Our Mission

The mission of The Hormel Institute is to conduct research and provide education in the biological sciences with applications in medicine and agriculture. In pursuit of this mission, and as intended by its founders, The Hormel Institute generates fundamental knowledge and disseminates it to the scientific community worldwide. It also serves as a center of technical and educational expertise for the benefit of the Austin community, the surrounding region and the State of Minnesota.

Executive Leadership

Robert Clarke, PhD, DSc

Executive Director

clarker@umn.edu

507-437-9600

Elizabeth Fedie, MPNA

Chief of Staff

efedie@umn.edu

507-437-9605

Gail Dennison, M.A., CFRE

Development & External Relations Director

gaildenn@umn.edu

507-437-9604

Leena Hilakivi-Clarke, PhD

Assistant Director for Faculty Affairs

hilak001@umn.edu

507-437-9620

Ted Hinchcliffe, PhD

Assistant Director for Education

hinc0002@umn.edu

507-437-9635

Kelly Vincelette 

Community Outreach and Education Manager

kelly521@umn.edu

507-437-9676

Tara Scott

Finance Manager

scot1106@umn.edu

507-437-9608

Chelsey Lustig

Operations Manager

lusti032@umn.edu

507-437-9652

Jessica Raines-Jones

Research Development Manager

raine034@umn.edu

507-437-9612

Jim Trelstad-Porter

Immigration & Intercultural Engagement Manager

trelstaj@umn.edu

507-437-9643

The Hormel Institute Advisory Board

Executive Advisory Board

The Hormel Institute

Robert Clarke, PhD, DSc – Executive Director

Elizabeth Fedie, MPNA – Chief of Staff

University of Minnesota

Brian Buhr, PhD – Dean, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Valery Forbes, PhD – College of Biological Sciences

Shashank Priya, PhD – Vice President for Research and Innovation

Mayo Clinic

Y S Prakash, MD, PhD – Associate Dean for Research, Midwest

Hormel Foods

Jim Snee – President and Chief Executive Officer

The Hormel Foundation 

Jeff Ettinger – President