This fall, VocalEssence welcomed seven new members to our board of directors. We are thrilled to introduce you to our new directors!
Cassie Garnett, Senior Director of Human Resources at Ecolab. Garnett drives strategic talent initiatives for the global function of more than 1,200 employees in areas of development, diversity, organizational design and employee relations. Since joining Ecolab in 2005, she has served in a variety of capacities including compensation, talent acquisition, benefits and HR business partner roles across multiple businesses, functions, and centers of excellence.
Valton Henderson, contract HR and DEI professional on behalf of Robert Half International. He holds over 20 years’ experience in employee and labor relations and DEI across the private, nonprofit, and government sectors. He serves on the VocalEssence WITNESS Advisory Council, and has sung with Sabathani Vintage Voices.
Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed, Superintendent, Hopkins Public Schools. Dr. Mhiripiri-Reed has served for two decades in public education, beginning as a social studies teacher, then continuing on as an assistant principal and principal. The superintendent since 2016, her leadership helped Hopkins create a bold plan to go from great to world class through a community-designed strategic plan. Through Vision 2031, she leads a reimagining of Hopkins Public Schools starting from the ground up.
Alfred Moore, returning member to the board of directors. The retired president of Fiserv Health, he headed the management buy-out of Wausau Benefits from Liberty Mutual and was named CEO prior to the sale to Fiserv. Moore is also involved with Labrynth Healthcare Inc., American Players Theatre, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the American Composers Forum.
Jeff Smith, Vice President for External Relations at Vista Prairie Communities. A storyteller and relationship builder, Jeff supports VCP’s nonprofit network of nine senior living communities in four states. His previous experience includes directing communications for Volunteers for America—Minnesota and Wisconsin, one of the oldest and largest health and human services organizations in the region.
Kristina Rodel Sorum, mezzo-soprano and VocalEssence Ensemble Singers representative. A nonprofit professional maintaining careers in the arts and arts leadership, Rodel Sorum currently serves as Admissions and Program Director of Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival. Through this work, she has been privileged to see a generation of high school musicians go through this life-changing program and continue to successful collegiate studies, careers, and vocations in music.
Tim Takach, composer. Celebrated for his melodic lines, thoughtful text choices, and rich, intriguing harmonies, Takach’s star is fast-rising in the concert world. He has received commissions and performances from Roomful of Teeth, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, St. Olaf Band, Cantus, Pavia Winds, Lorelei Ensemble, VocalEssence, the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, The Rose Ensemble, and numerous other organizations.
For more information on the VocalEssence board of directors and their work, visit https://www.vocalessence.org/who-we-are/board-of-directors/
