Team

Rick shapes the firm’s vision and strategy. Before Granite Partners, he co-founded Venture Allies and worked for Bauerly Companies and Deloitte & Touche. A Saint John’s University graduate, Rick holds an MBA and MPA from Harvard University. He helped build Anderson Center and the Greater St. Cloud development corporation; he serves on the Minnesota Chamber Foundation board and is a prior board member for CentraCare Health and Initiative Foundation. He enjoys nature, traveling, and triathlons.

Madelyn manages the processes, services, and building efficiencies at Granite Innovations, a destination for advancing the Granite mission. She joined the team in 2021, bringing administrator experience from Little Falls Health Services. She holds a BBA in Healthcare Administration from UW-Eau Claire and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin MBA Consortium. Madelyn enjoys visiting national parks and walking with her dog.

Riley converts financial data into timely, relevant, accurate, and user-friendly reports for stakeholders. He joined the team in 2021, bringing experience from senior roles at Otter Trail Corporation and KPMG. With stellar academics, Riley received the 2018 St. Cloud State University Outstanding Accounting Graduate award. He enjoys reading and watching sports, and he participates in Rotaract, a club of young community leaders.

Melissa manages relationships with community organizations and is a program liaison for Granite Charitable, Granite Partners Foundation, Active Central MN, and more. She joined the team in 2021, bringing experience as a Program Manager of the AMBER Alert in the Indian County (AAIC) initiative. She has a BA and an MS in Criminal Justice from St. Cloud State University and serves on the United Way of Central Minnesota board. She enjoys traveling, fitness, and the outdoors.

Kari engages in the firm’s recruiting activities to attract, recruit, and retain top talent at the Granite Companies. She joined the team in 2021, bringing experience from roles at Korn Ferry and Epicor Software. Kari earned a BBA from the University of Minnesota Duluth. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and taking group fitness classes.

Jolene leverages NetSuite, the Granite Companies’ foundational business system, to create efficiencies and enable growth. She joined the team in 2022, with more than 10 years’ experience in optimizing, automating, and scaling NetSuite across various industries. She holds multiple NetSuite certifications and is pursuing a BBA with a concentration in Project Management. A native Minnesotan, Jolene enjoys crafting, reading, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Paul represents Granite Partners on the Massman Companies and Vector boards. He served as the firm’s CFO for seven years, overseeing financial, tax, and regulatory and compliance matters. He joined the team in 2015, after holding leadership roles at Atomic Learning, Hennepin Paper Company, and Bauerly Companies. A Brown University graduate, he earned his MBA from the Carlson School of Management. Paul is active in his community and is proud to say he has played golf in all 50 states.

Angie recruits top talent into key leadership positions at the Granite Companies and leads on executing the talent strategy. She joined the team in 2016, with experience from Salo, Best Buy, and Grant Thornton. A College of Saint Benedict graduate, she earned an MBA at the Carlson School of Management and is an active member of the Saint Ben’s Leadership Advisory Council. She enjoys fitness, golfing, and traveling.

Dalton designs, maintains, and supports the analytics infrastructure across the organization. He joined the team in 2025, bringing experience from Eight Eleven Group in engineering and sales and from Winfield Union as a formulation chemist. He graduated from the University of Minnesota and is pursuing an MBA at the University of Illinois. A Texas native, Dalton enjoys DIY projects at his home in Fridley, Minnesota.

Laura manages marketing communications and supports all firm operations. A University of Minnesota Duluth graduate, she joined Granite Partners in 2016 with experience from March of Dimes, Glensheen Mansion, and the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. She is on the St. Cloud Downtown Alliance board and the St. Cloud Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration planning committee. Laura enjoys reading, being active, and time with family.

Pat co-founded Granite Partners and now serves as Operating Partner, guiding the stewardship of Microbiologics and AltimateMedical. Pat brought previous experience as a Director of Corporate Accounts for Medtronic and as a consultant with Deloitte & Touche. A graduate of Carleton College, Pat earned an MBA at Harvard. He is a board member for Greater St. Cloud and Summertime by George. Pat enjoys hunting, fishing, and biking.

