Leaders of the Month: Cathy Aaseng and Deanna Merdink

Our committee volunteers help shape our organization because of the contribution of their time and talents.

During select months throughout the year, our board members recognize outstanding achievements by nominating active volunteer committee members they wish to honor for their contributions to the MN MPI Chapter.

In September, we would like to recognize these two outstanding MPI member volunteers: Cathy Aaseng, Event Manager, Courtyard by Marriott and Deanna Merdink, Meeting Planner, Best Meetings.

Cathy Aaseng

Reason for nomination: With the successful Summer Social event at Top Golf, Cathy has just ended her two-year term as the chair of our summer fundraiser, with the help of vice-chair Deanna Merdink.  Cathy not only helped plan a fun and effective event that directly impacts our chapter’s funding, she helped on-board and train vice-chair Deanna Merdink with all the ins and outs of the event, setting Deanna up for success in 2020 as she takes on Cathy’s position as chair.  Cathy is always willing to help, goes above and beyond and is an amazing asset to the MPI and the SA committee.

This was Deanna’s first volunteer role within MPI and she jumped in head first and could not have been a bigger asset to both the chair and also the committee.  Deanna had awesome ideas for the event, and assisted Cathy in everything and was outstanding to work with.  I knew this event was in good hands with these ladies, and we all look forward to Deanna being the chair of this event next year.

Deanna Merdink

Nominated By: Marisa Hovde, VP of Strategic Alliances, MPI MN and Director of Sales Radisson RED and also by Kathryn Laulainen, Director of Membership Recruitment, MPI MN and Associate Director of Sales, The Marquette Hotel and Director of MPI recruitment.