Trudy Rautio learned the values of hard work and helping others through the International Falls upbringing that she carries with her to this day.

Last week, Rautio was elected the new president and CEO of a Fortune 500 company, Minnetonka-based Carlson.

“International Falls is a community that helps its neighbors,” Rautio told The Journal. “People work hard and are proud of their independence.”  

Rautio, who is highly respected in the business world, last week became the company’s second female president in the 74-year history of the global company. Carlson is an international hospitality and travel company. It is in charge of worldwide entities such as Radisson Hotels & Resorts, Country Inns & Suites, Regent Hotels & Resorts, Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Park Inn, T.G.I. Friday’s restaurants and Carlson Wagonlit Travel.

Rautio will manage operations in more than 150 countries for Carlson, formerly known as Carlson Companies. She will work with more than 1,300 hotels and more than 900 restaurants for the 38 billion-dollar company. She joins an elite club of female CEOs of multibillion-dollar companies.

Rautio lived “right in the city” of International Falls, near Falls High School. She is a 1971 graduate of FHS. Throughout the years, Rautio spent a lot of time on  Kabetogama and Rainy lakes, she said. Some call her a “speed demon” as she jet skis on Rainy Lake.

“I come back to the Falls about once a month to visit my mom (Erna Mae Kocinski, 92) and spend time at our cabin,” Rautio said, adding that she has various other relatives in the area.

Rautio was at her cabin in Moose Lake when she received the surprise call of her appointment to the new position from former CEO and current board chair Marilyn Carlson Nelson. Rautio replaces Hubert Joly who suddenly resigned to take a CEO position at Best Buy.

In a company release, Rautio was called “the complete opposite of her predecessor,” as a “small-town girl who grew up to be a remarkably savvy executive.”

Growing up in a supportive community taught Rautio the importance of helping others.

“None of my accomplishments was a solo act,” Rautio said. “Having helped create and sponsor programs like mentoring in the organization gives me a lot of pride.”

Rautio enjoys working with a team that supports one another, she said. Nelson was Rautio’s mentor for years.

“...You can imagine how humbling it is to follow in her footsteps as only the second female CEO in Carlson’s history,” Rautio said.

The new CEO is most proud of helping others succeed.

“Contributing to the success of people in the organization through a focus on career development gives me great satisfaction,” she said.

Rautio said it is “incredibly exciting” to help create jobs around the world and continue building the company.