Chris writes and edits copy for Granite Partners, supporting a consistent voice across all platforms, materials, and media. Previously a Venture Allies consultant, she brings communication and training experience from Johnson Controls, Alignmark, and IBM. She holds a BA from Concordia College and an MS from the University of Minnesota. Chris loves reading, running, and traveling.

Beth serves as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the firm’s leadership team. She joined Granite Partners in 2025, bringing experience as Chief of Staff with Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures. Beth earned a BA from the College of St. Scholastica, and she serves on the Central Lakes College Foundation Board. She is passionate about advancing young women in business, and she founded B. Smitten Weddings to celebrate connection.

Christine coordinates tax, 401(k), regulatory, and compliance matters. She joined the team in 2012, with experience from roles at Ernst & Young LLP, and experience as a contracted tax professional to clients including CarVal Investors LP, TCF Bank, HB Fuller, Ameriprise Financial, and more. Christine graduated from UW-Madison and enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

Thomas guides integrations of new investments, enables strategy development, leads data analytics projects, and fosters key partner relationships. He joined the team in 2020, bringing experience from McKinsey & Company and Target. A University of Chicago graduate, he returned for an MBA as a Booth Scholar at the Booth School of Business. He serves on the board of the Our Lady of Grace Men’s Club; he is an avid reader and an aspiring golfer, and he dreams of being a food critic.

Eric designs and sustains the Granite brand across marketing and communications materials. He began supporting Granite Partners in 2011, bringing experience from the Anderson Center, the U.S. military, and numerous businesses and non-profit clients. Eric holds a BS and an MBA from St. Cloud State University. An active volunteer for Erickson Merkel Foundation, Eric enjoys hockey and real estate.

Shelly leads community impact initiatives and has been a key operating partner since inception. She co-founded and managed Venture Allies and was a Program Director for the Bush Leadership Program at the Carlson School of Management. She is a College of Saint Benedict graduate, and she holds advanced degrees from Harvard and the University of Minnesota. Shelly actively supports non-profits through board service and volunteer leadership. She enjoys hiking, traveling, and time with family.

Joanne represents Granite Partners on the All Flex Solutions board, serving as Board Chair. She joined the team in 2002, bringing experience from Honeywell, and eventually serving as Director of Strategy Services. A Carthage College graduate, she earned an MBA at Harvard. Joanne is on the GREAT Theatre Sustainability Committee, and she co-leads a seasonal garlic business with her husband. She enjoys walks with her Australian Terrier.

Justin analyzes data to improve processes, strengthen metrics, and drive growth. He joined Granite Partners in 2022, bringing experience in manufacturing and quality from Sportradar and Pepsi. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with an Economics degree. Justin loves sports analytics, listening to audio books, playing chess, and competing in jiu-jitsu tournaments.

Meg leads the firm’s platform and add-on investments, from sourcing through execution and company support. She joined the team in 2020, bringing experience from Norwest Equity Partners and Bain & Company. A UW-Madison graduate, she earned an MBA with Distinction from Harvard Business School. She serves on the board of Great River Greening and enjoys creative writing.

Art co-founded Granite Partners in 2002 and transitioned to a senior advisory role in 2016, overseeing financial activities and strategic projects. Prior to Granite Partners, Art held senior roles at Norwest Equity Partners, Computer Guidance Group, and Arthur Anderson. A graduate of Notre Dame University, he is a loyal Fighting Irish fan. He is involved in numerous non-profit and community organizations, he owns a vineyard in Argentina, and he enjoys traveling.

Natalie leads the firm’s platform and add-on investments, from sourcing through execution and company support. She joined the team in 2022 with experience from 3M, Lazard, and D.B Fitzpatrick & Co. A Boise State graduate, she earned an MBA from the Carlson School of Management. She enjoys the Minnesota outdoors and traveling, especially to her home country of Georgia.

