Alumni Career Chats

Major: Sociology/Anthropology & Religion

Current Role: Director of Development at Wallin Education Partners

Alex Askew launched his nonprofit career through AmeriCorps service, gaining valuable experience that laid the foundation for his commitment to community-centered development. With over a decade of expertise in fundraising, he came to Wallin Education Partners after successfully leading development efforts at The Bakken Museum, Genesys Works, and College Possible.

A dedicated community advocate, Alex has served on the boards of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Unity Church Unitarian, and the InterCorps Council of Minnesota. He currently chairs the board of RECLAIM, a mental health care organization supporting queer and trans youth. As a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), Alex is committed to advancing ethical standards and best practices in the field.

Major: Economics (Finance Concentration) & German

Current Role: Interior Designer, Founder of Embellishments Design Studio

I was recruited by General Mills my senior year at Olaf to work as a Financial Analyst. After 2 years, I decided I wanted to be in a more creative field, so I moved to Target to be a buyer. I launched my interior design business 5 years later & have been working in design for more than 23 years as a solo entrepreneur. I love working in a field where I can be both analytical & creative!

Major: Psychology & Pre Med

Current Role: Vice President and previously CNO for Sanford Health, Fairview and HealthEast

I attended St Olaf because I had dreamed of becoming a MD for most of my life. While studying for the MCAT post St Olaf graduation, I took a job that led to 10 + years of building water parks/community centers/parks and recreation facilities. I then went to nursing school nights/weekends, worked as an emergency department RN and started on the leadership/executive path in healthcare. I’ve had multiple roles as an executive, opened a hospital, closed a 137-year-old hospital and overseen system wide administrative changes. I continue to enjoy my career and lean into new opportunities as they present themselves. I’m in my 30th year as a volunteer ski patroller and serve on the BOD for the National Ski Patrol. I am a wife, mother and grandma who loves to travel with our family of 15.

Major: American Studies, Communication, & Management Studies

Current Role: Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer (EVP & CMO) at Revenue Rocket Consulting Group

At Revenue Rocket, Ryan helps tech companies grow, buy, and sell other businesses. He works with founders to build strategy, tell their story, and find the right partners for mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Students can learn how business growth, marketing, and deal-making come together to shape the tech-services industry.

Major: Music Eduction

Current Role: Music Education

Sarah Branton ’00 is in her 25th year of teaching and her 20th at Cherry Creek High School in Denver, Colorado, where she directs multiple choirs and teaches Advanced Placement Music Theory. Under her direction, choirs have performed at numerous state and regional conventions, at Carnegie Hall, and on tours throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, and Iceland. Branton currently serves as the assistant director and section leader with Kantorei, a Denver-based adult choir dedicated to performing choral music at the highest level of musical excellence. She also chairs the Colorado All-State Choir and has previously worked on the board of Colorado ACDA. Branton regularly serves as a guest conductor and clinician for honor choirs and festivals, and she is on faculty at the summer Sitka Fine Arts Camp in Sitka, Alaska. In addition to her work as a vocalist, conductor, and educator, Branton is an accomplished orchestral and jazz bassist.

Major: Creative Arts for Social Change, Paracollege

Current Role: Owner of Nexa Home Connect

Professor, writer, public servant.

Major: English & Management Studies concentration

Current Role: Revenue Tax Supervisor at Minnesota Department of Revenue

I’ve been in various state government positions since graduating: From my humble beginnings in a contact center, to a major communications and writing position, to my more recent leadership and managerial positions. The State of Minnesota is one of the state’s largest employers, and there’s a variety of opportunities and career paths in public service!

Major: History, Norwegian, & Nordic Studies

Current Role: Senior Manager – CSIRT (Incident Response) at Target

After graduating St. Olaf with a History and Norwegian degree, I joined the Marine Corps where I spent 8 years working in communications and information systems. I came back to Minnesota, got my MBA, and transitioned into cybersecurity. I’ve been at Target for just over 3 years, starting as an incident response analyst and senior analyst before transitioning into my current role as a manager.

Major: Studio Art with Asian Studies and Chinese Language concentrations

Current Role: Physical Therapist, Owner of Mend & Send PT + Performance

I started out as a production ceramic artist, until I fell upon Physical Therapy and haven’t looked back! I have worked in a variety of outpatient environments and now run my own private practice treating rock climbers and upper extremity athletes. Um Ya Ya!

