CONCORDIA GROUP - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Operations
Anne Franzen takes on the pivotal role of Senior Project Manager at Global Direct Mail & Marketing, contributing her expertise and diligence to the heart of our operations. Joining our team in 2022, Mrs. Franzen swiftly emerged as a valuable asset, driven by her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to efficiency.
Anne's work ethic is a beacon of dedication, propelling her to approach every task and goal with unwavering determination. Her keen sense of responsibility ensures that deadlines are not only met but surpassed, reflecting her resolute dedication to delivering excellence.
Anne finds solace in her enduring partnership with her husband, Jason, her college sweetheart, spanning over two decades. Together, they embrace exploration, dining out, lakeside serenity, and treasured moments with close friends. Raised on an Iowa farm as the youngest of six, Anne's roots are woven with hard work and determination, from tending hogs to driving grain trucks. As a proud mother of four spirited boys, Anne's hands are happily full, a testament to her joyful commitment to family life.
Frank is a pivotal member of the Concordia Group and Global Direct Mail & Marketing teams, where he leads External Relations and Purchasing. With a rich background encompassing both domestic and international experiences across academic and commercial domains, Frank brings a unique perspective to his roles.
Within the Concordia Group and Global Direct Mail & Marketing, Frank engages in multifaceted responsibilities, showcasing his versatility. His distinctive skill set shines in investigative research, a specialty he employs to great effect while collaborating on projects for clients across the United States.
Frank began his journey at the University of Northern Iowa, where he laid the foundation for his intellectual pursuits. His insatiable curiosity and academic passion drove him to earn a Ph.D. in classics from the esteemed University of Pennsylvania.
During his education, Frank became fluent in an array of languages, including English, French, Afrikaans, Greek, Latin, and German. This linguistic diversity not only enriches his interactions but also underscores his commitment to fostering global connections.
Frank's dedication to education has extended his role as a professor. He has worked at universities all over the world, including The Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, NJ, the University of the Witwatersrand, and the University of Göttingen. There, he shared his expertise and ignited intellectual curiosity in students. These experiences have further broadened his perspective and enhanced his ability to communicate complex concepts effectively.
A significant chapter in Frank's professional journey took him to Los Angeles, where he worked with a rare coin dealer. In this role, he globe-trotted, meticulously verifying the authenticity of coins-a testament to his meticulous attention to detail and commitment to ensuring quality.
Jill Halvorson serves as our dedicated Executive Assistant and with her extensive background in hospitality brings a unique blend of grace, efficiency, and problem-solving to Concordia Group's dynamic team. Jill's hospitality experience has honed her innate ability to connect with people and navigate diverse situations seamlessly.
With a keen sense for orchestrating harmony in complex environments, Jill thrives as the engine behind our team's operational success. In her role, she takes charge of streamlining office operations, ensuring efficiency, and proactively addressing any challenges that arise. Her meticulous execution of plans and exceptional coordination skills keep the office in perfect sync, allowing our team to excel.
Jill's dedication to fostering a cohesive work environment is evident in her belief in the power of relationships. She understands that strong relationships are the cornerstone of a thriving team, and she invests herself in creating an atmosphere where every member can contribute their best. Her ability to unite diverse perspectives and talents into a harmonious whole is a testament to her leadership style.
Mrs. Halvorson's career journey has been marked by significant accomplishments in the hospitality industry. Her passion for hospitality ignited when she crossed paths with Gary Tharaldson, a hotel industry visionary. Her support in realizing his ambitious hotel empire goal of 300 hotels in a decade was a testament to her commitment and dedication.
Jill's career took her through roles in event planning, travel and tourism management, and nonprofit leadership. She contributed her expertise to spearheading sales at the largest conference center in North Dakota and served as the Director of Sales for the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Fargo-Moorhead.
Before joining our team, Jill made a lasting impact as the leader of The Great North Pole, a nonprofit organization that raised over 1 million dollars in just two years to provide essential winter clothing to children in need. Her ability to rally resources and make a tangible difference showcases her deep-rooted commitment to community welfare.
Jill's involvement extends beyond her professional roles. She has actively participated in industry associations, serving on the Red River Valley Hospitality Association Board of Directors, co-presiding over the Fargo Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau, and engaging with the Destination Marketing Association. Her dedication to continuous improvement is reflected in her certification through Dale Carnegie's High Impact Presentations program.
