Twin Cities (MN) Chapter Officers

IIE Twin Cities 2011 Board Members:

Past President

Dan Thury

Dan.Thury@Andersencorp.com
Andersen Corporation
Process Improvement Engineer
IIE Member Since 1999

“I’m from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and attended collage at the University of Minnesota Duluth. I graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering in the spring of ‘99. While seeking my undergraduate degree, I was lucky enough to have two internship opportunities to gain experience. My first internship was with Horton Manufacturing in Webster, WI where I was involved in facility layout and continuous improvement projects. My second internship with UPS in Minneapolis, MN focused on a time study project. I also received an MBA from the Carlson School of Management program (U of M) in the spring of ’05. I have been working at Andersen for 11 years now in many different manufacturing support roles, all with a focus on improving delivery, controlling costs, reducing waste and improving quality.

I am currently working as a Project Engineer in the Windows Fabrication group focusing on commercializing new extrusion profiles. I also support the existing fabrication product lines and lead continuous improvement projects.

I’ve been an active member of IIE since my sophomore year of college. Upon graduation, I joined the professional chapter where I have served on the Board for the past 6 years as various director positions, including events director, treasurer, president elect and president.”

President

John Kline

John.kline@mts.com
MTS Systems
Manufacturing Engineer
IIE Member Since 2004

“I grew up in Bloomington Minnesota, and attended collage at North Dakota State University earning a degree in Industrial Engineering. While attending college, I worked for two years with Bobcat in Fargo, ND. My primary role was supporting the order management implementation of their Oracle ERP system. After Bobcat, I spent two summers interning for MTS Systems in Eden Prairie, MN. While at MTS, I completed a large design of experiments and worked on numerous supply chain improvements. After graduation, I returned to MTS as full time Manufacturing Engineer supporting the development of their lean pilot facility.

I am currently working as an Industrial Engineer for Boston Scientific. My primary responsibilities include the support of commercialized product lines and leading continuous improvement projects.

IIE has been a huge part of my career since I was a freshman in college. At North Dakota State University, I held many leadership roles with IIE student chapter including vice president of management and regional conference co-chair. The regional conference was a great success with over 200 students attending from multiple universities across the Midwest. Upon graduation, I joined the professional chapter where I have served as the events director, treasurer, and president elect.”

President Elect

John W. Spriggs

John.Spriggs@bsci.com

Boston Scientific 
Business Process Analyst
IIE Member Since 1998

“I grew up in Southwest Minneapolis in the beautiful lakes area and attended the outstanding Minneapolis Public school system (Kenny, Susan B. Anthony, Washburn). I headed up to God’s Country and graduated with an Industrial Engineering Degree from University of Minnesota – Duluth (The Main Campus). 
 
My prior work experience consists of a several different positions and responsibilities. I started at Engineered Polymers Corp up in Mora, MN as an classic IE performing Standard Work, Time Studies, and plant layouts. Then I relocated back to Twin Cities as an IE at Greif, Inc, (Not grief!). Greif was my longest tenure working in several positions, which included IE, Operations Analyst, Production Supervisor, and Lean Agent. After that long IE stint, I decided to tap into the Procurement arena. I took a position as a Purchasing Manager at VeePaK, a health & beauty co-packer, for 3 years. It was time to move back to Minneapolis after 7 years, so I took a Supply Chain Manager position at a small private company in the Twin Cities. Currently, I work at Boston Scientific as a Sr. Business Analyst in the CRV Quality Department. I am working on a PDM system upgrade implementation project as a Business Process Lead creating Business Requirements, Design Documentation, System Validation, and OCM training. 
 
My involvement with IIE Twin Cities Chapter 38 started at Bryant Lake Bowl Networking Event, one of the many outstanding IIE events, where I joined the Events Committee. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with this Events Committee that I ran for the Events Director position in 2009. Sean Dveris and I were elected Co-Events Directors in 2009 and organized several successful Learning and Social Events for the IIE Chapter 38. This year I moved on to the Treasurer roles managing the fiscally sound Chapter, which is by the way one of the top financially solid chapters in the Country. Next year, I am excited to serve as President – Elect along side 2011 President John Kline and the rest of the IIE Chapter 38 board members to continue with the strong Gold Standard tradition.
 
I am an avid marathon runner and just completed my 12th marathon this Fall with a strong finish at the Most Beautiful Urban Twin Cities Marathon. My Goal is to qualify for the Historic Boston Marathon. Also, I have been actively coaching my 2 lovely children, Benjamin and Nora in Soccer, Baseball, Basketball, and Football. I currently reside in Southwest Minneapolis by the Grand Rounds where my family enjoys biking, running, and walking on the several miles of paths around the Lakes.”

Treasurer
Eric Situmbeko

Eric.Situmbeko@andersencorp.com
Andersen Corporation
Supply Chain Engineer
IIE Member Since 2006

“I am a graduate of the University of Arizona, I currently work for Andersen Corporation as a Capital Process Manager in Bayport, Minnesota. As a Capital Process Manager I am responsible for the approval process for capital projects for the enterprise.

I am a native of Hudson, Wisconsin I have recently completed a Mini Masters in Project Management at the University of St. Thomas.

I have been a member of IIE since 2006 and have served on the board of directors for the IIE Twin Cities Chapter since 2010.”

