experience

education & Qualifications

Metropolitan State University

Adjunct Faculty (Fall 2019 - Present)

Adjunct faculty member leading health science and project management undergraduate courses HSCI 301 & HSCI 410.

High Pointe Group

Senior Partner, COO (July 2019 – Present)

Senior partner providing operational and strategic management of core businesses that comprise High Pointe Group: High Point Land (land development firm) & High Pointe Realty (real estate sales brokered by Re/Max Results). Key areas of focus include new business development, operational leadership and management, strategic planning, finance, land development activities, builder management, and real estate sales.

Kayla Gustafson Consulting

Owner, Consultant (April 2017 - Present)

Outside business consultant specializing in project management and implementation with special focus on the real estate and residential construction industries.  Other areas of focus include change management, operations, compliance, strategic planning, business development, marketing, and sales management.

Contracted with companies in the Twin Cities including Wells Fargo, BRIX Real Estate, Grant Johnson Group, AndersonPalmer, BlueNorth@BRIX, Grey Duck Properties, Kerby & Cristina Real Estate Experts, Cove Builders, Guidance Homes Inc., and others.

Brix Real Estate

Chief Operating Officer (April 2017 - August 2018)

Responsible for overall leadership and direction of a 20-person startup boutique real estate brokerage including the direct management and development of a core team of 4. Provided leadership and direction for all main business functions and programs including annual AOP and strategic planning, finance and budget, marketing, talent retention and recruiting, and new business development. Oversaw development and implementation of formalized business programs, systems, and policies emphasizing core metrics, review standards, and accountability measures throughout the business.  

Oversaw complete organizational restructuring including the complete overhaul and redevelopment of financial, marketing and recruitment departments; the implementation of formal management standards and training programs; the design and opening of a fourth physical office location serving the western suburbs; the successful recruitment of 10 new agents; a 50% profit increase during my tenure.

Medtronic Corporation

Compliance Specialist II (December 2015 - July 2017)

Provided both compliance process and grant database knowledge leadership while managing day-to-day grant operations within the Restorative Therapies Group (RTG) business unit. Supported both internal and external customers in areas of grant process, funding strategy, system leverage, metrics programing and implementation, and compliance policy.

Assisted in the management of the group’s annual funding plan and $2M budget to align approvals with overall award strategy, goals and compliance requirements.

Served as subject matter expert in the areas of grant metrics reporting and project management providing support and guidance both within department and with other cross-functional groups. Developed and provided training on both subjects.

Developed and lead improvement projects addressing multi- and inter-group processes, systems, and metrics programs to assist and improve overall processing efficiency, effectiveness, and customer experience such as:

Boston Scientific

Compliance Analyst II (July 2014 - December 2015)

Project manager for BSC’s U.S. federal and State transparency reporting program including overall process, documentation, and final submission. Lead the development and implementation of a more robust reporting program model in France for use throughout Europe. These programs include areas such as data compilation, auditing and monitoring measures and final submission.

Provided expertise and leadership in Continuous Improvement and Project Management methods and tools, leading and supporting cross-functional and global projects that improve the delivery capability and overall compliance culture of Boston Scientific.

Meeting and Events Specialist II (November 2013 – July 2014)

Assisted in the development of physician training program models and lead the initial launch of the S-ICD device physician training programs. This effort included the successfully programming and execution of 51 training events training over 3000 physicians. Responsible for all logistical planning and on-site/off-site execution.

Lead Compliance Grant Coordinator (January 2013 – November 2013)

Provided both compliance process and grant database knowledge leadership to grant coordinators and payment administrators from all business units. Also acted as the main grants contact for internal and external customers in areas of compliance training, troubleshooting, system maintenance and compliance policy revisions. Oversaw website content and functionality changes in concert with compliance regulations.

Education & Licenses

  • MN Qualified Builder #QB716113 since 2016.

  • MN #40627048 – Sales person since Feb 2015, Broker since April 2019)

    WI # 59132-90 – Sales person since Oct 2020, Broker since May 2021

  • Masters of Business Administration (MBA)

  • Post-Baccalaureate Degree in Orthotic Practitioner Sciences

  • Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology