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Katie Baustian to help up CEO program

Lead Summary
By
Lori Sorenson

Katie Baustian has been named the new facilitator for the Southwest Minnesota CEO program, which introduces students to the world of business to encourage entrepreneurial ventures.
“We’re excited to have her on board,” said Luverne Superintendent Craig Oftedahl. “We think she’s a great fit for the program.”
Baustian is a teacher by trade and has taught and coached in Luverne schools. For the past 15 years she has been education director at St. Catherine Church, a position she will leave in order to complete her half-time duties with CEO.
“I was looking for a change, but I still want to work with students because that’s always been my passion,” Baustian said. “I’ll be doing a lot of praying.”
Her daughter, Claire, participated in the program last year and launched a business, “Bears Pairs,” selling socks and donating some proceeds to charity.
“I have seen the parent end of this program, so I know what’s involved,” Baustian said. “I’ve seen what’s expected of students and their responsibilities to the program.”
She said she also learned the importance of allowing the students to fail, if need be, to learn in a safe environment how to recover in the business world.
“We needed someone the kids like to be around who can be a mentor to guide them and push them and let them fail,” Oftedahl said. “That’s the crux of the program.”
The Southwest Minnesota CEO program involves the Adrian, Edgerton, Ellsworth, Hills-Beaver Creek, Luverne, Pipestone Area and Southwest Christian high schools.
Baustian replaces former CEO facilitator Cody Henrichs who accepted a position as curator for the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls.
“The CEO board wishes Mr. Henrichs all the best in his new position,” Oftedahl said. “It is a great opportunity for him and he will do extremely well.”
He added that Henrichs’ career move could also be important for students to observe.
“There are often opportunities in life and sometimes you take a chance,” he said. “You can’t fault anyone for that.”
Henrichs is also positive about the program’s future.
“CEO is a great program and I'm excited for the next facilitator,” Henrichs said. “The board, business owners and students in the program have been a complete pleasure to work with.”

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