Kristen Shimkus

Professional Summary

Professional Overview
Kristen Shimkus is a seasoned finance and accounting professional with over 14 years of experience in the healthcare industry. As the Sr. Manager of Grant Management and Accounting at HealthPartners, she brings a wealth of expertise in managing complex grant programs, leading cross-functional teams, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Experience Summary

Current Role
In her current role as Sr. Manager of Grant Management and Accounting at HealthPartners, Kristen is responsible for overseeing the full grant lifecycle, from proposal development to financial reporting and audit management. She leads a team of grant accountants and collaborates closely with research and operational stakeholders to optimize grant management processes and ensure the effective utilization of funds. Under Kristen's leadership, the grant management team has successfully secured and managed over $50 million in research grants, contributing to the advancement of innovative healthcare solutions.

Career Progression
Kristen's career trajectory demonstrates a strong commitment to professional growth and continuous improvement. Prior to her current role, she held various positions at HealthPartners, including Manager of Project Accounting at the HealthPartners Institute for Education and Research and Sr. Grant Management Accountant at the HealthPartners Research Foundation. Throughout her career, Kristen has consistently demonstrated her ability to adapt to changing organizational needs, drive process improvements, and mentor junior team members.

Academic Background
Kristen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Minnesota, where she graduated with honors. Her academic achievements and specialized knowledge in grant management and accounting have positioned her as a respected leader in the healthcare finance and research community.

Areas of Expertise

• Grant management and compliance

• Financial reporting and analysis

• Cross-functional team leadership

• Regulatory and compliance oversight

• Process optimization and continuous improvement

• Collaborative stakeholder engagement

Professional Impact
Kristen's contributions have had a significant impact on the success of HealthPartners' research initiatives. She has played a pivotal role in streamlining grant management processes, improving financial reporting accuracy, and fostering strong partnerships with research teams and funding agencies. Her innovative approach and commitment to excellence have been recognized by her peers, and she is frequently sought out as a subject matter expert in the field of grant management.

Conclusion
With her comprehensive experience, strong technical expertise, and proven leadership skills, Kristen Shimkus is poised to continue making valuable contributions to the healthcare industry. As she progresses in her career, she remains dedicated to driving organizational success, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and leveraging her deep understanding of grant management to advance critical research initiatives.