Plymouth, Minnesota, United States, February 2026 — DSG is proud to announce the appointment of Kjirsten Mickesh as its Chief People Officer (CPO). Joining the Executive Leadership Team, Mickesh will guide the company’s people strategy, workforce systems, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness—further strengthening the employee owner experience and supporting the company’s long-term growth across its multistate footprint.
As a 100% employee owned company, DSG’s continued success depends on leadership that understands how culture, systems, and organizational clarity drive performance. This executive appointment reflects a strategic investment in the structures and leadership capacity required for the company’s next chapter of growth. Mickesh, known for her cleareyed, partnership driven approach, will help ensure that people strategies remain tightly aligned with operational needs and long term business objectives.
Mickesh is a seasoned people and business leader with a career defined by transformation, collaboration, and practical execution, bringing executive-level human capital leadership, organizational transformation, and culture-building experience. Her broad background spans manufacturing, engineering, and technical services—industries where she has consistently built human resources capabilities that directly enable business growth.
In her most recent role as Chief People Officer at Finley Engineering, Mickesh transformed the human resources function into a trusted, service-oriented organization aligned with the company’s strategic objectives and positioned to enable scale and long-term growth. Prior to Finley, Mickesh spent over a decade leading and designing complex enterprise strategies and transformations at global organizations.
Mickesh is recognized as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to boards and CEOs, known for her clarity, calm leadership presence, and ability to align people strategy with business strategy.
She brings a whole systems view of HR, combining enterprise level vision with hands on execution. Her cultural fit is particularly strong, bringing a natural ability to connect with
people across all levels and backgrounds. Her motivation to build organizations that last mirrors the long-term views held by all employee owners at DSG; creating meaningful, sustainable growth opportunities and building futures over short-term wins.
“DSG’s long-term success begins with our people,” said Paul Kennedy, President and CEO of DSG. “Kjirsten brings the rare combination of strategic clarity, organizational insight, and grounded leadership that aligns exceptionally well with our values. Her background in scaling human resources functions, integrating culture, and building leadership systems makes her an ideal fit for where we are headed. We are thrilled to welcome her to our Executive Leadership Team.”
Mickesh also shared her perspective on joining the employee-owned company.
“What drew me in was their authentic, values centered culture and the shared sense of ownership that defines this organization,” said Mickesh. “I look forward to partnering with leaders and employee owners to strengthen our people systems, build leadership capacity, and support growth in a way that honors who we are. It’s a privilege to join a company where purpose and people truly matter.”
Mickesh holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Arizona State University and brings a portfolio of advanced credentials across organization development, change leadership, coaching, social and emotional intelligence, and strategic workforce planning.
DSG has been providing top-quality solutions for over a century, serving multiple trade industries across ten states. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, DSG continues to grow and expand its reach.
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