HUTCHINSON, Minn.— Consultant, writer, and investment advisor Tom Brakke, CFA, was recently elected to the Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) Board of Directors. Brakke was raised in Luverne and remains dedicated to the vitality of his hometown and the region.
“We are formed by our experiences, and the parameters of our lives are defined by where we are from and what we’ve done. While I live in the Twin Cities, southwest Minnesota will always be my spiritual home, and I look forwarding to serving its people as a board member with Southwest Initiative Foundation,” said Brakke, who currently makes his home in Deephaven with his wife, Sue.
Brakke is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and holds a bachelor’s degree in management from the University of Minnesota. He is a member of CFA Institute and CFA Society of Minnesota. In 2003, he launched his own consulting firm — tjb research — where he specializes in helping investment firms and institutional investors with decision making and organizational strategy. Prior to that, he spent 15 years with American Express Financial Advisors. He was also the professional advisor for the Carlson Funds Enterprise, an MBA program at the Carlson School of Management at his alma mater.
“In addition to his analytical expertise in finance and investments, Tom brings the invaluable perspective of someone who lives the urban experience and continues to nurture his deep rural roots. Tom is passionate about our rural communities, and I’m thrilled that he joined the board,” said Diana Anderson, SWIF President and CEO.
The Southwest Initiative Foundation board of directors is a governing board that ensures the organization fulfills its mission of connecting people, investing in ideas and building communities in southwest Minnesota. The board sets strategy, manages resources and promotes the foundation’s work.
In addition to Brakke, the SWIF Board of Directors includes Chair Janice Nelson, Montevideo; Vice Chair Randy Reinke, Litchfield; Secretary Mark Titus, Jackson; Treasurer Christie Rock Hantge, Hutchinson; Past Chair Bob Thurston, Olivia; Terry Gaalswyk, Worthington; Patricia Loehr-Dols, Willmar; Mary Maertens, Marshall; Teresa Peterson, Upper Sioux Community; and Kathy Wehking, Hector. This is a volunteer board.
About Southwest Initiative Foundation
Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) is a nonprofit community foundation connecting people, investing in ideas and building communities to create a southwest Minnesota where all people thrive. Since its founding in 1986, SWIF has distributed more than $75 million through its grantmaking and business finance programs. Learn more at swifoundation.org.
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