GreatAmerica appoints Bjella to chief revenue officer

GreatAmerica Financial Services promoted Brian Bjella to chief revenue officer, emphasizing its dedication to the markets it serves and its future growth initiatives. Since joining GreatAmerica in 2010, Bjella has played a pivotal role in driving growth across multiple capacities, most recently serving as group president of Specialty Markets. Bjella is located in the Marshall GreatAmerica office and will continue to expand this location, among others located in Iowa, Georgia, and Illinois.

As chief revenue officer, Bjella will lead all revenue-generating business units at GreatAmerica. His responsibilities will include overseeing the Specialty Markets Group (Automotive, Construction, Direct Programs, Franchise, and Healthcare), Office Equipment Group, Connected Technology Group, and Platform Services (Portfolio Services Group and Advisory Services). Additionally, Bjella will ensure sales and marketing alignment, expanding his strategic influence.

Before joining GreatAmerica, Bjella served as president and principal of Grandview Financial, a small-ticket equipment finance lessor. He previously spent 11 years with Lyon Financial/US Bancorp Business Equipment Finance, holding various senior roles. Bjella has also contributed to the industry as a board member and was a founding member of the National Equipment Finance Association.

Gossen earns CPA license

Jaqueline Gossen has officially earned her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license from the Minnesota Board of Accountancy. This significant achievement underscores her dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence in the field of public accounting.

Gossen joined the Hoffman & Brobst team as an intern in 2022 before becoming a full-time accountant up graduation from SMSU. She currently assists clients in all areas including audit and tax.

Skogrand honored as one of the Best-in-State Women Wealth Advisors by Forbes

Cory Ann Skogrand, CFP, ChFC, CASL, CLU, RICP a private wealth adviser with Ameriprise Financial, Inc. in Marshall, was named to the list of “Forbes Best- in-State Women Wealth Advisors” published by Forbes. The list recognizes financial advisers who have demonstrated high levels of ethical standards, professionalism, and success in the business. The rankings are based on data provided by thousands of the nation’s most productive advisers.

Skogrand was chosen based on assets under management, industry experience, compliance record and best practices in her practice and approach to working with clients.

Skogrand is part of Van der Hagen, Skogrand & Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. She graduated from Mankato State with a double major in business management and human resource management and a minor in economics. Skogrand has 27 years of experience with Ameriprise Financial.