Norwest Taps State Official For Communications Post
Norwest Corp. has reached into the state government for a new assistant vice president for corporate communications.
Patrice M. Vick, a member of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, was tapped to replace John R. Kerr in the Norwest post. Ms. Vick, 37, will join the banking company on Dec. 1, and Mr. Kerr plans to retire in January.
Ms. Vick's previous public affairs experience was as press secretary to former Gov. Rudy Perpich. She acknowledges that she has a lot to learn in making the jump to the private sector.
A Chance to Learn the Ropes
"This is a good opportunity for me to learn about the corporate world," Ms. Vick said. "And moving into the private sector is a good overall career move."
"During my transition period at Norwest, I will be learning all about the corporate side of public relations," Ms. Vick said.
She will report to Lawrence P. Haeg, vice president and head of corporate communications for the far-flung banking company.
Norwest reported $37.7 billion in assets on Sept. 30, making it the largest in the upper Midwest and one of the top 20 nationwide. It has 1,525 banking and affiliate offices in 49 states and overseas.
Ms. Vick joined the staff of Gov. Perpich, a Democrat, in 1983. She was a speech writer for four years and press secretary for two years.
Before taking those posts she was Minnesota legislative and political affairs reporter for The Forum of Fargo, N.D., and editor in Minnesota of the Burnsville Current and the St. Louis Park-Golden Valley Sun in Bloomington.
Background In Public Affairs
She has a BA degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota and did postgraduate work there in public affairs. "My first choice in college was writing," she said.
Ms. Vick is a member of the committee on administration of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.
