Enterprise Minnesota News
Meet the Management Team
Bob Kill, President and Chief Executive Officer
Bob Kill’s involvement with Enterprise Minnesota spans many years, having been a client of its services, a member of its board and now its president and CEO. Kill joined the board of Enterprise Minnesota in 2004 and became president and CEO of the company in August 2007. In years prior, Kill served as President and CEO of Ciprico Inc., from 1988 to 2004. Earlier in his career, Kill served in management, sales and marketing positions at Northern Telecom Inc. and Burroughs Corp. Kill graduated with a
degree in economics from the University of Minnesota.
Lynn Shelton, Director of Marketing and Communications
Lynn Shelton brings a wealth of professional communications, public relations and fundraising experience to Enterprise Minnesota. Prior to joining Enterprise Minnesota in 2001, Shelton conducted public affairs communications work for MSP Communications and the PR arm of Martin Williams. Shelton was director of development for the Minnesota Private College Council and has worked for the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development, the Minnesota Legislature and served as assistant press secretary for former U.S. Sen. Rudy Boschwitz. Shelton graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a degree in political science.
Patricia Vasatka, Controller and Director of Finance
Patricia Vasatka has more than 25 years of experience in finance, information technology and office management. Prior to joining Enterprise Minnesota in 2004, she was controller at Acorn Cardiovascular, a start-up medical device company in New Brighton, and CFO at Pace Analytical, an environmental testing firm in Minneapolis. Vasatka earned her BS in accounting from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Managment.
John Connelly, Center Director and Director of Product Management
John Connelly has experience in management and manufacturing, with outstanding expertise in general management, sales, marketing and lean enterprise. Connelly’s prior experience includes senior management positions with a variety of manufacturers—from a custom tooling and machining company to a sophisticated gear systems manufacturer serving the aerospace industry. Connelly earned a BA with concentrations in marketing and management from Pennsylvania State University and a mini-MBA in leading growing companies from the University of St. Thomas.
Deb Shirk, Director of Grants and Contracts
Deb Shirk has 15 years of experience in program and grant development and contract writing for the education and non-profit sectors. Prior to her position at Enterprise Minnesota, Shirk conducted work for the University of Minnesota, as well as for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. Shirk lives in Lakeville with her husband, a National Guard Blackhawk helicopter pilot, and their two children.
Glenn Pence, Director of Sales
Glenn Pence has more than 25 years experience in business, sales and marketing, small manufacturing and information technology. Currently the Director of Sales for Enterprise Minnesota, Pence began his career at Marco Inc. and is a graduate of St. Cloud State University, with a BA in marketing. He currently serves on the United Cerebral Palsy Board of Directors and on Ridgewater College’s Technology Advisory Board.