Board Member Profile: Adrienne Gustafson
Adrienne Gustafson with Eric Bressler
Thank you for serving on Bet Shalom’s Board of Trustees, Adrienne! Let's help the congregation get to know you better with this interview. Please tell us about your family, your history in Minnesota, and when you joined Bet Shalom.
My family (Mom, Dad, and sister, Heather) moved to Minnesota when I was 11, and shortly thereafter we joined Bet Shalom. My Mom, Carol Donen, is a past president.
I went to college at the University of Wisconsin (go Badgers!). There, I joined the water ski team and that is where I met my husband, Jeff. He is originally from Chicago but was excited to move to Minnesota with me after graduation. Jeff’s family (parents and brother’s family) are still in Chicago, but his sister and her family live in California. Jeff is in charge of operations for a financial planning practice.
Jeff and I have two children, a 6 year old daughter, Maddison and a 3 year old son, Kaden. We are an interfaith couple, but we have chosen to raise our kids Jewish. So after having children we decided it was the right time to join Bet Shalom again. Maddison started religious school this year in first grade. My sister and her family are also members.
And your professional life?
At the University of Wisconsin I obtained my business degree and a master’s in accountancy. I am a CPA and I have been working at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), a public accounting firm since I graduated college. I work as an external auditor, which means I audit public companies. However I am very excited about transitioning into a different role at PwC in July. It will be an internal firm role, where I’ll be deploying our audit teams.
Tell us about your previous involvement at Bet Shalom.
I grew up going to Bet Shalom, where I had my bat mitzvah and was confirmed. Until I joined the Board of Trustees a couple of years ago I was not really involved, outside of going to Tot Shabbat and 20’s and 30’s events.
And now you’re on the Bet Shalom Board of Trustees. What has your experience been like?
I wanted to get more involved in the Jewish community. I have really enjoyed my experience on the Board. It has been great getting to know more individuals at the synagogue. Additionally, it was been eye opening and inspiring to see all the hard work, the dedicated individuals, and commitment that goes into running the synagogue. My goal is to try and engage younger members of the congregation to be more involved.
What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time I am busy chasing around 2 young children. I enjoy exercising, mainly running, and doing triathlons. My whole family (husband, parents, sister, and Maddison) all enjoy doing triathlons together. It is a family tradition. My family and I love spending time on the lake in the summer, swimming, boating, and skiing.
Favorite Jewish Holiday and foods?
My favorite Jewish holiday is Passover. I love getting together with so many family and friends to retell the story while eating delicious (and so much) food! My favorite Passover food is the matzah, marror, and charoset sandwich. My husband and I have started having a “friends Passover” the last couple of years with some non-Jewish friends, and they all thoroughly enjoy it!
Final thoughts?
Thank you to everyone for making Bet Shalom such a wonderful community to be a part of!