Cooperative Network Announces Hughes, Duerr as New Staff Additions
ST. PAUL, Minn. (November 3, 2011) – Two new staff will be joining Cooperative Network’s Saint Paul office. Matt Hughes has accepted the position of Minnesota Managing Director, and Andrew Duerr has accepted the newly created Director of Member Services position. Both will start on November 13, in conjunction with Cooperative Network’s annual meeting in Rochester, Minn.
As Minnesota Managing Director, Hughes will direct the business, legislative and political affairs of Cooperative Network’s Minnesota office in accordance with the objectives and policies established by the board of directors, its president & CEO, and its cooperative business members across the state.
Most recently, Hughes was the Executive Director of the Small Business Alliance, at the Alliance for a Healthier Minnesota. Prior to that, he was a senior executive officer at the Minnesota Department of Human Services, served as Senior Policy Advisor to former Governor Tim Pawlenty, and as Deputy Assistant Secretary at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“Matt brings a wealth of state and federal experience to Cooperative Network,” said Cooperative Network President and CEO Bill Oemichen. “His extensive background in a broad number of issues will be a strong asset to Minnesota cooperatives and their members.”
In his new position, Duerr will work on agriculture-related legislative issues at the Capitol with Cooperative Network Government Affairs Director Bruce Kleven, direct Cooperative Network’s extensive youth education efforts in both Minnesota and Wisconsin, and work with the organization’s communications staff. Duerr will also be the primary contact for the Minnesota Cooperative Education Foundation.
He is currently employed by Messerli & Kramer as a legislative assistant where he worked on a number of agricultural legislative issues and has worked closely with the Minnesota Farm Credit associations. Prior to his position at Messerli & Kramer, he served as committee administrator of the Minnesota House of Representatives’ Agriculture Committee and also served as a legislative assistant where he worked on agriculture and utility issues.
“Andrew’s strong history in agriculture, and experience with the Minnesota Legislature make him the perfect fit for our team at Cooperative Network,” said Oemichen. |
