Dennis Gerhardstein
St. Paul,MN
Summary
Dynamic leader in Public Affairs and Program Operations, specializing in strategic communications and stakeholder engagement. Track record of driving successful grant acquisitions and implementing community outreach initiatives that align with key policy priorities. Skilled in managing cross-functional teams and navigating high-stakes communications.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Public Information Officer & Grants Manager
RAMSEY COUNTY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
Saint Paul, USA
01.2011 - Current
- Media & Public Relations: Acted as primary spokesperson and media strategist for high-profile criminal, juvenile, and civil legal proceedings. Directed daily media inquiries, press conferences, and public statements for County Attorney, ensuring clear communication and public understanding.
- Grant Acquisition & Administration: Researched, wrote, and secured competitive federal, state, and foundation grants. Managed grant implementation, compliance tracking, and quarterly financial/operational reporting for awarded initiatives, ensuring adherence to funding requirements.
- Digital & Social Media Strategy: Directed digital communications across social channels (LinkedIn, Facebook, web) to enhance transparency, build public trust, and effectively distribute critical public safety information.
- Strategic Initiatives & Community Outreach: Led multi-stakeholder public outreach initiatives tied to key county policy priorities. Coordinated annual community engagement events, public education forums, and multi-agency advocacy efforts.
- Internal Communications Strategy: Designed and managed core internal communication channels, ensuring alignment across diverse operational units and executive leadership.
Manager of Physician Outreach
MINNESOTA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Minneapolis, USA
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Policy & Advocacy Mobilization: Championed organizational advocacy goals by translating healthcare policy updates into actionable engagement strategies for healthcare professionals.
- Developed and executed targeted engagement programs connecting physicians, residents, and medical students with statewide leadership and advocacy opportunities.
- Identified knowledge gaps across medical practices and designed practice management and policy-focused educational offerings to address those gaps.
Director of Administration
MINNESOTA SENIOR FEDERATION
St. Paul, USA
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Operational & Financial Oversight: Managed budgeting, financial reporting, HR personnel, and facilities operations for statewide senior advocacy organization during major organizational restructuring, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
- Managed budget planning and financial reporting processes for organizational needs.
- Process Modernization: Led comprehensive overhaul of administrative policies and operational procedures to streamline program delivery, enhancing effectiveness of a direct administrative team of 4.
- Directed staff recruitment, training, and performance evaluations to enhance team effectiveness.
- Managed administrative tasks for Minnesota Senior Federation programs effectively.
Membership Director
MINNESOTA SENIOR FEDERATION
St. Paul, USA
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Statewide Expansion: Formulated and led regional membership recruitment and retention strategies across 8 state regions.
- Leadership Development: Created and facilitated leadership training modules for regional staff, volunteers, and regional board members. Produced and hosted a monthly cable-access educational broadcast focused on senior issues.
- Developed membership programs to engage seniors in community activities.
- Coordinated outreach initiatives to promote awareness of senior services.
- Managed member communications through newsletters and social media platforms.
Programs Director
MINNESOTA SENIOR FEDERATION
St. Paul, USA
01.2000 - 01.2005
- Directed statewide service programs in retirement planning, pension counseling, and health education, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Managed regional budget allocations, staffing, and board relations to optimize program delivery.
- Led program development for community outreach initiatives targeting senior citizens.
- Coordinated volunteer recruitment and training for various program activities.
- Facilitated workshops to enhance skills and knowledge for seniors.
Sales Consultant & Account Manager
QI International, Inc.
01.1996 - 01.2000
Communications & Membership Coordinator
Minnesota Grocers Association
01.1991 - 01.1993
Education
Bachelor of Arts - History
Grinnell College
Grinnell, IAHumphrey Policy Fellow -
Humphrey Institute of Public Policy
Minneapolis, MN05-1999
Mini-MBA Program -
University of St. Thomas
Minneapolis, MNCertificate - Community Mediation
Community Mediation Minnesota
Saint Paul, MN05-2009
Skills
- Media Relations
- Strategic Communications
- Crisis Communication
- Internal Communications
- Executive Communications
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Strategic Partnerships
- Policy Development
- Proposal Development
- Funding Oversight
- Regulatory Adherence
- Program Administration
- Budget Oversight
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Team Development
- Community Engagement
- Issues Management
Civic Community Leadership
- Election Judge, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 01/01/98, Present
- Board Member, Women’s Advocates, 01/01/18, 01/01/24
- Qualified Neutral / Trained Mediator, Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Board Member, Mac-Groveland Seniors (Living-at-Home Block Nurse Program), 01/01/10, Present
- Campaign Manager & Strategist, Multiple St. Paul / Ramsey County Municipal & Legislative Campaigns
- Board Chair / Youth Representative, St. Paul Mayor’s Advisory Council on Aging
- Board Member, St. Paul Tenants Union
Timeline
Public Information Officer & Grants Manager
RAMSEY COUNTY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
01.2011 - Current
Manager of Physician Outreach
MINNESOTA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
01.2008 - 01.2011
Director of Administration
MINNESOTA SENIOR FEDERATION
01.2007 - 01.2008
Membership Director
MINNESOTA SENIOR FEDERATION
01.2005 - 01.2007
Programs Director
MINNESOTA SENIOR FEDERATION
01.2000 - 01.2005
Sales Consultant & Account Manager
QI International, Inc.
01.1996 - 01.2000
Communications & Membership Coordinator
Minnesota Grocers Association
01.1991 - 01.1993
Bachelor of Arts - History
Grinnell College
Humphrey Policy Fellow -
Humphrey Institute of Public Policy
Mini-MBA Program -
University of St. Thomas
Certificate - Community Mediation
Community Mediation Minnesota