Staff

Chair's Office Project Manager, Chair's Office

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My name is Orit Ackerman, and I am the Chair’s Office Project Manager. I lead or provide assistance for department event planning initiatives and projects. I’ve been in this role since August of 2023 and in the Department of Surgery since January of 2019. Previously, I supported the Department Chair, Dr. Ikramuddin, and before that, the Division of Bariatric Surgery. I have also worked for the Center for Jewish Studies and the College of Pharmacy and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Theatre Arts. 

Home life is busy setting up a new household with my boyfriend, our three teenagers, and two kittens.
 

Program/Project Specialist, Transplantation

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Rebecca joined the transplant team in January 2025 after working nearly a decade at the UMN College of Veterinary Medicine. Rebecca loves spending time with her rescued American Bulldog. She also enjoys being with family and friends and trying new activities. Other interests include creative writing, music, watercolor painting, and putting together 3D puzzles. 

Division Administrator, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Finance Specialist, Surgical Oncology and Colon & Rectal Surgery Observership

Champion for the Department of Surgery

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I have worked in the UMN Medical School since 2017, providing strategic financial management and analytics in order to alleviate systematic burdens. Now, I am working with the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to create a foundation for growth. My goal every day is to create real and sustainable change. With every year that I serve the University of Minnesota, I know that I am serving the greater public. Additionally, I am specifically passionate about supporting our trans community, connecting local HIV+ youth with needed resources, and spreading awareness about MMIWG2S's impact on Minnesota's Indigenous people.

Program/Project Specialist, Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery

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Laura is a Program/Project Specialist in the Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery Division beginning in 2025, and has been with the University of Minnesota for over 10 years. Laura earned her M.A. in Leadership in Student Affairs from the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) and her B.A. in Travel/Tourism from St. Cloud State University. Laura's academic interests include gender and sexuality from an international perspective, women's rights, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. When not at work, you can find Laura trying new restaurants all over the Twin Cities, traveling, playing cello with the Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra and watching Green Bay Packers football.

Division Administrator, Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery

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My name is Britt and I've been working for the Department of Surgery since August of 2019. I am the Division Administrator for Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery.  I also provide administrative support for the Undergraduate Medical Education office.  When I'm not working you can find me spending time with my husband and son, likely out on a walk and bird watching.

Executive Assistant, Chair's Office

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Lab Coordinator, Visible Heart® Laboratories

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My name is Kara Heinle, and I have been the Lab Coordinator for the Visible Heart® Laboratories since January 2021. In this role, I help oversee daily operations, including personnel management, research and safety compliance, and fiscal responsibilities. I especially enjoy coordinating the lab's outreach and marketing efforts, promoting our work through tours and events. Working closely with faculty, students, industry partners, and visitors, I focus on making sure the lab runs smoothly and stays well-organized. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and a Master's in English as a Second Language. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, and I especially love relaxing on Rainy Lake and Lake Superior.

Division Administrator, Pediatric Surgery

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My name is Lisa Iverson. I have been working at the University of Minnesota for 25 years. I started out working for the Department of Otolaryngology as a Surgery Scheduler for Pediatric Otolaryngology. I have been working for the Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery for the last 14 years as a Division Administrator. I love spending time with my three beautiful grandchildren, Evelyn (3), Brody (1), and Linnea (8 months). I also love to spend time at our cabin on Farm Island Lake enjoying fishing, cruising the lake on our pontoon and listening to the beautiful loons on the lake. I also love to travel and hope to do more in the future.

Academic Administrative Specialist, Division of Surgical Oncology and Division of Colon & Rectal Surgery

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I am the Academic Administrative Specialist for the Divisions of Surgical Oncology and Colon and Rectal Surgery. I support the administrative and academic functions of these divisions by managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and facilitating communication among faculty, staff, and students. I am passionate about working in education and supporting the research efforts of the Department of Surgery. Outside of work, you can find me engaging in crafts, practicing yoga, and exploring all the Twin Cities have to offer. 

Division Administrator, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery

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Qgenda Champion, Notary

Jenn came to the University of Minnesota in 2021, after 21+ years' experience in various roles at North Memorial Health. Jenn is the Division Administrator for Cardiothoracic Surgery, where she oversees the Division and five administrative staff in the Cardiothoracic, Thoracic & Foregut, and Vascular Surgery Divisions.

Jenn holds a bachelor's degree in healthcare management with plans of obtaining her Masters of Healthcare Administration in the near future. Outside of work, Jenn can be found smoking her favorite dinner for her family or walking her Great Dane – Jellybean and American Bulldog Mix – Ghost in her neighborhood.

Program/Project Specialist, Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery

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My name is Marge Knutsen and I am the Project/Program Coordinator for the Department of Surgery Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery Division.  

