Lynn Noren Honored with 2025 MOHR Legacy Leader Award for Advocacy

Lynn Noren, the recently retired CEO of Rise, has been recognized with the 2025 MOHR Legacy Leader Award by the Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation (MOHR). This award pays tribute to individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of disability services. Noren’s leadership at Rise, based in Fridley, Minnesota, has significantly impacted the lives of many individuals with disabilities.

Noren concluded her tenure at Rise in December 2023, after a distinguished career focused on enhancing employment and social services for people with disabilities. Her work has been instrumental in promoting inclusivity and accessibility, making her a deserving recipient of this accolade.

Recognition of Alumni and Local Achievements

In conjunction with Noren’s achievement, Bemidji State University recently unveiled its 2025 class of distinguished alumni. Honorees include Dr. Kenneth Anderson, instructor at the Pikos Institute; Christine Imbra, professor emerita at St. Cloud State University; and Tuleah Palmer, president and CEO of the Blandin Foundation. Additionally, Michael Herbert, professor emeritus of criminal justice, received the Alumni Service Award.

Recognition of outstanding local professionals continued with the Washington County Community Development Agency announcing several awards from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. Melissa Taphorn, executive director of the CDA, was named Outstanding Professional of the Year. The Bluestem Apartments in Cottage Grove received both the Community Innovation Award of Merit and the Award of Excellence in the Affordable Housing category.

Corporate Appointments and Developments

In the financial services sector, Minnesota Lawyers Mutual Insurance Co. has elected Harold Goldner as chair of its board of directors, succeeding John Bowden. Goldner is a principal at Friedman Schuman Layser in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, and will guide the company in its future initiatives.

Värde Partners, a global alternative investment firm with offices in Minneapolis and New York, announced the promotion of Missy Dolski to partner and global head of Asset-Based Finance. Additionally, Jim Lees joined the firm as managing director of Asset-Based Finance, bringing experience from KKR & Co. Inc.

In the legal field, Ballard Spahr has welcomed Matthew Ebert as of counsel in its Minneapolis office. Ebert previously served as an assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Minnesota. Meanwhile, Fredrikson announced the addition of attorney Lindsey M. Pederson to its Corporate, Finance & Securities and Mergers & Acquisitions groups.

The Eighth Circuit Bar Association honored attorney Thomas H. Boyd with the Richard S. Arnold Award for Distinguished Service. Boyd, a member of the Minneapolis law firm Winthrop & Weinstine, has a notable background, including clerkships for federal judges and membership in the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers.

Milestones in Manufacturing and Nonprofits

The Toro Company, based in Bloomington, has promoted Grant M. Young to group vice president of Golf, Grounds and Irrigation. Young takes over from Edric Funk, who has been appointed president and chief operating officer. H.B. Fuller Co. announced Celine Martin’s appointment to its board of directors, effective December 1, 2023.

In the nonprofit sector, Jeremiah Program, dedicated to supporting single mothers, appointed Amanda Luedtke as executive director of its Minneapolis campus. Luedtke previously directed Children and Family Services at Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

As WSI Sports, located in Eagan, celebrates 35 years in business, the company continues to provide specialty athletic wear to high-profile clients, including major-league athletes like Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes.

These developments highlight a dynamic landscape across various sectors in Minnesota, showcasing the commitment of individuals and organizations to excellence and community service.