Major: Biology & Environmental Studies

Current Role: AI Innovation Manager at Polaris

Since leaving academia for the Data Science and Analytics world I have found that being open minded and wiling to learn and take some calculated risk has been key to unpredictable nature of navigating any early career. In my current role I combine both technical expertise and clear, effective, communication to ensure AI is adopted in appropriate, effective, and responsible ways.

Major: Communications & Theater

Current Role: Director at Jacob Wetterling Resource Center

Alison Feigh ’00 is the director of the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center, a Zero Abuse Project program that works to prevent crimes against children while connecting families of the missing and exploited to important resources. In her more than 20 years of missing children advocacy, she works with students, parents, youth workers, faith leaders, law enforcement, and the media to help prevent childhood abuse and abductions. Feigh’s work also includes writing curriculum for youth-serving organizations, training professionals about the online challenges kids face, and advocating for families of the missing. She is the author of two children’s books and co-author of a textbook titled Sex Crimes and Offenders: Exploring Questions of Character and Culture. She was recently awarded the 2024 Visionary Voice Award from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.

Major: Political Science, German, & concentration in International Relations

Current Role: Agency Policy Specialist at Minnesota Department of Health

At the Minnesota Department of Health, I coordinate my Division’s legislative proposals and monitor the legislative session. I have worked for the State of Minnesota since 2010. Prior to that, I lived in Washington DC for 13 years where I worked for the US Senate and held other legislative positions in the private sector.

Major: Sociology, anthropology, German

Current Role: Violin and Viola instructor

My first career was in social work, including work with mental health, substance, abuse, health, and homelessness.

My second career is in Music. I have a private teaching studio in Northfield. I am a registered Suzuki Teacher with additional pedagogy experience outside of Suzuki.

Major: German

Current Role: Project Manager at Hennepin County’s Department of Community Corrections & Rehabilitation

Katie Henly is a project manager at Hennepin County’s Department of Community Corrections & Rehabilitation, where she leads strategy, planning, and evaluation initiatives. She holds a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Minnesota and brings cross-sector experience from international education, nonprofits, and higher ed. A Fulbright Scholar, Katie has lived and worked abroad and in New York City, and she’s passionate about building effective public systems that serve communities with integrity and impact.

Major: Biology

Current Role: MD OB/GYN

Sarah Hutto ’01 is an associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and women’s health at the University of Minnesota, where she is involved in clinical care, research, and teaching. Her clinical interests include high-risk obstetrics, minimally invasive gynecological surgery, preventive care, and full-spectrum reproductive and contraception care. She has been recognized for her excellent clinical care by her peers as a University of Minnesota Physicians Clinical Excellence Honoree from 2022–25, and she has been named a Top Doctor by Minnesota Monthly and Mpls.St.Paul Magazine multiple years. Hutto’s true passion is medical education, and she has also received a number of awards for her excellence in education and teaching. She currently serves as the director of the OB/GYN Residency Program, and before assuming this role she served as the OBGYN medical student clerkship director for six years. Hutto completed her residency in obstetrics, gynecology and women’s health at the University of Minnesota, where she served as chief administrative resident.

Major: History & German

Current Role: Senior Analytics Consultant at Wells Fargo

I fell into data analytics and reporting in graduate school in an attempt to break out of an unfulfilling sales “career”. I’ve worked in three industries (marketing, legal research, banking) in my career. Happy to chat about industry specific topics or general career and work/life observations, and help you learn from my “mistakes!”

Major: Political Science, Social Work,  & Race and Ethnic Studies

Current Role: Legislative Aide to Saint Paul City Council President Rebecca Noecker

Megan Jekot, a St. Olaf College graduate in Political Science and Race and Ethnic Studies, has worked in policy, communications, and organizing across Minnesota. From managing campaigns to leading advocacy initiatives, she brings deep experience in public service and systems change. In 2025, she became the Legislative Aide to Saint Paul City Council President Rebecca Noecker.

