Board of Directors

VP of Technology

Courtney Paus

SKYVIEW STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS LLC

Courtney Paus lives in Caledonia, MN, and brings over 25 years of diverse, progressive experience in technology and project management across healthcare, manufacturing, food service, sales/trading, and M&A IT integrations. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and Information Technology from Viterbo University and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

Courtney specializes in IT project management, IT strategy, digital transformation, cost and process optimization, and, most recently, AI strategy. Her extensive background includes leading complex projects and driving innovative technology solutions that align with organizational goals.

Courtney joined the PMI La Crosse–Rochester Chapter in April 2022 while exploring the CAPM certification. Although volunteering didn’t fit her schedule at that time, she discovered the chapter offers a multitude of fantastic resources for project management professionals and those aspiring to join the field.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Courtney enjoys spending time with her family, making crafts and attending craft shows, exploring the great outdoors, reading, cooking, and continuously learning and growing.

What motivated you to take on this role?
Having gained valuable insights and connections through the chapter’s programs, I wanted to give back by helping the chapter utilize technology to better serve its members.

What are your key responsibilities and duties?
I focus on identifying, improving, and implementing technology solutions that support chapter operations and member experiences, and ensure cost-effective management of digital resources.

Any special messages for our members or potential members?
Welcome! Whether you’re here to learn, connect, or advance your career, the PMI Chapter offers a supportive community and opportunities that can help you grow professionally and personally.

VP of Communications

Amanda Severson

MAYO CLINIC

Amanda Severson is a true Minnesotan, born and raised here in Rochester, MN. She earned a Master of Science in Project Management from Saint Mary’s University and received her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. She has hands-on experience managing lifecycle projects covering biomanufacturing, clinical trial advancement, and translation to clinical practice within rapidly changing environments. Her experience at Mayo Clinic includes various roles in the research shield and patient care. In her current role she supports that Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics.

Amanda’s journey as the Director of Journalism for the Rochester-La Crosse PMI chapter began in 2023. As part of the communications team, their efforts produced featured articles on membership, sponsors, and local project management businesses that highlight the many beneficial qualities of being part of the PMI community.

What motivated you to take on this role? I heard of the volunteer opportunity that allowed me to support journalism features. It was a blast meeting new members of our chapter, connecting with the local community, and working alongside the board members.

What are your key responsibilities and duties? Communicating our chapter opportunities and events by coordinating emails and social media announcements for our members to be aware of what is upcoming for the year. The communication team also supports efforts to feature and highlight our members and businesses within our chapter community, exploring how project management applies to their lives. The role of VP of Communications provides the opportunity to continue our strategic plans and ensure we continue the legacy of building a strong, connected community.

Any messages for our members or potential members? Taking an active role in the chapter was a great decision. Getting to know the board members and volunteers has profoundly impacted how I view our project management chapter and the local community.

President

Jean Seely

KWIK TRIP

Jean holds a master’s in project management from the University of Wisconsin Platteville and a bachelor’s in applied mathematics (computer science and mathematics) from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Jean has earned and maintained certifications for Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Scaled Agile Scrum Master (SSM), Disciplined Agile Scrum Master (DASM) and Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM). She is passionate about building effective teams, creating sustainable processes, and using data to make decisions.

Jean currently volunteers with the La Crosse-Rochester PMI chapter as VP of Events-La Crosse. In her free time, she loves gardening, sewing, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.

VP of Events - La Crosse

Cassandra Walters

OPTUM SERVE

Cassandra Walters is a dynamic leader with over two decades of experience in growing and developing high-performing teams.  She has a strong foundation in customer service and a background in business management.  She is passionate about coaching, learning, and development to meet the evolving global demands of today and tomorrow.

As an active member of the La Crosse-Rochester Project Management Institute (PMI) Chapter, Cassandra prioritizes continuous learning for herself and those she mentors.  She holds a bachelor's degree in Management and Marketing from Viterbo University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UW-L).  With the support and mentorship of the La Crosse-Rochester PMI Chapter, she achieved certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP), further solidifying her expertise in strategic leadership and project execution.

What motivated you to take on this role?  I enjoy growing and developing my skills and it is more fun when I can take others on the learning and development journey with me.

