Kathy Odegaard '05. Photo courtesy of U.S. Bancorp.
Kathy Odegaard ’05 and Laurie Paal ‘83 were among the “2013 Top Women In Finance,” as determined by Finance & Commerce, a Minneapolis-based daily business publication. The 13th annual “Top Women In Finance” award recognizes women across the state for outstanding achievements in finance.
Kathy Odegaard has served as chief operating officer (COO) for U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc. since 2010. She leads a team of 400 operations and business professionals in supporting the brokerage line of business, which is part of U.S. Bancorp’s Wealth Management and Securities Services division. Odegaard’s role is a critical one for U.S. Bancorp Investments, as she is responsible for leading key components of its support teams: operations, sales supervision, fixed income trading, equity trading and field administration.
“I take a lot of pride in my teams and I’m excited when we’re able to deliver on our results,” Odegaard told Finance & Commerce. “You have high expectations of yourself and your teams, and when you experience the results you’ve worked hard for, that you’ve committed to, that’s an exciting place to be.”
In addition to her work at U.S. Bancorp, Odegaard is an active board member of The Dwelling Place Shelter, a faith-based nonprofit organization that offers safe housing and programs for women and children escaping abuse. She lists joining the board of directors at The Dwelling Place as her proudest community achievement. Odegaard has also participated in The Jeremiah Program, Sponsor A Family, Race for the Cure and Greater Twin Cities United Way programs and events for the past 10 years. Odegaard became a member of Greater Twin Cities United Way Women’s Leadership Council in 2011.
Laurie Paal has worked at Wells Fargo for 30 years, serving as Senior Vice President and business banking manager since 2009. Paal manages more than $2 billion in loans and deposits while leading a team of more than 70 employees at four locations. During her tenure, Paal has played a key role in making Wells Fargo a leading U.S. Small Business Administration lender in Minnesota.
“I love that I’m always learning and doing something new,” Paal said to Finance & Commerce. “That keeps things fun.”
Paal is part of Wells Fargo’s Women’s Team Member Network and has served on the board of the National Association of Women Business Owners. She lists her proudest community achievement as serving on the board of directors for the Metropolitan Economic Development Association.
By Sara Berhow