Major: BA K-12 Music Education (Choral)

Current Role: Executive & Artistic Director at Minnesota Boychoir

Mark Johnson ’91 began his work with the Minnesota Boychoir in 1992 as the accompanist and was hired as the artistic director in 1993. After majoring in vocal music education at St. Olaf, he taught junior high choral music for six years before becoming the full-time conductor of the boychoir. From 1995 to 2007, he was a member of the staff at Albemarle, a summer music camp program of the American Boychoir School in Princeton, New Jersey. Johnson’s reputation in choral work, especially with children’s groups, has led to many invitations to work as a clinician, accompanist, and adjudicator for honors choirs and festivals around the globe. He conducted the Young Men’s track for the World Voices Australia Festival at the Sydney Opera House in 2007 and the Minnesota Music Educators Association Celebration of Young Musicians Festivals in 2014 and 2016, among many others. ACDA of Minnesota honored Johnson with the Minnesota Choral Director of the Year Award in 2022, and he is currently president of the organization, serving in a leadership capacity until 2029.

Major: Political Science & German

Current Role: Independent Consultant

I’m an independent consultant who partners with governments and nonprofits to advance economic mobility and growth strategies. I previously worked in state government and the nonprofit sector in policy and program leadership roles. I can advise students exploring careers in government, public policy, or mission-driven work, and offer guidance on how to align your skills and interests to careers in these areas.

Major: Religion

Current Role: Planned Giving Officer at Twin Cities PBS

I have a 20+ year career in fundraising, with over 12 in planned giving. Helping people make significant for them gifts to organizations they love with their assets at the end of their lives is a beautiful and meaningful event. Philanthropy changes organizations and donors.

Major: Psychology and Concentrations in Biomedical Studies & Educational Studies

Current Role: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) at Minnesota Clinic for Health and Wellness

I work as a mental health counselor in a group private practice. I got my master’s degree in 2017 and have been practicing as a counselor for eight years. I’m a generalist, but I also specialize in grief and loss issues as well as in supporting healthcare workers. I also was the President of the Minnesota Counseling Association for two years and work part-time as an Adjunct Online Graduate Lecturer for McDaniel College.

Major: English 

Current Role: Application and Data Supervisor, Department of Labor and Industry at the State of Minnesota

Andrew Koebrick has been a State of Minnesota IT professional for 30 years. He started after getting a masters degree in Library Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He first ran a public policy library then shifted to web application programming. He advanced until he reached his current role as supervisor of a team of developers and data engineers that create and maintain complex state wide enterprise applications. He has also run for Statewide office, founded a non-profit bicycle shop, and has done private sector IT consulting.

Major: Mathematics & Computer Science Concentration

Current Role: Consulting at Slalom

Pete has spent his career helping organizations succeed with technology. He is currently a technology strategy consultant with Slalom, but has worked as both a consultant and employee in application development, process improvement, enterprise architecture, and technology product delivery. He offers a broad perspective on the advantages of a St. Olaf education across many industries and technology roles.

Major: Political Science & English

Current Role: Special Agent for the FBI

After 10 years of corporate careers (Life Time Fitness and Target), I pivoted to a federal government career. In doing so, I put my liberal arts education to the test. Change is difficult but being an Ole prepared me for the change! I’m a proud Ole and can discuss going through career changes, being adaptable, government agencies, etc.

Major: Chemistry

Current Role: Ophthalmologist – Glaucoma and Cataract Surgery at Minnesota Eye Consultants

Dr. Chase Liaboe specializes in glaucoma and cataract surgery at Minnesota Eye Consultants. He is originally from Dubuque, Iowa and first moved to Minnesota for college. He graduated magna cum laude from St. Olaf College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry. While at St. Olaf, he was an All-American and Academic All-American swimmer. He completed medical school at Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine – University of Iowa. After medical school, Dr. Liaboe completed a transitional internship with the Hennepin County Medical Center, followed by an ophthalmology residency at the University of Minnesota – Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences. He completed a glaucoma and anterior segment surgery fellowship at Minnesota Eye Consultants.

Throughout his training, he co-authored multiple scientific papers and presented at several national meetings. In addition, Dr. Liaboe has won several awards, including the Harry Friedman Research Award, which recognizes the resident who presents the outstanding research project of the year and the Harry Plotke Award, awarded annually to the resident with the most outstanding clinical skills, compassion, and concern for the patient. Dr. Liaboe also plays an active role in the Ophthalmology community, as a member of several associations, including as a board member of the Minnesota Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons.

