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, Director of Commercialization, Woodland Foods

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.

Chris Giangrasso, HR Consultant and Executive Coach

Session: Leading Engaged Teams

Chris has more than 35 years of human resources and communications leadership experience in the manufacturing, service, and consumer goods sectors. Chris held executive positions as CHRO/ SVP, HR and Communications at Arkema Chemicals Inc., VP of HR – Global Strategy and Corporate at Campbell’s Soup Company, SVP of HR at Airgas, and VP of HR at Aramark Corporation.

His areas of expertise include talent assessment, leadership development, performance improvement and team alignment and effectiveness measured through key performance indicators. His capacity to help a leader (and team) productively navigate through the complex people and communication challenges that often come from fast-paced, growth-oriented companies is a standout skill. He also has expertise in dealing with the many human capital and communications challenges associated with unique events such as mergers and/or acquisitions, divestitures, crisis events or complex workplace conflict situations.

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.