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Don Jungen
Senior IT Category Manager at Thrivent Financial
Professional Background
Don Jungen is a seasoned professional in the fields of technology and IT sourcing, renowned for his leadership capabilities and collaborative approach. Currently serving as a Senior Category Manager at Thrivent, Don leverages his comprehensive experience in strategic procurement to manage complex categories while ensuring alignment with long-term business goals. His proficiency in driving significant cost reductions and minimizing potential risks is a hallmark of his career, making him an invaluable asset to any organization.
Before joining Thrivent, Don held various pivotal roles within Kimberly-Clark, including IT Category Manager, IT Strategic Sourcing Manager, Financial Controls Specialist, and ITS Senior Manager. In these capacities, he was instrumental in fostering collaborative environments across diverse teams and business units, successfully delivering results that align with organizational objectives. Moreover, his proactive approach in managing strategic sourcing initiatives has consistently led to enhanced efficiency and improved financial performance.
In addition to his corporate roles, Don has a rich background in emergency services, previously serving as an EMT and firefighter at Harrison Fire Rescue. His tenure as a Deputy Chief in the EMS/Firefighter department demonstrates not only his commitment to community service but also his strong leadership skills in high-pressure environments.
Further enriching his professional journey, Don is also the former President and Owner of Jungen Consulting, Inc., where he provided expert consulting services tailored to the unique needs of his clients. This experience not only honed his strategic thinking capabilities but also enhanced his understanding of business operations from an entrepreneurial perspective.
Education and Achievements
Don's educational accomplishments reflect his tenacity and commitment to excellence. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from Lakeland College, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a remarkable GPA of 4.0. His foundation in computer science has provided him with crucial technical skills that complement his extensive procurement knowledge.
Don also holds an Associate’s Degree in Police Science from Fox Valley Technical College, highlighting his early interest in public safety and community service. To further enhance his business acumen, he pursued a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Finance from Lakeland University, achieving another stellar 4.0 GPA.
This strong educational framework supports his career trajectory, allowing him to seamlessly integrate his technical and financial insights into strategic sourcing and procurement processes, driving better business outcomes.
Notable Achievements
- Cost Reduction Initiatives: Don has been recognized for his ability to deliver substantial cost savings through strategic sourcing methods, reflecting his strong analytical skills and understanding of market dynamics.
- Leadership in Complex Projects: Throughout his career, he has successfully led complex procurement projects that required collaboration across diverse teams and geographies. His adeptness at managing competing priorities while maintaining operational excellence is a testament to his leadership capabilities.
- Community Involvement: Don's volunteer work as a Deputy Chief and Firefighter has not only demonstrated his dedication to public service but has also enriched his leadership style, emphasizing teamwork and commitment in both emergency scenarios and corporate environments.
- Entrepreneurial Experience: As the owner of Jungen Consulting, Inc., he not only managed business operations but also honed skills in client relations and strategic business development, further diversifying his expertise and approach to problem-solving in the corporate landscape.