In his free time, Dr. Liaboe enjoys taking advantage of the numerous outdoor activities that Minnesota is known for, including evening runs in the bitter January cold with his wife Morgan (2012), his children Jude and Marlo, and their 2 goldendoodles, Liam and Murphy.

Major: Psychology

Current Role: Project Manager at RSM

Upon graduation I started out in the mortgage industry working on manly refinancing. As I gained corporate experience i found project management was a good fit for me and chose to change career paths. I have since worked my way through a few companies as I gained the experience needed to take on more complex project management roles.

Major: Art History

Current Role: Talent Acquisition at BKV Group

I work as a Talent Acquisition Manager at BKV Group, a national architecture, engineering and interior design firm in Minneapolis. I began my career in retail management and transitioned into recruitment full-time in 2022.

Major: Psychology & Environmental Studies

Current Role: Lead Software Engineer at Ford Motor Company

Tyler Nielsen has built a successful career in software engineering without a computer-science degree. He’s found that “soft-skills” like organization, communication, and adaptability have been just as vital a “hard” or technical skills. Today, he leads teams a team at Ford creating software to operate one of North America’s newest and largest EV fast-charging networks (Ford Charge).

Major: Biology / Environmental Studies

Current Role: Environmental Health and Safety Systems and Data Manager at Solventum

I started my career at 3M after completing a masters degree in science, technology & environmental studies of the University of Minnesota following my graduation at Saint Olaf in 2004 in biology and environmental studies. I began my career as a consultant on product stewardship issues and was hired full-time at 3M. Since that time I have had 10+ jobs in different functions at 3M and have enjoyed working on various supply chain, strategy and EHS projects. I am currently the manager of EHS systems and data for Solventum (a 3M spinoff)

Major: Biology & Environmental Studies 

Current Role: Executive Director at Twin Cities Housing Development Corporation

Amanda Novak is the Executive Director of Twin Cities Housing Development Corporation, joining the organization in May 2025. Ms. Novak brings over 15 years of leadership experience in affordable housing, nonprofit strategy, and cross-sector partnerships. Prior to TCHDC, she held senior leadership roles at the YMCA of the North and CommonBond Communities, where she led strategic planning, program expansion, and initiatives focused on the preservation and development of affordable housing across Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

Ms. Novak holds a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Iowa and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Environmental Studies from St. Olaf College. She is a recognized leader in regional collaboration and has served on advisory councils and nonprofit boards focused on affordable housing, sustainability, and civic engagement.

Major: Studio Art and Paracollege: Media Studies/American Studies

Current Role: Director and Producer (Independent) & Director at Kursa Latvian Immersion High School Summer Program

I am a documentary filmmaker whose work explores community, history, and cultural identity. After graduating from St. Olaf, I earned an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I continue to create films through grants and commissioned projects, including organizational legacy work and oral histories, and have taught at both community and college levels. Short films have been featured in museum installations, including Fort Snelling, the Latvian Museum in Maryland, and the Wende Museum of the Cold War in LA. The feature, Valiant: A Car, a Cause, and the Cold War, premiered at the Mpls–St. Paul Int’l Film Fest and has been used in Latvian classrooms with support from the U.S. Embassy.

Major: Economics, Mathematics, & Emphasis in Finance

Current Role: Vice President, Corporate Development at Vital Farms

My career has encompassed roles within investment banking (Piper Jaffray), private equity (Tonka Bay Equity Partners), and corporate M&A (General Mills and Vital Farms), where I have gained a deep insight into enterprise strategy with the ability to execute M&A transactions. I can advise students on various career paths across the investment finance landscape.

Major: German & Math

Current Role: Senior Graphic/Multimedia Designer at the University of Minnesota, Office of Academic Clinical Affairs

Saint Olaf helped prepare me to follow my Curiosity! I’ve had an ever-evolving career path—from completing a Masters Degree in TESOL (2003) and spending roughly 15 years teaching English and leading English teacher training projects in Southeast and South Asia, to later studying Graphic Design at MCAD (2011-2013) and following my passion for visual design. I now work as a Senior Graphic/Multimedia Designer in Communications at the U of M. If anyone is interested in either areas, I would love to talk to them.

