Minneapolis’ Kraus-Anderson makes five key hires

Minneapolis-based Kraus-Anderson is broadening its management team with the addition of five new leaders across multiple service areas. 

The company has hired Sydney Diekmann, national director of healthcare; Jamie Jansen, managing director of marketing; Josie Johnson, director of business development K12; Ericka Miller, director of real estate advisory; and Ramona Wilson, inclusion and diversity ambassador.

Sydney Diekmann – National Director, Healthcare

Diekmann will help to advance the strategic growth and success of KA’s healthcare sector throughout the company’s operations.  She is recognized for her expertise in strategic facility and capital planning in the healthcare industry, leading complex engagements that blend market strategy, financial performance and operational infinitives in facility development planning.  Diekmann was previously a managing consultant at WIPFLI Advisory LLC in Minneapolis where she partnered with company executives and boards of healthcare organizations nationwide to guide multimillion-dollar facility investments and plan for long-range growth.  She also previously held roles as lab manager of the Shen Neurolaw Lab at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.  Diekmann received her B.S. in Neuroscience from the University of Minnesota.

Jamie Jansen – Managing Director, Marketing

Jansen will lead branding, marketing and communications for Kraus-Anderson, driving initiatives that enhance the company’s market presence and strengthen client relationships.  She brings more than 20 years of experience leading integrated marketing strategies for growth-focused organizations.  Prior to joining KA, Jansen held senior marketing leadership roles at Northmarq Commercial Real Estate and Ryan Companies US.  At Northmarq, she led brand and content marketing initiatives that elevated the company’s profile and strengthened its position in the industry.  During her tenure at Ryan, she advanced the company’s brand, established its in-house creative agency, Yellow Truck Creative, and launched national marketing initiatives that supported business expansion and deeper client engagement.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising from South Dakota State University’s School of Journalism.

Josie Johnson – Director, Business Development K12 Education

Johnson brings K12 education leadership experience across elementary, middle and high school settings that will continue to build KA’s prominent and nationally ranked K12 sector.  For more than a decade, she managed large school operations and systems, and coordinated renovation projects with district leaders, facilities teams and construction partners.  Johnson most recently served as a principal and organization leader for Osseo Area Schools in Maple Grove, Minn., where she led daily operations and long-range planning.  In addition, she previously taught elementary and secondary levels.  Her practical background in instructional leadership, student support services, special education collaboration, safety and security and school operations helped districts connect educational priorities with facilities, capacity and space utilization decisions while building alignment with key stakeholders.  Johnson received a B.A in Elementary and Secondary Education from Augsburg College and a M.A. in Educational Leadership from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.

Ericka Miller – Director, Real Estate Advisory

Miller has 25 years of experience navigating complex real estate, development and capital investment decisions across numerous office, industrial and healthcare business sectors, most recently serving as a vice president at Forte Real Estate Partners.  As a strategic advisor, she brings an owner-focused perspective on real estate strategy to help KA clients identify comprehensive, development opportunities, evaluate feasibility, mitigate risk and move projects from concept to execution.  Miller received a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) and licensed Minnesota real estate broker.  She is the president of the Minnesota Commercial Association of Realtors (MNCAR) and past president of Minnesota Commercial Real Estate Women (MNCREW).  She is on the advisory board of the Scott County Center for Entrepreneurship and is a member of the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (CREDA).   Industry recognitions include being named a Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal “Women in Business” honoree in 2026; “Twin Cities Commercial Real Estate Power Woman” from BisNow; and a “Top Women in Finance” award from Finance and Commerce.

Ramona Wilson – Inclusion and Diversity Ambassador

Wilson will lead KA’s inclusion and diversity initiatives, managing programs and design policies to attract, retain, promote and advance a diverse workforce within KA’s family of companies.  For 30 years, she has served in senior corporate diversity and development roles in the Twin Cities, working with area businesses and corporations with community engagement and workforce development.  Wilson earned her B.A. in Marketing Management from Concordia University, St. Paul and holds certifications in Project Management from the University of St. Thomas and in Community Relations from Boston College.  Wilson served on the Ramsey County Workforce Innovation board, chaired the Minnesota Minority Supplier Development Council, and is a member of the National Association of Minority Contractors, Minnesota Economic Development Association, St. Paul Urban League and Better Business Bureau of Minnesota.  She received the 2023 “Women in Business” award from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.