Leadership

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

Leena Hilakivi-Clarke, PhD
Assistant Director for Faculty Affairs
hilak001@umn.edu
507-433-9620

Ted Hinchcliffe, PhD
Assistant Director of Education
hinc0002@umn.edu
507-433-9635

Gail Dennison, M.A., CFRE
Development & External Relations Director
gaildenn@umn.edu
507-437-9604

Tara Scott
Finance Manager
scot1106@umn.edu
507-437-9608

The Hormel Institute Advisory Board

The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota
Robert Clarke, Ph.D., D.Sc.
Executive Director

University of Minnesota
Michael Oakes, Ph.D.
Vice President for Research

Brian Buhr, Ph.D.
Dean College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Valery Forbes, Ph.D.
Dean of College of Biological Sciences

Mayo Clinic
YS Prakash, MD., Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Research, Midwest

The Hormel Foundation
Jeffrey M. Ettinger
Chair, The Hormel Foundation

Hormel Foods
Jim Snee
Chairman of the Board
President
Chief Executive Officer