Major: Studio Art & Art History

Current Role: Associate Director of Project Management at Haberman

I’ve spent 15+ years working at various advertising agencies throughout the twin cities helping to produce full funnel marketing campaigns for a variety of both big and small clients like Walgreens, Google, Leinenkugel’s, and Dole. I’ve worked to create tv spots, social campaigns, websites, and billboards.

Major: Political Science & Middle East Studies Concentration

Current Role: Area Sales Manager at Banner Engineering

I started my career in entry-level sales at an Internet of Things (IoT) software startup and have worked in a variety of technology businesses across sales, account management and product management roles, primarily at the intersection of hardware. 

Major: Sociology/Anthropology & Management Studies

Current Role: Health Care for the Homeless Project Director at Hennepin County

Morgan has served as the leader of the Hennepin County Health Care for the Homeless program since June 2021. Before joining Hennepin County, she accumulated experience across various sectors of the healthcare industry. Her background includes assisting hospitals with the implementation of electronic medical record software for Epic, leading website redesign and digital strategy initiatives for a tech start-up in Iowa, and launching the Allina Health Cancer Institute and managing surgical and medical oncology clinics at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. She holds an MBA and MHA from the University of Iowa.

Major: Economics and Political Science

Current Role: Deputy General Counsel at Mayo Clinic

After graduating from St. Olaf, I went straight to law school at Harvard, and after graduating from HLS in 1998, I started my legal career. As of this fall, I have now spent essentially 28 years as an attorney, practicing in many different facets of the profession, from federal court law clerk, to big law firm associate, to federal prosecutor and trial lawyer, to in-house attorney and legal department leader. I love mentoring young people considering a career in the law and look forward to these

Major: History and Political Science Major, Middle Eastern Studies Concentration

Current Role: Committee Administrator at Minnesota House of Representatives, DFL Caucus

Since graduating St. Olaf College in 2015, I have worked in nonprofits, local government, and state government all focused on public policy and how best to improve people’s lives. I currently work for the Minnesota State House of Representatives within the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party as a Committee Administrator, basically a Chief of Staff for a legislative committee that is charged with writing and negotiating legislation, coordinating with members of both political parties, and engaging in strategic decision-making on some of the most complex public policy topics facing Minnesota.

Major: Asian Studies, Paracollege

Current Role: Technical Manager at US Bank

Technology engineer for 23 years at Target. Then moved to crypto, then moved to Usbank.

Major: Paracollege: LGBTQ+ History through Autobiography

Current Role: Founder of Reciprocafé LLC Consultancy

My St. Olaf experience prepared me to be a world citizen leveraging people connections within business to support healthy and productive systems. I have 30+ years of global coffee supply chain and management experience. I leverage compliance with emerging standards combined with data analysis to bolster business resilience and prioritize mutual benefit considering diverse stakeholder needs and perspectives. I emphasize pragmatism in the evolving regulatory landscape while supporting innovations in sustainability. People and planet drive my aspirations; finding ways to resonate with and motivate teams at all levels to embrace change and champion sustainable practices is my passion.

Major: English & Ancient Studies

Current Role: Senior Software Engineer at dbt Labs

I was a humanities major and dropped out of an English PhD program before transitioning to writing software for the web.

Major: Chemistry & Biomedical Studies

Current Role: Medical Affairs Pharmacist at Aurora Pharmaceutical, Inc.

After graduation from St. Olaf, I worked as a chemist in a laboratory working various instrumentation to test active drug ingredients. I then went back to school at UMN Pharmacy School and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a focus on working in non-traditional pharmacy. Currently, I am a Medical Affairs Pharmacist at a veterinary pharmaceutical company where I am a study director for our many blood-level bioequivalence clinical trials, oversee our pharmacovigilance department, and spend a lot of time communicating with the FDA both in person and virtually as a regulatory spokesperson. I’d love to talk about the many areas that you can work as a Pharmacist and the drug approval process.

Major: Math & Pre-Medicine

Current Role: Supervisor, Software Engineering at NMDP

Health career prep at St. Olaf turned to information technology and software engineering.