Events Directors (2)

Kristen Forgea

Kristen.Forgea@bsci.com
Boston Scientific
Industrial Engineering Manager
IIE Member Since 2007

Robert Wessel

Wessel_Rob@cat.com
Catapilar
Industrial Engineering Manager
IIE Member Since 2006

“I grew up in Oakdale, MN and attended high school in North St. Paul. In high school I enjoyed the same activities that I do including softball, basketball, hunting, and more.

I attended North Dakota State University from 2004 to 2008 obtaining my bachelors degree in Industrial Engineering and Management. While at school in Fargo, ND I was an active member IIE.

After receiving my degree I moved to Casper, WY working for the civil contracting company Knife River. At Knife River I was responsible for material sales and Project Management. A few projects I was responsible for were supplying concrete to a wind farms, road rehabilitation, and trucking logistics.

I am currently working for RFA Engineering onsite at Caterpillar Global Paving in Brooklyn Park, MN. At Caterpillar I am working as a Manufacturing Engineer and Process Planner for a new product introduction projects.

Currently I am a resident of Plymouth, MN where I keep busy playing softball, basketball, and working out in the evenings and weekends.”

Membership Director

Peter Nelson

Peter.Nelson@bsci.com

Boston Scientific
Industrial Engineer
IIE Member Since 2004

“I am originally from St. Francis, MN, and graduated in December 2009 with an Industrial Engineering and Management degree from North Dakota State University. My prior work experience consists of an eight month co-op with Bobcat Company as a Manufacturing Engineer, as well as two summer internships at Boston Scientific as an Industrial Engineer. I have been employed full-time with Boston Scientific since January 2010.
 
My involvement with IIE started as a curious freshman in college, and since then has grown beyond my own expectations. Soon after joining the NDSU student chapter, I realized how much value the organization added. I held several elected positions including Treasurer, Vice President of Management, and President. As President, I helped lead our chapter to a GOLD level CAR Award, working with a great IIE team throughout the year to promote IE to students beyond the classroom. I also held the Student Board Member position for the IIE Twin Cities chapter in 2008, promoting involvement with other student chapters. In 2010, I was awarded the Student Award For Excellence at the National IIE Conference held in Cancun, Mexico.
 
During my free time, I love spending time with family and friends doing anything outside including golfing, hunting, fishing, and running. I recently got engaged to my wonderful fiancé Sarah this past Spring, and we moved into our new house in Albertville this past June.” 

Newsletter Director

Jenna Weiland

Jenna.Weiland@bsci.com
Boston Scientific
Industrial Engineer
IIE Member Since 2004

“I have been an Industrial Engineer at Boston Scientific for the past 4.5 years and have also served on the IIE Twin Cities Board of Directors as Communications Director, Membership Director and Newsletter Director. I have really enjoyed working at Boston Scientific and expanding my IE knowledge with IIE Twin Cities. I graduated from Iowa State University with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering. I live in Plymouth with my husband Adam and we are expecting our first baby in early February 2011!

I am excited to be the Newsletter Director again for 2011 mostly because I enjoy being creative and interacting with the chapter members. I also would like to see the IIE Twin Cities membership grow over the next year, and I think the newsletter is a great way to reach out to our membership and help get members more involved. I am excited for the opportunity to help the chapter strengthen in 2011!”

Website Director

Mclain Woessner

Mclain.Woessner@cnh.com
Case New Holland
Manufacturing Engineer
IIE Member Since 2007

“I am originally from Ottertail, MN. I graduated from North Dakota State University with bachelors in IE. I started my IIE involvement at the university level holding many positions. I currently hold a Manufacturing Engineering position with Case New Holland in Fargo, ND. I truly enjoy incorporating Lean concepts into everyday situations.

Many of my career successes have come from my friends associated within the IIE network and that is why I find joy in serving on the board. I am excited to see what this year will bring.”

Director at Large (2)

Christy Strong

Christy.Strong@bsci.com

Boston Scientific
Quality Manager

“I am a Quality Manager of Business Excellence at Boston Scientific in Arden Hills, MN where she serves as a project manager for a documentation software upgrade and manages a team that drives process improvements within documentation. She graduated from North Dakota State University with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering & Management and the University of St . Thomas with a Healthcare MBA. Christy has worked as an Industrial Engineer to improve healthcare, manufacturing, and business processes.

I am extremely passionate about the field of Industrial Engineering and dedicates a lot of her time to educating others about IE as a potential major, helping NDSU maintain a competitive program, connecting students with internships/co-ops or full-time positions, and bringing professionals together to learn from each other and strengthen the profession overall.

I have served on the Twin Cities IIE Chapter Board for five years, including the three-year president term.”

Corin Hammit

cehammit@healtheast.org

HealthEast
Process Improvement Consultant

“I am a Process Improvement Consultant at HealthEast Care System. HealthEast is a large health care system in the east metro area comprised of 4 hospitals, 15 clinics, home health, and medical transport services. I work to help our 4 hospitals and supporting functions improve the patient experience by reducing unnecessary steps and delays, while coaching and educating our staff on Lean principles and problem solving.

I previously worked at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of MN as a Lean Fellow and helped lead the Surgical Services Value Stream. Prior to that, I worked at Cerner Corporation (in Kansas City, MO) designing clinical and business processes that leveraged evidence-based medicine.

I obtained my BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and am currently working on my Masters in Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota. While at Wisconsin, I spent one year as the Social Chair for the IIE Student Chapter and coordinated several events for our active group. Outside of work and school I love to travel, cook, run, practice yoga, watch Badger football, and spend time with my husband and our extremely energetic golden retriever.”

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