Swanson appointed to MN Nursing Home Workforce Board

Mary Swanson, administrator at Avera Morningside Heights Care Center, is one of five people recently appointed to serve on the Minnesota Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board by Gov. Tim Walz. She will serve a two-year term.

Minnesota lawmakers passed a bill during the most recent legislative session to create this new regulatory board to establish employment standards for nursing homes. The board is made up of individuals representing nursing home employers and individuals who represent nursing home workers, as well as the commissioners of human services, health and labor and industry.

Swanson has been with Avera since 2013. Previous roles with the organization include serving as the administrator at Divine Providence Health Center in Ivanhoe and as a site manager and regional leader with Avera Home Medical Equipment in Marshall. She holds a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in health care management from Colorado Technical University.

Olson joins Hoffman & Brobst

Hoffman & Brobst, PLLP, announced the addition of Ben Olson, a staff accountant, to the professional staff of the firm. He is a graduate of South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D. He will begin studying for the CPA exam later this year.

Minnesota School Nutrition Association elects new executive board and leadership committee members

During its 66th annual Conference earlier this month, the Minnesota School Nutrition Association (MSNA) installed its 2023-24 Executive Board and Leadership Development Committee. Comprised of more than 2,500 school nutrition professionals, MSNA membership represents those who collaborate to provide balanced, nutritious school meals to students across the state. The association serves as an important conduit for networking, learning and advocacy on child nutrition issues in support of school nutrition professionals and the students they serve.

School nutrition professionals prepare to offer universal meals for all students this fall under the Free School Meals Program passed by Minnesota lawmakers during the last legislative session. As many school districts face persistent staffing, financial and supply chain challenges, MSNA and its newly installed leadership will continue to serve as thought leaders and provide integral resources and support to membership through the transition.

This year’s elected board has a proven record of volunteer experience, leadership, talent and genuine passion for child nutrition for MSNA as well as the national School Nutrition Association (SNA). They will join Michele Hawkinson, Food Service director of Tracy Area Schools, who was installed as MSNA president this month, and President-Elect Emily Malone, director of Child Nutrition Services for Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, who was elected last year to serve on the board. Glen Ritter, Food Services supervisor for St. Michael-Albertville, ISD#885 was elected as MSNA vice president