James Ringwald named CFO for CommunityGiving
CommunityGiving has named James Ringwald as its new Chief Financial Officer.
Ringwald will succeed Elise Wiener, who will retire on December 31, 2025, after a decade of dedicated service to the organization.
Ringwald brings more than 20 years of experience in accounting, finance, and investments to the role. He most recently served as director at Marshall and Stevens, and previously held leadership positions including senior valuation specialist at Creative Planning (following its acquisition of BerganKDV) and director of business valuation at BerganKDV. Ringwald is a Certified Public Accountant and holds an MBA from the University of Connecticut.
CommunityGiving President and CEO Steve Joul shared, “We are incredibly grateful to Elise Wiener for her decade of leadership, expertise, and dedication to the communities we serve. Her contributions have strengthened the foundation of our organization and we wish her well in her retirement. The appointment of James Ringwald marks an exciting new chapter for CommunityGiving. His deep understanding of our mission and extensive financial expertise make him an outstanding choice to guide us into the future.”
CommunityGiving is a network of community foundations united under a single framework to create efficiencies that maximize the impact of donors.
The core foundations working with CommunityGiving include the Alexandria Area Community Foundation, the Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation, the Community Foundation for Carver County, the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation, the Paynesville Area Community Foundation, Virginia Community Foundation and the Willmar Area Community Foundation, all based in Minnesota and the Derby Community Foundation, based in Kansas.
Collectively, CommunityGiving administers over 1,300 funds totaling over $283 million in assets. Learn more at
.
Apryl Putnam joins NSS coaching team
Noonan Sport Specialists (NSS) in Alexandria recently announced the addition of Apryl Putnam to its personal training team.
Putnam is certified in personal training, nutrition, and CPR/first aid, and is currently expanding her knowledge in advanced nutrition, mindset, and women’s hormonal health. She brings a strong blend of experience, education, and passion to the clients she serves.
Originally from Brainerd, Putnam studied dental assisting at Central Lakes College before transitioning into the world of fitness and nutrition. “Her background, combined with her drive to help others feel stronger, healthier, and more confident, makes her a valuable addition to the NSS coaching staff,” said the NSS in a news release.
At NSS, Putnam will be conducting semi-private personal training sessions and supporting clients through individualized fitness and healthy lifestyle coaching. She especially enjoys working with middle-aged and older adults to build strength, improve mobility, and develop routines that make everyday life more enjoyable.
Grace Winterfeldt joins NSS coaching team
Noonan Sport Specialists recently named Grace Winterfeldt to its personal training team. She is currently pursuing her second year in the exercise science program at Alexandria Technical and Community College and will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in exercise science in May 2026.
Originally from Comfrey, Winterfeldt has developed a strong interest in movement, physical activity, and adapting exercise to meet the unique needs of each client. “Her education, combined with her steadiness and eagerness to learn, makes her a promising addition to the NSS coaching staff,” said the NSS in a news release.
Winterfeldt will be assisting with semi-private personal training sessions, gaining hands-on experience while supporting clients in their fitness journeys.
Noonan Sport Specialists, now located at 591 Northside Drive in Alexandria, is a 13,000-square-foot personal training facility committed to transforming lives through fitness. With Putnam joining the team, NSS continues its mission of providing high-quality, individualized training services to the Alexandria community and beyond.
If you have an item for “On the Street” business news, email it to Editor Al Edenloff at aedenloff@echopress.com.
Our newsroom occasionally reports stories under a byline of “staff.” Often, the “staff” byline is used when rewriting basic news briefs that originate from official sources, such as a city press release about a road closure, and which require little or no reporting. At times, this byline is used when a news story includes numerous authors or when the story is formed by aggregating previously reported news from various sources. If outside sources are used, it is noted within the story.