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Foundation Profile 9kne Smith Chris Vitek Retires After President, Operations and Administration 24 Years of Service to The Saint Paul Foundation/Minnesota Community Foundation the Foundation Current Responsibilities: Diane manages the operations of The Saint Paul Foundation,Minnesota Community After nearly 24 years,The Saint Foundation, and two client foundations, including Paul Foundation bade farewell to information technology, grants administration, and all Chris Vitek at a retirement open processes and procedures. She is also responsible for house on May 18th. Current administration; in this capacity, she oversees human president Carleen Rhodes, resources, facilities management, and administrative president emeritus Paul Verret,and support. former vice president Jean Hart lauded Chris's many Family: My husband Bill and I recently celebrated our 13th accomplishments throughout her anniversary. We enjoy a wonderful blended family; the career with the Foundation. A intergenerational relationships both up and down the age spectrum have been, for me, crowd of more than dat donors, the most enriching experience of my life. community leaders, and dignitaries Interests, Hobbies: I am a vegetable gardener—both sides of my family were turned out to wish Chris the best in originally farmers, so I have a deep-rooted appreciation for the cycle of planting, her retirement. caring for, and enjoying the fruits of one's labors in the garden. Quilting has also From secretary to director of been a passion of mine;my goal is to make a quilt for each of my seven executive services,Chris Vitek grandchildren. Although it may take years to complete,giving a quilt away is easy was a guiding light for The Saint because I think of the recipient with every stitch. Paul Foundation as it expanded in Oors: I have had several wonderful mentors throughout my career, including an size and complexity. She provided executive who guided me from office worker to account executive at my first job, superlative service to the and a co-worker at Metro Federal Bank who led me to a second career in the home presidents,helping the Foundation mortgage industry. I believe in the power of mentorship and I encourage my grow. Board members and staff employees to further their education and find growth opportunities in mistakes as alike found her invaluable—a well as successes. wealth of knowledge, history, and Key Accomplishment: I am very proud of my professional endeavors,but my most humor. Her special relationships important accomplishments are successful relationships with the people I love. with staff, donors,and friends in the community were the hallmarks Career Experience: I think of my 20-plus years of operations management of her nurturing,caring spirit. We experience as three careers: advertising and public relations, banking, and salute Chris Vitek's outstanding philanthropy. Prior to joining the Foundation in June of 2000, 1 was director of home career. mortgage loan services for Agribank, FCB. Previously, I was vice president and compliance officer for Metropolitan Federal Bank in Minneapolis. Professional Affiliations: I am a member of ARMA International,the association for information management professionals, and the Council on Foundations' Fiscal and Administrative Officers Group. Community/Volunteer Involvement: I have been involved with many community, school, and church activities over the years. Education: I earned my bachelor's degree from Concordia University in Saint Paul ave completed advanced leadership training at the Center for Creative ership and the Leadership Development Institute. I also attended the American Bankers Association National Compliance School. Hometown: Oshkosh, Wisconsin. 7