Northern Clay Center names new executive driector – Twin Cities

ARTS

Northern Clay Center, a Minneapolis art gallery and studio focused on ceramic crafts, announced the appointment of Judy Hawkinson as executive director. She succeeds Kyle Rudy-Kohlhepp. Hawkinson has served organizations across the Twin Cities, including Rethos: Places Reimagined, the American Craft Council, Macalester College and the American Cancer Society.

ENTERTAINMENT

The Cedar Cultural Center, a Minneapolis performance venue, announced the appointment of James Taylor as program director. Taylor previously was on the booking team First Avenue, which runs several convert venues in the Twin Cities.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Piper Sandler Cos., a Minneapolis-based national investment bank, announced the hiring of Toby AuWerter as a managing director in the merchant banking group. AuWerter previously served as investment director at Endeavour Vision, was a consultant at McKinsey & Co. and worked in operating roles for St. Jude Medical and Juventas Therapeutics. … First Independence Bank, Minnesota’s first and only Black-owned bank, announced the pending opening this fall of a branch at 627 University Ave. W. in St. Paul. Damon Jenkins is senior vice president and Twin Cities regional market president. The company is headquartered in Detroit. … Bridgewater Bancshares, the St. Louis Park-based parent company of Bridgewater Bank, announced the following executive leadership changes: Chief Strategy Officer Mary Jayne Crocker will retire Feb. 15, 2026, and join the board of directors; Chief Credit Officer Jeff Shellberg transitions to deputy chief credit officer on Sept. 15 and will retire Oct. 9, 2026, and remain on the board; Deputy Chief Credit Officer Katie Morrell succeeds Shellberg as chief credit officer; Senior Vice President of Marketing Jessica Stejskal transitions to chief experience officer, a new role; Chief Accounting Officer Laura Espeseth transitions to chief administrative officer, a new position. … KLC Financial, a Minnetonka-based provider of equipment lease and purchase financing for business, announced the promotion of Brett Sorensen to chief revenue officer. Sorensen joined KLC in 2022 and most recently was vice president of sales and marketing.

GOVERNMENT

The city of St. Cloud announced it has appointed Luke Langner as public service director, advancing from his role as assistant city engineer. Langner succeeds Tracy Hodel, who now serves as the city administrator.

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Medtronic plc announced the appointments of John Groetelaars and Bill Jellison as independent directors. Groetelaars most recently served as interim CEO for Dentsply Sirona; Jellison served as vice president, chief financial officer of Stryker Corp. from 2013 to 2016. Medtronic is a Dublin, Ireland-based maker of electronic heart devices and spine treatments with executive offices in Fridley. The board appointments come in conjunction with the purchase of a large stake in Medtronic by Elliott Investment Management. … Nucleus RadioPharma, a Rochester, Minn.-based developer and provider of radiopharmaceutical imaging, announced the appointment of Dr. Stephen M. Hahn as chief executive officer. Hahn previously served as CEO-partner of Flagship Pioneering and CEO of Harbinger Health since 2021. He also served as U.S. Food and Drug Administration commissioner from 2019 to 2021, overseeing both COVID and non-COVID regulatory affairs.

NONPROFITS

The Minneapolis Parks Foundation announced Martin Wera as the organization’s executive director, effective Sept. 8. Wera has served as development director at Trellis, and as a major gift officer at St. Catherine University; he also was senior director of community relations for Ameriprise Financial.

POLITICS

The Republican Party of Wisconsin announced it has named Stephen Mueller as executive director. Mueller previously served as the Republican National Committee state director and RNC election integrity director in Iowa.

SERVICES

DHL, an international express shipping service, announced the opening of company-owned and -operated retail shipping locations at 721 S. 10th St., Minneapolis, and 811 W. University Ave., St. Paul.

SPONSORSHIPS

Ameriprise Financial, Minneapolis, announced its support of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games as a bronze sponsor with a $100,000 commitment. The 2026 USA Games will be held in Minnesota from June 20-26, 2026.