MIDWEST MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION - Key Persons


Alexandra Thorstad

Job Titles:
  • MMA Director / Cosmos Enterprises, Inc., Sales and Marketing Manager
Alexandra joined the TSMA Board in 2020. She is employed at Cosmos Enterprises, Inc. in Elbow Lake as the Sales and Marketing Manager and holds a Bachelor's of Science in Entrepreneurial Management. Within the Board, Alexandra holds the position of Vice President and serves on the Marketing Committee.

Becky Hauschild - CCO

Job Titles:
  • Communications Director
Becky is proud to hail from West Central Minnesota and is a graduate of the Minnesota State University Moorhead and holds a degree in Mass Communications. She is a graduate of the Second Wind Strategic Marketing Plan course and the Minnesota Digital Marketing Institute. Becky founded Eggen (her maiden name) Group Marketing in 1994. Since launching EGM she has worked with over 175 businesses to increase sales, increase awareness and drive results. Becky has worked with manufacturers on websites, SEM, SEO, paid search, content creation, video productions, print materials, catalogs, eCommerce and much, much more. Becky's passion is to help businesses and organizations grow, and has a keen ability to listen, analyze, and strategize. Becky joined MMA in 2018 part-time. You can reach her at Becky@MidwestManufacturers.com

Dean Kiffmeyer

Job Titles:
  • MMA Vice President Central McGowan, VP Business Development / Dean Has Served on the the CMMA Board in 2017. since 2020, Dean Has Served a Dual Role As an MMA Board Member.
Dean Kiffmeyer MMA Vice President Central McGowan, VP Business Development Dean has served on the the CMMA board in 2017. Since 2020, Dean has served a dual role as an MMA board member.

Ed Bolas

Job Titles:
  • Director Emeritus DyCast Specialties Corporation, Retired Controller
  • Founding Board Member
Bolas is a founding board member of Midwest Manufacturers Association, and has served 17 consecutive years on the MMA board, including President from 2018-2023. Ed retired from Dycast Specialties in February 2024.

Engel Metallurgical

Job Titles:
  • MMA Director / Engel Metallurgical, Ltd., President / Met. Engr.

Jenny Theis

Job Titles:
  • Events Coordinator
Jenny is a life-long resident of Central MN. Her career has taken her from the private to public sector, county government and non-profit work. Her specialties include business development, event planning and program management. She is a proud graduate of the College of Saint Benedict. Jenny loves to meet and connect with new people and businesses. She is a creative problem solver, loves a good spreadsheet and is always open to new ideas. Her love for manufacturing began during her time at United Way of Central MN, and she's excited to learn more about each of your businesses. In her free time, she and her partner Brandon enjoy summers at the camper near Park Rapids. She's also a life-long reader and tries to teach her old dog new tricks. She's a fan of football and baseball (high school + college are favorites.) Jenny is the mom of four adult children spread throughout the U.S. (Colorado, Oregon, North Dakota and Minnesota.) She's lucky to spend her life with Brandon's young daughter who keeps her up-to-date in the latest TikTok trends, slang and Taylor Swift.

Les Engel

Job Titles:
  • MMA Director Engel Metallurgical, Ltd., President / Met. Engr.
Les was a Founding Member of CMMA, having served as President of the Board since 2008. He also serves on the Workforce Committee. Les is the President of Engel Metallurgical, Ltd. located in Sauk Rapids, MN

Nicole McDonald

Job Titles:
  • MMA Secretary Brunswick - New York Mills, Director of Operations
Nicole joined the TSMA board the first time in 2021 and the second time in 2024. Her position as Director of Operations at Brunswick-New York Mills provides valuable insight regarding issues of importance to large manufacturers in the region.

Philip Johnson

Job Titles:
  • MMA Director PAYDAC PLASTICS, Inc., President
  • President of Paydac Plastics
Philip was elected to the TSMA Board in 2020. Phil is the President of Paydac Plastics in Fergus Falls, and serves on both the Program and Workforce committees.

