Meet the Speakers

Take a peek at the lineup of panelists and speakers who have confirmed their participation at Young Professionals Conference 2023!

Patty Andersen, Co-owner, Vice President of Human Resources and Aftermarket Services, Delkor Systems

Session: Executive Panel Discussion

In her role at Delkor, Andersen plays a pivotal role in guiding the company’s strategic vision and direction. At the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies’ (PMMI), Andersen was recently named 2023 Chairperson of the Board, and is the first woman to hold this position at the association.

Leveraging her professional experience, Andersen has had several leadership positions at PMMI beginning with joining the Education & Workforce Development Committee in 2010 and taking over the chairperson role of the committee in 2015. She served as a member and chair of the Employee Development Committee (2012-2019), vice chair and chair of the Strategic Planning Committee (2020-2023) and founding member of the Packaging and Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN), serving on the Executive Council since 2016.

Beyond her commitment to PMMI, Andersen has served on the Board of Directors of Hennepin Technical College Foundation, been a member of the Central Lakes College Robotics/Automated Systems Technology Advisory Council, St. Paul College Electromechanical Automation Systems Advisory Council, and Northwoods Technical College Automated Packaging Systems Advisory Council.

Mike Odom, CEO, Pacteon Group

Session: Executive Panel Discussion

Mike Odom is a skilled Executive, Strategist, Leader, Motivator, and Achiever of Results. Mike has helped to turnaround a Fortune 200 Business Unit as GM, and small manufacturing businesses as a coach, Board Member, President and CEO. Mike's career within the Packaging Machinery Industry and involvement with PMMI, makes him a clear industry insider and expert. Mike is known by his constituents for his passion to win, endless appetite for knowledge, genuine approach to employee engagement, customer intimacy, and creative problem solving.

Wilken Benjamin, Principal Packaging Equipment Engineer, Rich Products Corporation

Session: Executive Panel Discussion

Wilken Benjamin is a Certified Packaging Professional with 25 years of CPG experience in commercializing consumer products, package development, operations management, supply chain management, capital project management and executing cost savings. Proven track record of driving continuous improvement, commercializing new packaging/product launches with broad based knowledge across multiple packaging materials and high speed packaging line development.

Bryan Griffen, Sr. Director, Industry Services, PMMI

Session: Leading Engaged Teams

Bryan Griffen brings more than 25 years of industry experience, including 20 years with Nestlé, to PMMI. During his career with Nestlé, Bryan gained significant global experience; he was stationed in North America and Europe, as well as completing projects in South America, Africa and Asia. Bryan has worked in operations at the factory level, as well as leading the electrical and automation activities for the USA and Canadian markets, and globally at Nestlé’s world headquarters in Switzerland. Bryan has also lead engineering teams in Nestlé’s R&D arm for the Ice Cream, Beverages and Cereals businesses.

Britt Frank

Session: The Science of Stuck - Move past what is holding you back!

Britt Frank, LSCSW, SEP is a licensed psychotherapist, human behavior expert, and bestselling author of The Science of Stuck (Penguin Random House, 2022), which was named by Esquire as one of the top wellness books to read in 2023. Her work focuses on dismantling the motivation and wellness myths that prevent you from leveling up in life. Whether you struggle with productivity, mental health challenges, or the never-ending cycle of stress and burnout, Britt gives you actionable tools to break through what’s holding you back.