Vickie grew up on a dairy farm in southern Minnesota where she learned how to work hard, put in long days, appreciate family time and work together to achieve results.  Vickie’s work in Human Resources began with 21 years at a rural electric cooperative, taking any opportunity or challenge presented and applying the ‘doing’ and ‘hard knock’ method.

In 1996, a 22-year HR career began with a local manufacturing company. In January 2000 she joined the Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota evening/week-end program and graduated in 2007 with a double major in Human Resource and Business—all while working full-time and managing a busy family.

Vickie’s 40-year HR career spans the entire employment process, from recruiting, onboarding, branding, negotiation, and administration of benefits that included wellness programs, selecting and implementing HRIS programs, safety, employment issues and supervising a HR team.

She was involved with the Chamber of Commerce, United Way Board, Wells Fargo Advisory Council, Safety Council Board Member, South Central SHRM Board, and Wellness SHIP Committee.  Vickie was awarded the Alternate Young Careerist for BPW, Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year Award, received three Spirit of Wenger Awards, and in 2014 was a Women of Achievement nominee.

Today, she continues involvement in her community by volunteering with Junior Achievement, Church Homebound Ministry, the local food shelf along with serving on its board, is a Hometown Credit Union Board member, and a Koda Living Community Foundation Advisory Board member.

Vickie adores her family of husband, three children with spouses and 12 grandchildren.  She loves holidays and family time, being an active cheerleader at all activities, chaperoning school events, traveling (especially cruising), and playing cards with an amazing group of friends and family.