About Emerging Leaders
Emerging Leaders is a welcoming, year-round programming for anyone who’s “emerging” in their own way—within the Chamber, in the Southwest Metro area, in your career, role, or company. It’s not an age group; it’s a mindset. Our events bring together growth-minded professionals to share ideas, develop skills, and expand networks through casual happy hours, luncheons, and activity events. Whether you’re new to Eden Prairie, stepping into leadership, changing industries, or building influence where you are, you’ll find a supportive community here. All are invited—come as you are, connect with others, and leave with practical takeaways and new relationships.
2026 Co-Chair
Kelli Bailey – College H.U.N.K.S.
“As the Business Development and Sales Manager for College Hunks Eden Prairie, I focus on building meaningful relationships with businesses and clients to help streamline their processes in the moving, hauling, and labor space. Whether it’s supporting companies with operational needs or guiding individuals through personal transitions, I strive to be a reliable resource clients can turn to—someone who can simplify the logistics, answer questions, and remove stress from their plate.
2026 Co-Chair
Sam Markell – Bridgewater Bank
“I’m part of the Treasury Management team at Bridgewater Bank, where I partner with businesses to deliver tailored banking solutions that support growth and success. My favorite part of the role is helping local businesses achieve their goals and thrive in the Twin Cities community. Outside of work, I serve as a board member at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Edina and coach youth football, reflecting my passion for leadership and community involvement.
It might sound cliché, but my best advice is to just be yourself. At EPC, members genuinely want to know you, not just what you do for work, but who you outside the office. Authentic connections make the experience meaningful.”
2025 Chair
Harry Plowman Ollington – Rokos Advisors
“I am a financial analyst of commercial real estate for Rokos Advisors. My role here is to advise companies on their leases and acquisitions of commercial real estate, including the industrial, office, and retail asset classes. Some of my responsibilities include helping companies restructure or renegotiate leases, preparing valuation assessments of commercial real estate, and preparing financial models to look at return forecasting and risk analysis, amongst other things.
My advice to emerging leaders in any industry is to prioritize continuous learning and adaptability. Understanding industry trends and staying consumer-focused is also imperative. Invest strongly in building relationships and network actively to broaden your wider perspectives and opportunities.”
Jonathan W. Buergel – Bracco Medical Technologies
“I am an expert in electromechanical equipment manufacturing, diagnostics, and repair. I am also experienced and certified in process analysis and improvement. Since 2021, I have led the In-House Repair Department for Bracco Medical Technologies in Eden Prairie, fostering the career growth of team members by developing their soft and hard skills and identifying paths to meet their individual professional goals. Additionally, I serve as the Health, Safety, and Environment Committee Chairman for the Eden Prairie location, ensuring regulatory compliance and enacting improvement projects to better serve our team members, customers, and community.
My advice to emerging leaders in any industry: Learn to think strategically and actively seek to obtain objectivity to make goal-based decisions in every aspect of your role. Take the necessary time to think through challenges fully to make informed decisions; this will allow you to thrive in your career and continuously develop the mindset of a leader. Your intentional efforts will yield great results!”
Jordan Jensen – Magnetic North
“I am currently a Digital Marketing Strategist at Magnetic North. I am responsible for managing Google Ads campaigns, writing and publishing new website content for various clients (SEO), creating social media campaigns both organically and through paid efforts, enhancing website design to increase sales or lead generation, and producing in-depth marketing strategies unique to each of my clients and executing on them.
More recently, I have also stepped into a hybrid sales role where I am responsible for developing new strategies for incoming clients. This has given me the opportunity to engage with business owners across various industries and craft innovative plans to support their growth and success.
My bit of advice to emerging leaders: Be curious. Ask questions.
Understand the “Why” behind your work. Throughout your career, you’ll encounter many learning curves. Embrace your curiosity about what’s ahead and how to improve; it makes the journey less overwhelming and more exciting.”
Madeline Nelson – Truity Partners, LLCMadeline Nelson is a Senior Recruiter at Truity Partners, where she specializes in connecting top accounting and finance professionals – from Staff to CFO – with leading companies across the Twin Cities. Madeline is dedicated to guiding individuals through career changes, acting as a career coach to help them navigate the complexities of the job market. She is equally committed to partnering with companies to identify and secure the right talent, ensuring a perfect fit for both parties. Raised in Eden Prairie, Madeline was actively involved in the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce during high school, which sparked her passion for community and connection. A graduate of the College of Saint Benedict, she co-founded “Bennies in Business,” an organization dedicated to empowering women in business-related fields through networking and professional development opportunities. Madeline is excited to use her passion for networking and professional development to support emerging leaders in the community, providing them with the resources they need to reach their full potential.
Madeline’s advice to new members: Be authentic and engaged. Show a genuine interest in the people you meet. Engage in meaningful conversations and focus on building real connections.
hat’s ahead and how to improve; it makes the journey less overwhelming and more exciting.”
Bennett Johnson – Alerus Financial"I work with business owners, nonprofits, and organizations across Minnesota to help them make smart financial decisions as they grow. That can mean anything from setting up a line of credit or financing a building, to improving cash flow, managing risk, or simplifying day to day banking.
At the core, my job is about relationships. I focus on understanding how each business actually operates and building long term partnerships that support their goals today and in the future. I enjoy being a steady resource for clients as they navigate opportunities and challenges.
My advice for emerging leaders is don’t be afraid to fail, especially early on. Growth comes from showing up consistently, learning from mistakes and open to the possibility you will make more mistakes along the way. Progress comes from curiosity, effort, and earning trust over time."
