The James J. Hill Reference Library (Hill Library) announced the appointment of Greg Heinemann as president, and Peter Gilbertson as chairman of the board of directors. Additionally, Anne Rasmussen, the Hill Library CFO, will also assume the role of COO. And as part of its strategic revision initiatives, it has appointed Tom Triplett to serve in a role that will help guide the strategic growth initiatives of the institution and identify new venues for partnership and collaboration.
The Hill Library is a business library and research organization focused on entrepreneurship and the democratization of information, serving an international audience on-line and regional, walk-in visitors. It was founded by James J. Hill, known as 'the Empire Builder,' to serve the interests of the public and to drive learning and growth in areas like commerce, ecological initiatives, and innovation across a wide range of industries. Its original mission is now more relevant than ever.
"We are thrilled to have the service of this extraordinary group of leaders," said Gilbertson. "The depth of experience that these individuals and other members of the leadership team bring to Hill Library will enable us to effectively launch a new vision and plan for the institution."
Greg Heinemann, founder and managing partner of Denali Marketing, has extensive experience with marketing and business development. Heinemann has served as an active Hill Library board member for the past 5 years. Prior to Denali Marketing, Heinemann held executive positions with Blackwatch LLC, Gage Marketing, Agency Eleven, and Carlson Companies and CIGNA. He has been an active member of numerous boards and committees throughout the Twin Cities.
Tom Triplett is an attorney with substantial experience with nonprofit and government structure issues. He is a former commissioner of the Minnesota state departments of Finance, Planning and Revenue. As policy director for a former mayor of St. Paul (Randy Kelly), he interacted regularly with all of the major civic and nonprofit entities in the city. Triplett has extensive nonprofit leadership experience including the College of Visual Arts in St. Paul, the St Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, the Minnesota Business Partnership and the St. Paul Convention and Visitors Bureau. He also was an attorney with Faegre and Benson, Fredrikson and Byron and the
state's Office of Attorney General.
Peter Gilbertson is founder and chief executive officer of Anacostia & Pacific Company, and chairman of Anacostia Rail Holdings and the Chicago South Shore & South Bend, Louisville & Indiana, Northern Lines and Pacific Harbor Line railroads. Gilbertson's responsibilities as chairman are to lead the board in its development program and to act as liaison between the board and staff. Previously, as vice chairman, Gilbertson played a major roll in board leadership with an emphasis on governance matters.
"It is an honor and privilege to increase my role with the esteemed Hill Library," said Heinemann. "Our programs have been designed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs of all types, which is especially important in this New Economy. We will create programs, exhibits and content designed to educate, entertain and bring people together in a place perfectly designed and located to do just that."