MEDA STAFF | PTAC STAFF AND CONSULTANTS
Scott Ochsner
Scott Ochsner grew up on a South Dakota Indian reservation. He obtained a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and an M.B.A. from the University of Wyoming. Scott’s specialty includes loan packaging, business planning and financial projections. His personal business endeavors include working for Amoco in technical and financial positions that involved oil and gas development. Scott has also invested in, owned and operated several small businesses in industries including auto repair, music, residential real estate and pet furniture manufacturing.
Ph: 612.259.6574
sochsner@meda.net
Kathleen Riopelle
Kathleen Riopelle is an innovative business professional with over 20 years experience with marketing, technology, manufacturing and sales organizations. Kathleen holds a B.A. in Business and International Marketing from The College of St. Catherine and an M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Augsburg College. Her focus at MEDA is business development, strategic planning, market segmentation and market development plans. Kathleen’s background is that of an independent market strategist and business development consultant for several years and prior to that, in strategic business development for ADC Telecommunications with a focus on international business and their MWDVBE channel sales program. Her engaging communications style is a key ingredient in building client confidence and creating business plans that successfully meet stretch goals.
Ph: 612.259.6580
kriopelle@meda.net
Edgardo Rodriguez
Edgardo E. Rodriguez was born and raised in Puerto Rico. He graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a B.S. in Business Administration. He received his CPA from the University of New York in 1970. Edgardo’s specialty includes coaching, analyzing complex challenging business opportunities for growth, merger and acquisitions, negotiations, document review, certifications and day-to-day complex management issues. He has over 40 years of experience - eight years as a public accountant for Price Waterhouse in New York and over 30 years of domestic and international experience during which he was president of the Venezuelan Food Division International Multifoods Corporation after being Vice President and Controller of the Corporation. Bilingual, Edgardo is also involved in the community through board participation at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Chicano Latino Affairs Council and in advisory/trainer/educator capacity to government, government agencies, neighborhood development associations and the community at large.
Ph: 612.259.6573
erodriguez@meda.net
Mariana Scott
Mariana comes to MEDA from a varied 19-year career. She has been a journalist, a supervisor for Dayton Hudson Corp., manager of Chez Collette restaurant Bloomington, MN; director of purchasing for Terrybear Inc, Minneapolis; and owner/operator of two companies involved with TV sales. Most recently, she served as manager for St. Croix Marina Condominiums, Inc. Mariana graduated with a BA from the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN). She received her MBA from Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN). She is also a certified ground and flight instructor with an instrument rating from the Sierra Academy of Aeronautics, Oakland, CA. A native of Colombia, Mariana is bilingual, as well.
Ph: 612.259.6569
mscott@meda.net
George Jacobson
George Jacobson, a Minnesota native, is Director of Business Consulting Services and the MEDA Loan Program. George holds a B.S. in Business and an M.B.A. in Finance. His expertise at MEDA includes business start-up, business expansion, financing and minority business certification. He has vast experience in small and minority business development as a consultant, manager and director of federal, state and private sector business assistance programs that have included the Minority Business Development Agency, the State Department of Transportation and the Small Business Administration. George is also the Chair and a founding member of the Hispanic Chamber of Minnesota.
Ph: 612.259.6564
gjacobson@meda.net
Uri Camarena
Uri received a BS from the University of Minnesota followed by an MBA from the University of Saint Mary’s. He has 30 years of diversified corporate experience with a strong background in operations, communications, public relations and learning and development. For years, Uri has also participated in multiple international start-up projects in Europe and South America. Uri is well known in the community for his involvement in philanthropy, focusing on families at risk and the arts. In addition, he serves on the board of trustees at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, the board of Vocalessence and as a Vice Chair for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Ph: 612.259.6577
ucamarena@meda.net
Jim Faricy
Jim Faricy is a native of St. Paul and has spent most of his life in the Twin Cities. Jim received his B.S. in both Electrical Engineering and Business Administration followed by an M.B.A. from Stanford University. Jim’s specialty at MEDA includes financial projections and acquisitions. Previous to joining MEDA, Jim was president of a small communications company and director of finance for a small market research firm. He also spent several years as a management consultant, both as an independent consultant and as the director of the management and technical assistance center at the University of Minnesota. In addition to business consulting at MEDA, Jim is an independent licensed business broker.
Ph: 612.259.6575
jfaricy@meda.net
Tim Kennedy
Timothy R. Kennedy is a native, and resident, of Saint Paul. He received a B.A. in Organizational Behavior from Yale University and an M.B.A. in Finance from the Carlson School of Business at the University of Minnesota. He has owned businesses in diverse industries such as healthcare computer accounting, catering and business consulting, and was recently the Executive Director of an international educational foundation. Tim is currently President of a national children’s charity and has served on many community committees and nonprofit boards. At MEDA, Tim coordinates the Construction Partnership Program, working primarily with clients in the construction industries.
Ph: 612.259.6561
tkennedy@meda.net
