Deb Barber named interim Met Council chair – Twin Cities

GOVERNMENT

The Metropolitan Council, a quasi-governmental agency overseeing jointly shared public and transportation services for Minneapolis, St. Paul and surrounding suburbs, announced that Gov. Tim Walz has appointed Deb Barber as interim chair, following the retirement of Charlie Zelle in September. Barber was appointed to the Met Council in 2015 by Gov. Mark Dayton and previously served as the District 4 Council Member. She is co-founder and senior partner of Canopy Medical.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Wells Fargo announced the opening of a branch at 835 W. Broadway Ave., North Minneapolis. Wells Fargo, based in San Francisco, is Minnesota’s second-largest bank by deposit market share. … The American Fraternal Alliance, a national trade group representing fraternal benefit societies, announced the election of Sharon Brosnan as board chair. Brosnan is vice president of government affairs at Thrivent, a Minneapolis-based Fortune 500 financial services company. … GFC Planning announced its launch as an independent registered investment advisory firm in Woodbury. It was founded by Lance Huebner, a U.S. Army combat veteran who previously spent over a decade as a financial adviser at Morgan Stanley.

HEALTH CARE

The Integrated Body Center, a health and wellness clinic, announced its opening in in Hastings’ historic Olde Armory Building, 121 3rd St E. Angie Thompson is founder and CEO.

LAW

Moss & Barnett, Minneapolis, announced that attorney Bethany L. Maski has joined the firm’s family law team. Maski previously clerked for the
Honorable Richard Stebbins, referee of Hennepin County Family Court. … Fredrikson announced the election of the following new shareholders in its Minneapolis office: Megan A. Bowman, Rachel L. Dougherty, Devin T. Driscoll, Christian V. Hokans and Aaron C. Nyquist. Fredrikson is based in Minneapolis. … Maslon, Minneapolis, announced the return of attorney Joe Ceronsky to the firm’s Litigation Group as counsel. Ceronsky joined the firm in 2010. In 2024, he left the partnership for a year-long RV trip with his family. … Gov Tim Walz announced the appointment of Michael Grover as a District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District. Grover will replace the Honorable Donna K. Dixon and will be chambered in Roseau in Roseau County. … Spencer Fane announced the addition of Aaron D. Quinby to the firm’s St. Cloud office as an of counsel attorney in the real estate practice group.

MANUFACTURING

Mate Precision Technologies, an Anoka-based provider of metal-fabricated products and services for industry, announced the promotion of Joe Schneider to president. He succeeds Kevin Nicholson, who is retiring after 19 years in the position. Schneider has 31 years with the company and was appointed vice president of marketing in 2006.

NONPROFITS

The Eagan Community Foundation announced the awards of $62,000 in community grants to 30 nonprofits, including the launch of funding from the Art Works Legacy Fund, a $1 million endowment, and the Youth in Philanthropy program, empowering seven teens to make grant decisions.

REAL ESTATE

Cushman & Wakefield, a national commercial real estate firm, announced Anders Pesavento as managing principal for the Minneapolis/St. Paul market. Pesavento joins the firm from developer Ryan Cos., where he was senior vice president, capital markets. Cushman & Wakefield has offices in Bloomington and Minneapolis.

RETAIL

Best Buy, a Richfield-based national electronics retailer, announced the appointment of Meghan Frank to its board of directors. Frank is chief financial officer of Lululemon, a global athletic apparel, footwear, and accessories company. … Mall of America, Bloomington, announced the planned opening of Primark, an Ireland-based fast-fashion chain, in the mall. It will be the chain’s first Minnesota location.

SPONSORSHIPS

The Minnesota Wild NHL franchise and Blaze Credit Union, Falcon Heights, announced a multi-year partnership as the team’s home helmet partner. The Blaze logo will appear on the Wild’s home helmets starting this season. As part of their partnership, Blaze will continue the Blaze Credit Union’s Hockey Kids4Kids Program.

TECHNOLOGY

Inkit, a Minneapolis-based digital file management platform for business, announced the opening of a St. Paul office.