CorConnections was formed in 1994 with a vision of providing business advice
to add value to small and medium sized private business, which are
the backbone of our economy. Cathy Connett, founder, has years of
experience in everything from start-ups to Fortune 50 companies, but focuses
on the development of technology based businesses
up to about $50 million in revenues. She is not only passionate about
the opportunities in this segment of the business community but also
believes that these companies are important drivers of the economic and
social viability of our community.
During
her 30 plus years of business experience, she as been a successful business
operator as well as a leader in all functional areas of business, an
investor, a board member/officer, and mentor/coach. From 2000-2002 she
served as the director of the John M. Morrison Center for Entrepreneurship
at the University of St. Thomas.
After
receiving her Civil Engineering degree from Vanderbilt University, she began
her business career with 3 years as a manufacturing engineer/shift
supervisor in Proctor and Gamble's food manufacturing operation in
Cincinnati before continuing her formal education, earning a MBA from
Harvard Business School. Subsequently, she has worked in a variety of
roles involving transitions for large companies such as Boise Cascade and
3M, as well as for start-up companies and entrepreneurial driven growth
companies. She is experienced in operating in both union and non-union
environments. She as also been directly involved as an acquirer and an
acquiree.
She was
the first woman president of the 65,000 member international Harvard
Business School Alumni Association and has served on the boards of 4
privately held/family businesses plus MN Diversified Industries, the J.J. Hill Library, MN Project
Innovation, MN Women's Economic Roundtable, and the Vanderbilt University
School of Engineering Board of Visitors. She was a founding member of
MN Seed Capital Network and W2W. Currently, she serves as the chair of
the Sofia Angel Fund, a fund operated by women angels focused on funding
women targeted businesses. Cathy is active in the MN Chapter of the
National Association of Corporate Directors and is currently chair of its
Diversity Committee. She is an active speaker and panelist on
governance issues.
Cathy is
also involved in her church and community activities.
Other
consultants are used on a case by case basis as projects require.
