Celebrating Erica Stangeland's 18 Years of Leadership and Legacy

Career Beginnings 

Erica’s career path is anything but conventional — and she’s the first to admit it. Her marketing degree and early retail career didn’t exactly hint at a future in academic medicine or orthopedics. 

Instead, Erica found herself in a field where business and compassion intersect in a way most people wouldn’t expect: the funeral industry. For many years, she managed several cemeteries both in Minnesota and Pennsylvania, a role that required equal parts empathy, organization, and an impressive ability to keep calm under pressure — skills that, ultimately, translate pretty well to healthcare administration. 

After several years in the funeral industry and a desire for a life change, she settled into a new role as Office Administrator for the Department of Surgery at Temple University, alongside husband Todd and step-daughter Sydney. Over the course of her eight years at Temple, Erica and family welcomed their son, Gunnar. 

Her return to Minnesota, however, was serendipitous. “Truthfully, I ended up back in Minnesota when Todd accepted a job in Minneapolis, so then I took it upon myself to start applying for jobs, too,” she recalls. “Because I already worked in an academic environment, I just started applying for any jobs here at the University of Minnesota.” 

It wasn’t long before an opportunity arose in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery for the role of Administrative Director. 

The transition was swift—she accepted the job at the end of April 2007, the family sold their home, and she was set to start her new role in July of the same year. 

Early Days in the Department 

Starting a new role is always an adjustment, and for Erica, the early days in the department were about learning, observing, and building connections. 

“I took my own initiative to get to know the staff and figure out where people were coming from, who had been here a long time, and what their roles were,” she explains.

Her transition coincided with a major leadership change, as Denis Clohisy, MD, stepped into the role of Department Chair within weeks of her. 

“Dr. Clohisy had been connected to the department for a long time. This was a positive thing for me. He was able to help me navigate who people were from the physician standpoint,” Erica recalls. “With him being in a new role as well, we had to rely on each other for advice, guidance, and vision, and essentially help each other carry out what we were trying to accomplish.” 

In the early days at the University, the department was much smaller, allowing her to take on a variety of responsibilities that provided her with a well-rounded understanding of its operations. 

She immersed herself in financial processes, learning firsthand how funds moved through the system, and played a central role in personnel management, conducting annual reviews and overseeing staff. 

As the department expanded—both in staff and in the number of physicians—her role evolved to meet new demands. What once was a hands-on, all-encompassing approach transitioned into a more specialized leadership position. Her focus shifted toward strategic oversight and leadership development, ensuring that the department kept pace with the increasing complexity of operations across multiple health systems. 

Money, Money, Money 

When asked about her favorite part of the job, Erica doesn’t hesitate. 

“Money. I love money,” she says with a laugh. 

But it’s not about the dollars themselves—it’s about the challenge of managing them. 

“I just love problem-solving with money. I like to understand how money flows.” 

Her deep knowledge of financial operations has been a key asset to the department, allowing her to navigate the complexities of both the University and UMP systems with confidence. 

Her knack for budgeting hasn’t gone unnoticed. In a previous position, she earned the title of Budget Buster of the Year—a nod to her ability to stretch resources and maximize efficiency. And while Dr. Clohisy prides himself on being “fiscally responsible,” Erica jokes that he has a slightly different take on her approach. 

“He calls me downright cheap,” she says, grinning.

Fulfilling Moments 

For Erica, the most fulfilling part of her job isn’t just about managing operations—it’s about building a strong, cohesive team. 

“I feel like over time, we’ve hired some great people. The right people,” she reflects. “Not to say that I haven’t made mistakes. I’ve learned a lot about hiring.” 

Through years of experience, she’s come to believe that the key to a successful hire isn’t just about qualifications—it’s about finding the right fit. 

“I believe that hiring is more about the fit of the person than their ability to do the job. I think we can teach someone a lot if they are the right fit for the group.” 

Beyond staffing, Erica takes immense pride in her role in shaping the department’s evolution, particularly in large-scale initiatives like the CentraCare M Physicians partnership. From the initial negotiations to watching the collaboration flourish six years later, she’s had a front-row seat. 

“I’m really proud of being a part of that partnership from the ground up. I saw the negotiations to the signing of the agreement to where they are now and the growth they have achieved. It’s been fun to watch.” 

Words from Staff 

Erica’s presence in the department has been deeply felt—not only in the day-to-day administrative successes, but also in the relationships she has cultivated with those she works closely with. 

Post-doctoral Associate Ramin Alireza describes her as “thoughtful and attentive to everyone’s needs.” 

He’s not alone in his praise. Again and again, staff members echoed Erica’s empathetic nature and how refreshing it is to have genuine conversation and know they are truly being heard. 

For many, especially those new to Minnesota, Erica’s kindness provided a crucial sense of belonging. Research fellow Jon Harley, who joined the department from Ohio, reflects, “From the first week I arrived, she made me feel at home. Erica has always been down-to-earth and easygoing...her constant attention to my needs has always made me feel like an integral part of our department.” 

Perhaps one of Erica’s most lasting contributions is her mentorship. As she prepares to pass the baton, she has worked closely with Erik Solberg, who will step into the Administrative Director role following her retirement. 

“She is a role model of an administrative leader; she demonstrates humility, encouragement, solicits feedback, and uses it to make herself more effective,” Erik shares. “She takes time to listen, invests in the development of team members. I am striving to integrate those qualities into my own practice.” 

What Comes Next? 

As Erica prepares for retirement, she looks forward to a new chapter—one that offers both reflection and possibility. 

“I will need a little time to let my mind calm down because I do love to work,” she admits. 

But stepping away doesn’t mean slowing down entirely. Instead, she plans to take time to figure out what’s next. 

“What do I want that to be? Do I want to be an individual contributor? Do I still want to lead? What does that look like?” she considers. 

One thing she’s certain of, however, is prioritizing time with family, particularly her dad. 

Looking back, Erica describes her career as something to be proud of. She credits much of her success to her partnership with Dr. Clohisy. As the department prepares for leadership transitions, she expresses confidence in its future, particularly in Solberg. 

“I think that change is good, and I hope that the next Chair and Administrator have the same bond and trust that I have with Dr. Clohisy.” She echoes Clohisy’s sentiment that the department is stronger than ever. 

“We have the best team we’ve ever had right now. We have a lot of great leaders here who have so much potential to take us to another level. I just wish everybody the best.” 

Through every challenge and success, Erica has remained a steady and reassuring presence, one known for her confidence that things will work out. 

And as she moves into this next phase, she leaves behind the same words she’s lived by all these years: “It’ll all be fine.”