Smedsrud is chairman of Communicating for America (CA) and its affiliates. He has held a variety of positions within CA since the early 1980s. Jeff is well known for his insurance and benefit expertise and has owned several companies that provide these services to the self-employed and small businesses. He has been president of a publicly traded financial services holding company and is co-founder of multiple insuretech organizations. As an active health care advocate, Jeff serves on several board of directors, including the Council for Affordable Health Coverage.

Smedsrud is chairman emeritus and founder of CA. In 1972, Milt founded what was then known as the Creamery Association (CA) in Fergus Falls, Minn., to provide group purchasing power for farmers. The CA Scholarship and Education Foundation was established in 1981, followed by the CA Exchange Program (CAEP) in 1985. Today, CAEP is one of the largest training & internship exchange programs in the United States. He also owns and operates the Smedsrud family farm.

Rufer is CA’s vice president and general counsel. Steve is a practicing attorney and lives with his wife, Sandy, in Fergus Falls, Minn. He is a certified civil trial specialist and is on the state Supreme Court roster of approved mediators and arbitrators. Steve’s hobbies include biking, water sports and flying — he is a licensed commercial pilot and flight instructor. He has three adult children, Emily, Sam and Tom. Steve is active in the community and is currently president of Lake Region Healthcare Corporation. He is also a past president of CA

Bob is the president of Rumpza Consulting, founded in 2007. Bob has worked inside non-profit organizations, corporations and communications agencies. He formerly served as executive vice president of Weber Shandwick. He has two community service roles in directing AmeriCorps volunteerism in Minnesota. He is a member of the executive committee of the ServeMinnesota board of directors; and is board chair for ServeMinnesota Action Network. He is a University of Minnesota School of Journalism alumnus and is the winner of the coveted Silver Anvil of the Public Relations Society of America for his crisis communications work.

Strickland is president and chief operating officer of CA, and has been with the organization since 1981. Because she has worked in nearly every aspect of the organization, Patty has the knowledge and expertise to lead CA as it continues to grow while providing members with the benefits and service they have come to expect.

Mark is president of Global Minnesota, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization devoted to advancing international understanding and engagement. A graduate of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs and Iowa State University, he served as Minnesota’s Secretary of State from 2007 to 2015. Since leaving elected public service Mark has led the public-private partnership working to bring the 2027 World Expo to Minnesota and he has served on the board of directors for LifeSource, U.S. Vote Foundation and Expo USA. Mark also is a national advisory board member of the federal Election Assistance Commission and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Minnesota. Mark is the appointed Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, representing Minnesota.

Ramey is the owner, with his wife, Carla, and winemaker of Ramey Wine Cellars. Previously, David directed viticulture and winemaking for Rudd Estate and Dominus in the Napa Valley, and Chalk Hill and Matanzas Creek wineries in Sonoma County. David and Carla live with their children, Alan and Claire, in Glenn Ellen, Calif., in the heart of the Valley of the Moon.