Jill Ryan is a distinguished leader who holds the position of CEO at Global Direct Mail & Marketing and President of Concordia Group. With her visionary approach, she has elevated Global Direct from its humble beginnings as a small operation in an office kitchen to a nationally recognized company. The business has flourished under her guidance, attracting clients from both the East and West Coasts, becoming one of the few vertically integrated firms in the industry. Global Direct offers a comprehensive range of services, including design, printing, and mailing, and effectively utilizes these capabilities in synergy with the Concordia Group to provide unparalleled direct mail, digital, and marketing solutions.
In addition to her exceptional business acumen, Jill has made significant contributions to the political arena. Her role as the deputy campaign manager for Rick Santorum during the 2012 presidential campaign, and her involvement in directing multiple SuperPacs and spearheading national fundraising for Senator Chuck Grassley's Senate victories, attest to her strategic leadership and proficiency in navigating the complexities of political campaigns. Jill's engagement in shaping political landscapes extends to her involvement with the Team Iowa PAC and the 2nd Bush administration, where she played a pivotal role in public affairs and demonstrated her unwavering dedication to the principles she upholds. Moreover, her passion for politics can be traced back to her early years, as she actively participated in her father's congressional campaign, from walking in Franklin County's 4th of July parades to phone banking as a young child.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Jill Ryan leads a fulfilling personal life. She is a dedicated wife to her husband Nick, and a loving mother to their three children. Despite her demanding roles in business and politics, Jill places a strong emphasis on family values and cherishes the time spent with her loved ones.
In addition to her family commitments, Jill remains actively involved in her community. She serves on the Dowling Catholic Foundation Board, leveraging her leadership and expertise to contribute to the betterment of education and community development. Moreover, Jill volunteers her time at Sacred Heart Church and School, reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact in her community through charitable efforts and community service.
Job Titles:
- Role of Senior Director of Production at Global Direct Mail & Marketing
Lindsay Gerber assumes the crucial role of Senior Director of Production at Global Direct Mail & Marketing, where her meticulous approach and unwavering dedication drive our everyday operations. With a focus on diligence and efficiency, Lindsay seamlessly oversees a myriad of projects for both business and non-profit clients, translating their visions into reality with an impeccable attention to detail.
In her collaborative capacity, Lindsay serves as the linchpin between clients and designers, orchestrating a symphony of creativity to ensure each project's precision and fulfillment. Her adeptness at implementing, analyzing, and executing projects underscores her commitment to delivering exceptional results.
Beyond her professional sphere, Lindsay gracefully juggles a role that is equally meaningful: a devoted chauffeur to her four children, ferrying them to various activities. Her weekends are spent on the sidelines of courts and fields, reveling in the bustling energy of youth sports and cherishing the moments that she knows won't last forever.
As the youngest among four siblings, Lindsey holds a deep affection for her family and for Iowa values. Now raising her own four children in this vibrant community, she embodies the essence of dedication to community, and a genuine love for the place she proudly calls home.
Job Titles:
- Fellow for the American Federation for Children
- Legislative Assistant
Zachary Harnden brings his strategic prowess to the forefront as a Legislative Assistant at Concordia Group, seamlessly weaving his passion for political science and legislative studies into every aspect of his role. With a perceptive eye for policy intricacies and a profound dedication to advocacy, Zach gracefully navigates the complexities of the political landscape, crafting strategies that drive meaningful and impactful change.
In his capacity as a Legislative Assistant, Zach masterfully orchestrates the development and execution of dynamic policy strategies. His thorough research skills allow him to distill intricate issues into actionable insights, empowering both clients and internal stakeholders to make informed decisions. Zach's finesse in media relations, social media management, and digital communications ensures that these strategies are not only well-formed but also effectively communicated, reaching their intended audiences with clarity and impact.
Zach embarked on his political journey by contributing to the Kim Reynolds Gubernatorial Campaign as a Senior Field Representative. His adept leadership of intern teams, community engagement, and alignment of strategies with the campaign's vision showcased his impact in this pivotal role, culminating in a resounding 20-point re-election victory in 2022.
Following this achievement, Zach was entrusted with a role as a clerk in the Iowa House of Representatives, collaborating closely with Rep. Heather Hora on a range of legislation, including pivotal areas like agriculture and education. This experience honed his communication skills and cultivated his nuanced understanding of policy dynamics. Currently serving as a Chief of Staff, Zach plays a central role in shaping legislative agendas, coordinating communications, and fostering harmonious collaborations with legislators.
Zach is a dedicated sophomore at Simpson College, pursuing studies in political science and economics. His commitment to personal growth and active involvement shines through his leadership roles, having served as Class President and currently holding the position of President of the Simpson College Republicans. Through his engagement in student government, fraternity activities, and the debate team, he continues to refine his leadership skills and apply his insights to real-world scenarios, laying a strong foundation for a future marked by meaningful contributions.