Lifeworks Services Welcomes New Board Members Chad Bigalke and Leah Henrikson

Lifeworks Services, Inc., a nonprofit partnering with people with disabilities and championing inclusion efforts for 60 years, is excited to announce Chad Bigalke, Senior Counsel at Securian Financial Group, and Leah Henrikson, Director of Human Resources at Securian Financial, have been appointed to the Lifeworks Board of Directors.  

“We are grateful that Chad and Leah chose to bring their wealth of experience, insight, and deep commitment to advancing disability inclusion to Lifeworks. Their distinct areas of expertise in legal, human resources, compliance, and disability rights are crucial as we lean into the future and continue to expand the reach of our services,” said Gertrude Matemba-Mutasa, President and CEO.

Chad Bigalke is Senior Counsel at Securian Financial Group, where he specializes in complex reinsurance transactions and is a part of the company’s corporate legal services team. Chad brings extensive legal expertise from both corporate and private practice settings, having previously focused on estate planning and trust administration. He holds a B.A. from Gustavus Adolphus College, a J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School, and an LL.M. in tax law from the University of Alabama. Chad’s collaborative approach and commitment to excellence help advance Securian’s strategic initiatives and strengthen organizational partnerships. 

Leah Henrikson is the Director of Human Resources at Securian Financial Group, where she leads recruiting and HR operations. Leah brings a unique blend of strategic HR leadership and lived experience in disability advocacy—grounded in compassion, resilience, and a commitment to inclusion. Outside of her corporate role, Leah is a passionate advocate for disability rights and early childhood health. She recently spearheaded the passage of the Vivian Act in Minnesota, inspired by her daughter’s diagnosis with congenital CMV. Leah’s advocacy led to Minnesota becoming the first state to implement universal newborn screening for CMV. 

About Lifeworks

Since 1965, Lifeworks Services Inc. has advanced disability inclusion. From grassroots beginnings, Lifeworks has evolved alongside people with disabilities and their families across Minnesota, supporting over 4,000 people annually. Together, we reimagine what’s possible through innovative solutions for careers, daily activities, community engagement, and in-home services. We collaborate with employers, communities, and government agencies to co-create expanded opportunities that build more accessible, equitable, and diverse communities.