Rachel Lolmasteymaugh

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director
  • Executive Director Midwest Manufacturers Association - TSMA, Executive Director
  • MMA As the Executive Director
  • MMA As the New Executive Director
Rachel joined MMA as the Executive Director in 2022. She comes from a sales and events background and worked in manufacturing years ago. Rachel li... Rachel joined MMA as the new Executive Director in January 2022. She comes from a sales and events background and worked in manufacturing years ago. Rachel lives in Sartell with her husband and three teenage children. In her previous position she had served on 19 different boards and committees including CentraCare, United Way Imagination Library, the City of Sartell Economic Development Council, the Sartell CVB board and president of the Sartell Chamber to mention a few.

Rally Hess

Job Titles:
  • Director
Rally Hess MMA Director Hibbing Fabricators, Inc., President/CEO/Co-owner (218) 262-5575 Send Email Rally joined the AMFA board in 2022, serving a Vice President in 2023. As Owner and President of Hibbing Fabricators, Inc., Rally brings another valued manufacturing voice to the board. Hibbing Fabricators specializes in the production of precision metal components and assemblies.

Rick Lemke

Job Titles:
  • MMA Director the Collaborative, Founder
Rick joined the board when RRMEA was formed in 2023. He is the Sales Manager at Aethero and Business Development guy for Chezy. He is also the founder of The Collaborative in Fargo, ND. Rick is proud to have graduated from Minnesota State Community and Technical College and Rasmussen University. Both schools helped him build a great sales foundation and business acumen. Most recently, he helped form RRMEA where he is currently the President. Rick lives in South Fargo with his wife, Ashley, and their children: Jack, Seth, and Cora. They love to take part in local events.

Russell Martinson

Job Titles:
  • MMA Director / J & M Printing, Inc., Senior Account Executive
  • Senior Account Executive at J & M Printing, Inc
Russell Martinson is the Senior Account Executive at J&M Printing, Inc. He has 18 years of experience in sales and brings a passion for relationship building/networking and customer satisfaction. Prior to entering the sales world, he was an elementary school teacher for five years in a rural North Dakota School. Russell lives in West Fargo, ND and enjoys spending time and having new adventures with his wife and kids.

Sandy Bryant

Job Titles:
  • MMA Director Revolv Manufacturing, Plant Manager
Sandy is the plant manager at Revolv Manufacturing, formerly Hibbing Fabricators. Sandy re-joined the board in January 2024 and previously served the AMFA Board President.

Sandy Kashmark

Job Titles:
  • Controller
Sandy is happily embracing a transition to part-time employment after a 31-year career with Midwest Manufacturers Association. Her new role includes all bookkeeping duties as well as assisting with various membership tasks. Prior to 2022, she served as Executive Director of the associations. She is a graduate of North Dakota State College of Science and Minnesota State University Moorhead. Sandy and her husband, Dennis, live in Hoffman, an excellent location from which to pursue their most recent side hustle - residential real estate/home improvement. Sandy spends her free time with visits to grandchildren (in Buffalo, WY and Fargo, ND), reading, walking, and spending time with friends.

Steve Leen

Job Titles:
  • MMA Treasurer Creative Planning, Partner / Tax Director
Steve was elected to the CMMA board in 2012, and serves on both the Programs and Golf Committees. Steve is a proactive CPA with over 17 years of experience with a strong concentration in manufacturing. He is a Partner at BerganKDV located in St. Cloud, MN.

Wade Karnes

Job Titles:
  • MMA President Zakobe LLC, President
Wade was elected to the AMFA Board in 2018, and served as Board President for three years, from 2020-2022. Wade is Chair of the Education Committee, and also serves on the Marketing/Membership, FabTech, and ET Grant Review committees. Wade is the President of Zakobe LLC located in Bovey, MN.