Jacob supports the firm’s platform and add-on investments, from sourcing through execution and company support. He joined the team in 2026, bringing experience from Target, Lincoln International, and Wells Fargo. He has a BA from Carleton College, earned his MBA from Northwestern University, and is a CFA charterholder. A member of the Scouting America and YMCA communities, Jacob enjoys exploring national parks and playing sports.

Jen supports Granite Members through communication, administration, and related services. A College of St. Scholastica graduate, Jen joined the team in 2001 and has experience from Venture Allies, Doherty Employment Group, and St. Cloud Technical College. Jen is involved in United Way and enjoys the outdoors, especially camping and boating.

Tim brings collaboration, coordination, and communication to all Granite Partners financial processes. He joined the team in 2024, bringing experience from C.H. Robinson, as a PwC consultant, and as co-founder of a social sports platform. He holds a bachelor’s and an MAc from the University of Iowa. Tim is active with United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and his church. He enjoys snowboarding in Colorado and visiting national parks.

Jack supports the firm’s platform and add-on investments, from sourcing through execution and company support, and leads enterprise innovation efforts. He joined Granite Partners in 2023, bringing experience from Mayo Clinic, Northstar Capital, and Greene Holcomb & Fisher. A Santa Clara University graduate, Jack has an MBA from the Carlson School of Management. He is also an Army veteran. Jack lives in Lake Elmo with his family and enjoys nature, travel, reading, music, and fitness.

Tracy manages the firm’s technology tools and processes. She joined the team in 2005, bringing experience from Venture Allies and Wolters Kluwer Financial Services. She holds a BS and an MBA from St. Cloud State University. Tracy is a board member for Habitat for Humanity Minnesota and is an Anderson Center Discussion Leader. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and travel.

Greg leads the firm’s recruiting activities and has worked with Granite Partners since 2002. He began his career with Korn/Ferry International and later founded Schumacher Executive Search. A graduate of Saint John’s University, he earned an MBA from the Carlson School of Management. He serves on the Aim Higher Foundation board, chairs the Notre Dame Academy board, and leads a fishing club. He enjoys cold plunges and staying active.

Ryan supports Granite Members by directing, facilitating, and innovating member services. He started with Granite Partners in a dual role of Controller and member services in 2005 and has experience from prior roles with Venture Allies, BerganKDV, and Bankers Systems. Ryan graduated from St. Cloud State University. In his free time, he enjoys hunting and sports.

Josie collaborates with company HR leaders on wellbeing and team member engagement. She joined the team in 2026, bringing experience in talent development and HR program innovation from Netrio and SUCCESS Computer Consulting. She has a BA from Gustavus Adolphus College and her PHR and MRA Principles of Leadership certifications. Josie loves all things Minnesota, sculpt classes, and sunny mornings with coffee on the deck.

Sara focuses on the development and wellbeing of team members across the Granite community. She joined the team in 2022 with experience from roles at Deloitte, Target, and Merrill Lynch. A Lawrence University graduate, she earned an MBA in HR from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Sara mentors young professionals and is Board Chair for Her Next Play, a non-profit she founded to develop women leaders through sports.

Carrie leads the firm’s business operations, working with the teams supporting Granite Partners’ strategic activities. She joined the team in 2016 with experience from Chartwell Financial Advisory. A graduate of Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, she earned an MBA at the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. Carrie is a Trustee for the Initiative Foundation board and serves on the Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Foundation board. She enjoys her hobby farm and volunteering at her church.

Micah supports the transformation to digital human resource and talent practices, collaborating with HR teams in the Granite Companies and providing technical support and guidance. He joined the team in 2024, bringing experience from Mercer Health & Benefits and Creative Planning. A graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music, he volunteers at performing arts organizations and animal shelters. He likes spoiling his cats and exploring museums.