What are your key responsibilities and duties?  The planning and coordination of events to have PMI members and friends learn in a fun environment where they can network and get information relevant to executing successful projects.

Any messages for our members or professional members?  If you are looking to feel supported in your career journey and build your knowledge and skills, come hang out with the La Crosse-Rochester Project Management Institute (PMI) Chapter.  This group works to support your professional and personal development goals by striving to help you to get the resources and tools needed to be successful.  This networking group is a sure win for your continued professional success.  We hope to see you soon at one of our learning and networking events.

VP of Sponsorship

Joan Rausch

Joan Rausch is an accomplished project management leader with extensive experience across healthcare, insurance, finance, manufacturing, and government sectors. She brings a unique combination of technical expertise, business acumen, and relationship-building skills developed through roles as a programmer, business analyst, project manager, and PMO leader.

A charter member of the PMI La Crosse-Rochester Chapter, Joan is passionate about advancing the project management profession through collaboration, mentorship, and volunteer service. She is recognized for building strong partnerships, strengthening organizations, and helping teams deliver measurable business value.

As Vice President of Sponsorship, Joan will leverage her extensive professional network and commitment to servant leadership to cultivate meaningful sponsor relationships that support chapter growth, enhance member experiences, and expand professional development opportunities.

VP of Operations

Tiffany Olson

MAYO CLINIC

Tiffany Olson works as a Senior Project Manager IT at the Mayo Clinic. She has her master’s in healthcare administration, PMP, scrum guide and RTR (Radiology). Outside of Mayo, Tiffany is deeply engaged in volunteering and non-profit activities, holding board roles with Elder Network and Bethel Lutheran Women. In recognition of her efforts, Tiffany received the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser award in 2023 from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Southern Minnesota Chapter for efforts with Elder Network.

What motivated you to take this role? I decided to join the board to better engage with my chapter and understand what it takes to keep it successful.

What are your key responsibilities and duties? The VP of Operations collaborates with other VPs and the President to align strategic planning measures and organize the monthly board meetings.

Any special messages for our members or potential members? Consider participating with the board in some capacity. There are various opportunities, both significant and minor, to contribute, such as serving as a Vice President, assisting a Vice President as a director, or aiding in planning efforts for Professional Development Day (PDD). Engagement with the board greatly enhances involvement in the monthly member events.

VP of Membership

Jonathan Konkel

SELF

Jonathan Konkel is a seasoned program and portfolio management leader with more than 25 years of experience across healthcare, government, education, and nonprofit sectors. He is passionate about developing project professionals through mentorship, leadership, and community engagement.

Holding both a PMP® certification and a Master of Science in Project Management, Jonathan is committed to helping members grow their skills, expand their networks, and advance their careers. His experience in professional association leadership and member development makes him a strong advocate for creating meaningful value and engagement opportunities for chapter members.

As Vice President of Membership, Jonathan is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and vibrant member community that helps project professionals connect, learn, and succeed.

Past President

Denise Thompson

DAIRYLAND POWER COOPERATIVE

Denise Thompson, MBA, PMP, CSM is the author of The Human Factor in Project Management, Best Practices in Portfolio, Program and Project Management), CEO and founder of The Project Power Hour podcast, President, PMI La Crosse – Rochester, mentor for PMI and VPMMA, coach. She serves as a leader on projects, programs, and portfolios through all lifecycle phases to deliver measurable value. Denise’s mission is to empower project managers to master the human factors that build success and deliver us into the future.

What motivated you to take on this role? As a volunteer for our chapter since 2008, I understand the value and rewards of volunteer service through PMI. I am continuously in awe of what amazing professionals like ours do to positively lift up our members and build community. It's a rush!

What are your key responsibilities and duties? As President of our chapter my primary responsibility is to support our volunteers to provide as many services and opportunities as possible to our members and sponsors. Building community, growing opportunities, promoting diversity and ensuring alignment to PMI, our mission and vision.

Any messages for our members or potential members? I've met so many project managers who have put off membership and have practiced project management for years. They find their careers stalled, their options limited and the challenges overwhelming. Good news! You are not alone. Join us and become part of a global professional network that offers individual mentoring, connections in your community, new opportunities, growth and so much more.

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