Lisa Borgen, Class of '96, Named Vice President at Crystal Sugar

Document Type

News Article

Publication Date

5-15-2014

Campus Unit

School of Law

Abstract

Lisa Borgen, whose career trajectory has taken her from the courtroom bench to private legal practice, now is switching to the corporate executive suite as American Crystal Sugar's next vice president for administration.

Borgen, who was named to the position Monday, will assume the post June 16. She will oversee human resources, public relations and information technology.

"I am very excited about this new career," she said. "I have loved working at Vogel and had no intentions of leaving but was approached by Crystal with this opportunity. I think I am made for this job."

Borgen and her husband, Brad, once farmed north of here and grew sugar beets. They were shareholders at American Crystal, but sold the shares after they left farming about a dozen years ago, she said.

"Lisa just really stood out from the outstanding group of candidates," said David Berg, American Crystal's president. "She's extremely smart and sets ambitious targets for herself and the people she works with."

Borgen joined the Vogel Law Firm last November. Before that, she served seven years as district judge here for the 7th Judicial District of Minnesota. She had been Clay County attorney for seven years before being named to the bench by former Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

One of Borgen's priorities will be to maintain what Berg called "the best workforce in the sugar industry."

As with other employers in the area, American Crystal has had increasing difficulty filling vacancies in light of the very low unemployment rate and demand for workers, he said.

"I am confident Lisa will continue us on that path," Berg added.

"Crystal Sugar makes a huge impression on the entire Red River Valley with employment opportunities, the agricultural way of life and economic impact," Borgen said.

A Moorhead native, Borgen graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead and the University of North Dakota School of Law.

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