Seasoned finance executive joins the faith-based benefits ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA).
Jessica (Jess) Helland, MBA, CPA, has been appointed Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Portico Benefit Services, effective May 11.
Helland has 20 years of progressive experience leading finance, accounting, and audit functions spanning Big Four public accounting and Fortune 50 organizations in a wide range of industries. Most recently, she served as Chief Financial Officer for ABOUT Healthcare, Inc., a Minnesota-based company optimizing patient care.
“Jess’s broad experience across industries – including her ability to navigate some particularly challenging market conditions – speaks to her strong leadership, strategic vision, operational discipline and sound judgment,” said Stacy Kruse, Chief Financial Officer at Portico.
“She has demonstrated that she has the financial expertise required in complex environments, and we are confident she will be a tremendous asset as we continue to steward resources on behalf of those who serve,” Kruse said.
Prior to her role as CFO for ABOUT Healthcare, she held leadership positions in Finance for Resideo Technologies (formerly part of Honeywell), Xcel Energy, Target, U.S. Bank, a number of accounting firms, and her own consulting practice. She holds an MBA from Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Northwestern–St. Paul.
“Portico has been part of my life through family and friends, so I have a deep appreciation for the vital role this organization plays as a ministry of the church,” Helland said. “After having the opportunity to work in so many industries, I am genuinely excited to bring my experience to this mission-driven organization where the work connects directly to people and communities I care deeply about.”