I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre.  I came from a professional background in Retail Management, Hospitality, working in Hotels and the Cruise industry, and many Administrative roles.  I began my career at the University of Minnesota in 2023. I have three grown children, and when I am not working, I enjoy traveling, going to the theater, and spending time with my family.
 

Administrative Director, Department of Surgery

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My name is Sherri Novitsky, and I am the Administrative Director for the Department of Surgery. In my role, I lead administrative operations and collaborate closely with department leadership to support the goals of our faculty members in the areas of surgical education, research, and clinical care. I have a passion for building strong teams and fostering professional development.

With a background in organizational leadership, I am actively involved in the American Association of Surgical Administrators (AASA), where I most recently served as the Central Regional Representative.

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Business, a Master's of Management and Administration, and a Master's in Organizational Leadership with a focus on Higher Education. Outside of work, I enjoy early morning walks with our rescued Cattle Dog, Sheila, and spending time with our family, especially during our four-generation Sunday dinners.

Division Administrator, Gastrointestinal/Bariatric Surgery

Financial Champion, Department of Surgery

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My name is Inna Potapenko, and I’ve been with the University of Minnesota since 2023 as the Bariatric Division Administrator and financial champion in the Department of Surgery. Prior to this, I spent three years at CSC and since 2011 held roles in various clinical settings, building a strong foundation in healthcare operations.

I'm committed to continuous learning and applying new insights to support our mission. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, exploring new skills and places, engaging with nonprofit organizations, and most of all, spending quality time with my two amazing daughters.

Administrative Associate, Transplantation

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Carly has worked in the Transplantation Division since 2022. In her role, some primary responsibilities include leading the day-to-day administrative operations, training & onboarding. Planning special events and conferences, including the weekly transplant conference. Managing and updating the clinic & call schedules, and the primary Qgenda administrator. She is a graduate of Grand Canyon University, majoring in Marketing and Advertisement. Who enjoys exploring the city, cooking new foods, traveling, and loves to spoil her 17-year-old dog, Cody.

Division Administrator, Vascular Surgery

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I've been in my current role since March of 2025, bringing with me over 6.5 years of experience as the Scheduling Coordinator and Administrative Assistant for the LVAD Program at M Health Fairview. Outside of my work supporting the Vascular Surgery staff, I hold a Master's Degree in Opera Performance—so when I'm not in the office, there's a good chance you'll find me making music around the local area. I also love spending time with my close-knit family, which includes my parents, sister and her partner, and my sister's four amazing kids (who I definitely spoil every chance I get!). Call me Cool Aunt Meagan!

Associate Administrative Director, Department of Surgery and MSTEPP Program Director

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My name is Jenni Sullivan, and I have worked for the University of Minnesota for over 18 years in various administrative, operational, and management roles. I am currently in my 3rd year of working for the Department of Surgery and love how diverse and fulfilling my work is here!

When I'm not at work, I'm spending time with my 2 teenage sons, friends and family, or with our various pets...I like to visit our family cabin in Wisconsin, travel to Duluth, watch my kiddo play baseball, and I spend as much time outside as possible when it's warm!

Transplant Division Administrator & Project Manager, Transplantation

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Stephanie has worked in the Transplantation Division since 2016. She lives in South Minneapolis with her husband, baby & her Great Dane, Pearl. She enjoys spending time outdoors and staying busy in our beautiful Twin Cities.

Administrative Specialist, Computational Health Sciences

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My name is Meagan Teal, and I am the administrative specialist for the Computational Health Sciences Division. My day-to-day role is supporting the division in administrative tasks, managing calendars, and helping with events (just to name a few). When I am not at work, I love traveling, spending time with family, friends, and my pets, and attending/watching sports. 

Administrative and QA/QC Services Director, Preclinical Research Center

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I’m Jade Wilder, and I’ve been supporting Dr. Melanie Graham and the Preclinical Research Center since 2018. I graduated from the U with a B.A. in Anthropology, and am currently working to complete the Leadership for Science Professionals Certification through CCAPS. I’m passionate about learning something new every day, and I’m honored to support a group of truly exceptional people working diligently to conduct world-renowned research and change patient’s lives. In my spare time, I love reading, spending time with my new little family, cooking, and looking up fun facts!

Division Manager, Surgical Oncology and Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Project Manager, Global Surgery & Disparities Program

Onboarding Champion, Department of Surgery

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Stephanie's primary role in the Department of Surgery is managing the Divisions of Surgical Oncology and Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Stephanie is also the Project Manager & Fellowship Coordinator supporting the UMN Global Surgery & Disparities Program, and is the faculty onboarding expert (Onboarding Champion) for the Department. Stephanie closely partners with leadership to lead strategic growth and operational oversight. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with family and friends, sketching, painting and photography, volunteering at a local animal shelter, and walking with her cats - Bill and Popi.