Central College announced three new members to its board of trustees. Karen Dorsey, Chip Griffith and Denny Hanson will begin their board terms July 1, bringing their professional experiences in a variety of fields.
“We feel extremely fortunate that these bright and accomplished individuals have accepted positions on this board and have made a commitment of service to the mission of Central College,” said J. Lanier Little ’74, chairperson of the board.
“We are privileged to have a board that is deeply committed to the college,” said Central College President Mark Putnam. “Our new trustees add to that diversity and bring fresh perspectives that will continue to stimulate creativity within the board.”
The board of trustees serves in many ways, including creating and directing policy, strategic planning, fundraising and engaging with alumni, faculty, staff and students. The entire board meets twice per academic year on Central’s campus. Board members provide essential vision for the overall direction of the college.
Karen Dorsey
Dorsey is currently an associate research scientist at Yale University School of Medicine and assistant professor in the department of pediatrics at Yale. She has a B.A. in Spanish language from the University of Virginia, earned her M.D. from Washington University School of Medicine and her Ph.D. in investigative medicine from Yale University School of Medicine. She is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.
Dorsey previously held roles as an instructor in the department of pediatrics at Yale; was a postdoctoral fellow in the investigative medicine program at Yale; a postdoctoral fellow in the Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Program at Yale; and assistant and senior resident in pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of New York, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, N.Y. She has earned multiple professional honors and recognition, received many research grants, been an invited speaker and has published research in numerous journals and forums. She is a member of Fort Washington Collegiate Church in New York City.
“Given the historic commitment to science on Central’s campus, Karen brings a wealth of experience, a richness of diversity and reinforces our connections to the Collegiate Church in New York. She also has a deep knowledge of the academy,” Putnam said.
Chip Griffith
Griffith, a graduate of Central College, has worked for organizations including the Pella Sales Branch in Denver, Colo., where he gained insight into the sales and service side of Pella Corporation. Recently, Griffith has focused his efforts on Genlink, the family office, where he currently serves as chairman and has held positions including assistant chairman and treasurer. He is also active on the Budget, Investment and Compensation Committees. Griffith also serves as an officer and director of several other family entities.
“The college has been sustained for generations by the commitment of the citizens of Pella, our corporate community and a legacy of enduring family relationships,” Putnam said. “Chip embodies all of these important characteristics and brings acumen in both business and corporate philanthropy.”
Denny Hanson
Denny Hanson is president and CEO of Community Resource Bank (CRB) in Northfield, Minn. CRB has offices in Northfield, Cannon Falls and Roseville, Minn. Prior to joining CRB, Hanson worked for 35 years in the banking industry, including Valley Bank, Wells Fargo, Brenton Banks, Marquette Banks and Iowa Falls State Bank. Hanson is a 1971 graduate of Luther College. He and his wife have three daughters who are all Central alumni. Prior to banking, Hanson was a teacher-coach for eight years in three Iowa school districts.
“As a parent of three daughters who all graduated from Central College, Denny has a long-standing relationship to the college even beyond their years on our campus,” Putnam said. “His deep experience in banking and finance adds considerably to the board’s expertise in key matters of fiscal affairs.”