Paula has been an executive leader in professional service organizations for more than 20 years and is the first external, independent representative to join VAA’s Board of Directors. She’s served on a variety of business and nonproft boards and led several growth initiatives over the course of her career. A respected enterprise thought leader, Paula is routinely looked to by business executives and board members for her insightful perspectives and sound governance counsel.

Talent management and organization development have been the foundation of Paula’s career. She brings expertise in strategy development, leadership development, risk oversight, human resources and communications. Paula also has deep knowledge and experience relative to social responsibility, diversity, and culture. She enjoys helping organizations clarify their goals, define risks, and determine clear strategies that will lead to success.

Paula believes that when people are aligned with their natural strengths, they find both success and happiness in what they do. Caringly candid and intellectually curious, she always encourages an open exchange of ideas, varying perspectives, and constructive feedback, and she knows the best outcomes occur when people feel supported.

In her free time, Paula volunteers her talents to nonprofit social action programs that improve and strengthen local communities, particularly those focused on equity and inclusion. She currently serves on the Redeemer Center for Life board, working the Harrison neighborhood in North Minneapolis; the Thrivent Twin Cities Region Member Network Board, engaging members to serve in their communities; and the Second Harvest board, one of the largest food banks in the US. A perfect day for Paula is hanging out at her lake cabin with her husband, Kevin, along with their kids and “grand-dogs.”