youth programs, career development/training, and international relations; build collaborations, set policy and procedures, guide governance, develop plans, maintain budgets, manage events and implement objectives.• Built brand identity and advocate for creative approaches in multimedia communication strategies with internal and external audiences; direct development of overall communications plan.• Led the implementation of targeted marketing strategies, using cost-effective measures and critical project management techniques, to increase membership recruitment and retention; utilize research methods and measure effectiveness of activities.• Enhanced outreach to build awareness of key issues related to these scientific areas.• Managed staff, develop procedures to ensure consistent and accurate work flow; train, motivate, supervise and evaluate.Membership Marketing Manager | 1-98 to 6-00 Show less

St. Paul, Mn

• Managed complex schedule of new member recruitment and member retention programs, including a robust e-mail, digital and print mail program.• Developed and maintained a cohesive online membership marketing strategy, including content development for members.• Assessed and improved upon marketing efforts through research and quantitative and qualitative analysis. • Created membership collateral materials and coordinate member fulfillment procedures.

Edina, Minnesota

• Designed communications strategies to effectively utilize a full range of techniques in responding to member needs.• Maintained cost-effective media buying, consistently achieving or coming under budget.• Orchestrated the development of and implemented a new graphic identity for the association, including new website.• Served as staff liaison to several volunteer committees, coordinated educational programs and workshops.• Supervised creative talent and reviewed vendor… Show more • Designed communications strategies to effectively utilize a full range of techniques in responding to member needs.• Maintained cost-effective media buying, consistently achieving or coming under budget.• Orchestrated the development of and implemented a new graphic identity for the association, including new website.• Served as staff liaison to several volunteer committees, coordinated educational programs and workshops.• Supervised creative talent and reviewed vendor relationships to ensure projects met organizational standards at budget.Director of Training Development• Assisted in the conceptual and analysis stages for various training products in classroom and multimedia formats; researched certification options, designed marketing and training materials, coordinated product distribution.• Worked with committee of industry subject matter experts on product development of training materials to deliver quality products.Assistant Director of CommunicationsCommunications Specialist Show less

Ba, Business Admin & English Writing

Ma, Organizational Management