Katherine Roden has over fifteen years experience in Training, Education, Organizational Development and Human Resources. Her highly engaging, yet down-to-earth style as a trainer and educator allow her to connect with participants and fully engage them in their learning. Her sound business acumen and experience in Executive Leadership roles lead her to quickly assess organizational needs and identify strategic and realistic solutions.

Katherine began her professional career with Grand Casinos Inc. as a Marketing Manager. She has since held several leadership roles in Training and Employee Development at existing and new gaming resorts in Louisiana and California. She specialized in hospitality operations training including hotel, restaurant and retail venues. She is a highly skilled curriculum and course developer.

In 2005, she moved to Minneapolis and accepted the role of Director of Training and Development for Lakes Entertainment, Inc. With Lakes, Katherine opened and/or renovated five casinos in Oklahoma, California and Michigan. In 2009, Katherine joined the Simmons Group as a consulting partner and has been delighted to serve several Simmons clients including Hard Rock Seminole, Deustche Bank and The Siegel Group.

A graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Katherine invested two years as an Americorps volunteer and Teach for America teacher. She was assigned to rural Louisiana, teaching high school Special Education in an under-resourced system. This experience sparked a life-long commitment to educational excellence and educational equity for all children. She remains active with Teach for America alumni network as a mentor and advocate. She is currently completing her Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership at Lewis University in Illinois.

Katherine lives just outside of Minneapolis with her husband, Roger. She enjoys travel, gardening and is an avid reader.