Meet the team: New leaders bring diverse skills to EmBe
This paid piece is sponsored by EmBe.
A new year has brought several new faces to the team at EmBe, including among its leaders.
A five-person Senior Leadership Team working with CEO Kerri Tietgen already is making an impact, she said.
“We took a hard look at the vision for EmBe and decided to really invest in our leadership team. I am so excited about the level of experience and passion that this team brings. It’s an honor to work with a group of this caliber,” Tietgen said.
“They’re a diverse group, but they’re united in their connection and passion for our mission and serving this community.”
This is a group that already has shown that they “will think about things differently,” she added.
“And I think it will truly be an innovative team that’s willing to shake things up a little, which is what we need to continue to address the evolving needs of those we serve.”
Here’s a closer look at the team members, in their own words.
Michelle Hentschel, chief financial officer
Michelle Hentschel joined EmBe in April 2018. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from USD and her MBA from Gonzaga University.
Tell us a bit about your background.
I have eight years of experience in the energy industry, seven years in manufacturing environments and three in health insurance. Internal controls have been a focus as I’ve designed Sarbanes-Oxley, Model Audit Rule and SOC 2 compliant control systems from scratch, along with applicable audit procedures. I have also assisted with negotiations and completed due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, and created budgets, forecasts and strategic plans for small, family-owned businesses as well as publicly traded corporations.
What’s your big “why?” Why are you drawn to be part of the EmBe leadership team?
I am truly at home in front of a spreadsheet, but it is the privilege of serving and growing the people around me that gets me excited about coming to work each day and being part of this incredible team.
What are you most looking forward to about your role in 2022?
I’m excited to see the launch of some of our newly planned programs as well as the completion of the downtown remodel and the 100-year celebration for EmBe. We have a strong leadership team in place, and as we put the pandemic behind us, I know there is no limit to what we can accomplish as a team.
Katy Morris, chief human resources officer
Katy Morris joined EmBe in December 2016. She’s a graduate of South Dakota State University who previously worked in human resources for seven years in Minnesota in a for-profit banking environment.
What’s your big “why?” Why are you drawn to be part of the EmBe leadership team?
EmBe has the ability to offer programs and services to the community that help them excel, no matter their starting point. We literally have programs that enrich peoples’ lives at all stages of their journey. It feels great to work in an organization where our bottom line is people – how we help, improve and impact them! It is prominent in all decisions we make, and I enjoy surrounding myself with like-minded people who want to serve and improve the community we live in.
What are you most looking forward to about your role in 2022?
We will be instrumental in continuing to grow and shape the services offered and lives touched by the programming we offer. Finding team members to join our culture and who want to give their best every day is challenging but exciting!
Liz Mosena DeBerg, executive director of child care and school-age care
Liz Mosena DeBerg joined EmBe in November 2022. She’s a graduate of Black Hills State University with a degree in human services and sociology. She has worked in a variety of roles, most recently as director of residential services at LifeScape for 15 years.
What’s your big “why?” Why are you drawn to be part of the EmBe leadership team?
Mission, empowerment, impacting children with their education and their nutrition. Filling a needed gap within the community for quality child care and school-age care. I have three little boys of my own and understand the trust that is needed while they are in someone else’s care.
What are you most looking forward to about your role in 2022?
I’m looking forward to growth, strengthening systems, nutrition program, building relationships with families, children and employees.
How can the community connect with you and your role at EmBe?
Email me at [email protected], call me direct at 605-681-8367 or call on the main line at 605-362-9438.
Megan Bartel, executive director of women’s programming
Megan Bartel joined EmBe this month. She’s a USD grad, wife and and mother of three.
Tell us a bit about your background.
Prior to this role, I was blessed to work at Avera for 14 years holding roles as a licensed social worker, medication access program manager helping patients who couldn’t afford their medications, and most recently, LIGHT program manager as a certified physician development coach where I developed programming to help prevent and reduce burnout for physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. I absolutely loved coaching and look forward to continuing in this role. I’m so excited to be here!
What’s your big “why?” Why are you drawn to be part of the EmBe leadership team?
My passion has always been supporting individuals where they are in their life – not to look too far back or too far ahead, but instead, look at the present moment and take the first step, even if it’s small. Providing kindness and accountability to individuals is key in any supportive relationship, so I am ready to help be that for team members and clients of our women’s programming.
What are you most looking forward to about your role in 2022?
To hear people’s stories. Ever since I was a little girl, I would love to ask questions and find out more about people’s lives. I have continued this as an adult and will often listen to a complete stranger’s life story in the checkout line. There is power in owning our stories and also listening to others. I know I will have many opportunities to meet so many incredible people and learn from them. I cannot wait!
How can the community connect with you and your role at EmBe?
Email me at [email protected], call me direct at 605-305-9924 or through the main line at 605-336-3660.
Susanne Gale, chief development officer
Susanne Gale joined EmBe in December 2021. She’s a graduate of USD with a criminal justice and psychology degree who most recently served as director of development for Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools.
What’s your big “why?” Why are you drawn to be part of the EmBe leadership team?
I was drawn to EmBe because of its powerful mission of empowering women and families to enrich their lives. I am excited to help the greater community in this role and work with other nonprofits to make an impact. I look forward to working with this amazing group of women here at EmBe.
What are you most looking forward to about your role in 2022?
As chief development officer, I am really excited to be a part of amazing programs like Dress for Success and events like Tribute to Women and In Her Shoes. I look forward to meeting more of the people we serve and how we can reach and impact even more people in our community. I look forward to meeting our donors and businesses that offer so much support to EmBe.
How can the community connect with you and your role at EmBe?
The community can reach me through email at [email protected] or by phone at 605-681-9834. You can also connect with me by attending or volunteering to help at any of our amazing events!
Growing team
EmBe also is led by a broader group of leaders, which includes more new additions. Watch for ways they’re contributing and making a big impact in the months ahead.
There is still room to join the team and grow your career at EmBe. Click here to learn more about current opportunities.
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