CommunityGiving is thrilled to announce that James Ringwald has been appointed as its new Chief Financial Officer. This pivotal role comes at a time of growth and transformation within the organization.

Ringwald will succeed Elise Wiener, who is set to retire on December 31, 2025, after a remarkable decade of service to the organization, marked by an unwavering commitment to community empowerment and advancement.

James Ringwald comes to CommunityGiving with over 20 years of extensive experience in accounting, finance, and investments. His previous role as director at Marshall and Stevens equipped him with the financial acumen needed to guide CommunityGiving. Additionally, he has held vital leadership roles, such as senior valuation specialist at Creative Planning following its acquisition of BerganKDV and director of business valuation at BerganKDV. He is also a Certified Public Accountant and boasts an MBA from the University of Connecticut, which adds significant weight to his qualifications.

CommunityGiving’s President and CEO, Steve Joul, expressed excitement over this new chapter: “We are incredibly grateful to Elise Wiener for her decade of leadership, expertise, and dedication to the communities we serve. Her contributions have strengthened the foundation of our organization, and we wish her well in her retirement. The appointment of James Ringwald marks an exciting new chapter for CommunityGiving. His deep understanding of our mission and extensive financial expertise make him an outstanding choice to guide us into the future.”

CommunityGiving operates as a collaborative network of community foundations, unified under a single framework designed to create efficiencies and maximize the impact of donors. This strategy ensures that resources are allocated in the most effective way possible. Consequently, the organization is well-prepared to address the evolving needs of the community.

The core foundations collaborating with CommunityGiving include the Alexandria Area Community Foundation, the Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation, the Community Foundation for Carver County, the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation, the Paynesville Area Community Foundation, Virginia Community Foundation, and the Willmar Area Community Foundation, all based in Minnesota. Additionally, they collaborate with the Derby Community Foundation located in Kansas.

Collectively, CommunityGiving administers an impressive total of over 1,300 funds, which collectively exceed $283 million in assets. To learn more about this impactful network and how it is shaping communities, visit CommunityGiving.org.

Noonan Sport Specialists (NSS) in Alexandria recently announced the welcomed addition of Apryl Putnam to its dynamic personal training team.

Putnam comes fully certified in personal training, nutrition, and CPR/first aid. She is also in the process of expanding her knowledge base through additional training in advanced nutrition, mindset, and women’s hormonal health, ensuring that her approach remains comprehensive and informed. Her unique blend of knowledge, experience, and passion promises to deliver exceptional services to clients.

Originally hailing from Brainerd, Putnam initially studied dental assisting at Central Lakes College before embarking on her journey into the realms of fitness and nutrition. “Her diverse background, along with her dedication to empowering others to feel stronger, healthier, and more confident, makes her a distinct asset to the NSS coaching staff,” commented NSS in an official news release.

In her role at NSS, Putnam will be responsible for conducting semi-private personal training sessions and providing individualized fitness and healthy lifestyle coaching tailored to each client’s unique goals. She particularly enjoys collaborating with middle-aged and older adults, focusing on building strength, enhancing mobility, and developing routines that enrich everyday life.

Noonan Sport Specialists have also announced the addition of Grace Winterfeldt to its talented personal training team. She is currently in her second year of study in the exercise science program at Alexandria Technical and Community College and is poised to graduate with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in exercise science in May 2026.

Originally from Comfrey, Winterfeldt has nurtured a strong interest in physical movement, activity, and the importance of adapting exercise to meet individual client needs. “Her education, steadiness, and eagerness to acquire new knowledge make her a promising addition to the NSS coaching team,” stated NSS in their news release.

In her capacity at NSS, Winterfeldt will assist with semi-private personal training sessions, gaining valuable hands-on experience while dedicating her time to supporting clients throughout their fitness journeys.

Noonan Sport Specialists, which has now expanded to a substantial 13,000-square-foot personal training facility located at 591 Northside Drive in Alexandria, is steadfast in its mission to transform lives through fitness. With the addition of Putnam and Winterfeldt to the team, NSS continues to strive for excellence in providing high-quality, individualized training services tailored to the needs of the Alexandria community and beyond.

If you have an item for “On the Street” business news, please email Editor Al Edenloff at [email protected].

In legal matters related to these transitions or organizational changes, utilizing tools like the AI legalese decoder can significantly enhance clarity and understanding of contracts, terms, or agreements involved. This AI-driven platform simplifies complex legal jargon, ensuring stakeholders, including incoming personnel like James Ringwald, Apryl Putnam, and Grace Winterfeldt, fully comprehend their rights and responsibilities as they embark on this new journey. By making legal language more accessible, organizations can streamline communication and expedite processes involved in hiring, onboarding, and establishing partnerships.