2024-2025 Board member profiles

Part of what makes the Minnesota Chamber unique is its amazing group of volunteer business leaders that serve on the Chamber's Board of Directors. As representatives of our membership, Board members are chosen because of their active participation in the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, their business experience, involvement in civic affairs, and/or their commitment to helping shape public policy to ensure Minnesota’s economic competitiveness.

Continue to visit this page to view more profiles of Board leadership and the newest members to join the Board! 

Profiled on April 18

Tell us why you love your company!  
Sun Country is nimble, steady, and focused on delivery of a great experience for our customers. That focus is inspiring and fun, but above all, we have what I believe to be the best people in the industry; from our crews to ground ops, technicians to dispatch, in the office or taking customer calls, we have a group of folks who are dedicated to seeing our customers have the best experience possible.

What’s something super interesting about yourself?  
Lots of people were voted to have cool potential in high school. I, however, was voted most likely to be the next Regis Philbin. Some of the Leadership Minnesota alums may have gotten a taste of this “talent” through some truly inspiring renditions of Piano Man with my side-kick Bret Weis.

Why did you choose to serve on the Minnesota Chamber Board of Directors? 
I want to see Minnesota’s economy thrive not just because that’s good for Sun Country but because it’s good for all of us. When the future of the state is bright, our kids may leave for school, but they will come back. And we can attract new talent to the state. And we can grow, not shrink. Unfortunately, I see serious headwinds and I want to be a part of the solution, working together with other businesses to find common-sense solutions that we can propose to our legislators and regulators. I see the Chamber Board as a place of like-minded folks working to advocate for the benefit of all Minnesota businesses.

What’s your favorite part of being on the Board? 
The opportunity to serve our economy in a way that goes beyond one company’s impact and being able to do that with an incredible group of people who feel the same way.

Who or what are you inspired by?  
Ronald Reagan said, “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” I am inspired by the leaders of the past who have done that, and I am striving to learn all I can from those great leaders.

What is your favorite thing about Minnesota?  
Waterskiing on our beautiful lakes and hiking to waterfalls of the North Shore.
 

Profiled on April 15

Tell us why you love your company!  
Medtronic has an inspiring mission to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life through medical technology, which really resonates with my personal values. Our innovation provides a sense of purpose in my work, knowing we’re contributing to healthcare advancements that improve lives. 

Why did you choose to serve on the Minnesota Chamber Board of Directors?  
Although I grew up in the Midwest, I’m new to Minnesota and wanted to learn more about the state and local community and businesses. Our company has a significant presence in Minnesota, but also globally, and I felt those experiences and perspectives would be beneficial to the Board. What’s your favorite part of being on the Board?  It’s been a great way to expand my professional network, develop leadership skills, and gain insight into the Board’s governance, influence and complex decision-making processes.

Who or what are you inspired by? 
My family, the chance to make a difference, and the resilience and determination of the people I interact with every day.

What is your favorite thing about Minnesota?  
The variety of things to do, the seasons (most of the time), and the people!
 

Profiled on April 9

Tell us why you love your company!
I get to talk trash all day! On a serious note, we are a third-generation family run company that prioritizes our employees and their families. Our core value is to “do the right thing” which we use to guide our business decisions and everyday interactions. This approach attracts good people, and the kind of people you want to work with, which is what I love most about Dem-Con.

What’s something super interesting about yourself?
 I love mountaineering and the outdoor adventure. I have summited 25 mountain peaks including Mount Rainier, Kilimanjaro, Cotopaxi, Whitney and many others in Colorado. My mantra is “Adventure through life, you only get one."

Why did you choose to serve on the Minnesota Chamber Board of Directors? 
The Minnesota Chamber Board provided an opportunity to expand my relationships and understanding of Minnesota businesses beyond the waste and recycling industry. The Leadership Minnesota program was the impetus of my involvement as it exposed me to the diverse and exciting nature of businesses throughout Minnesota. Serving as a board member provided me with an opportunity to not only expand this knowledge of Minnesota businesses but also a chance to help make Minnesota a better place for great businesses – and their employees - to thrive.

What’s your favorite part of being on the Board?
My fellow board members. The Minnesota Chamber Board provided an opportunity to build relationships with business leaders throughout Minnesota who share similar business challenges, goals and objectives.    

Who or what are you inspired by?
Ernest Shackleton and other great polar explorers and mountain climbers of the 20th century.

What is one piece of leadership advice you’d be willing to share that you use?
Surround yourself with good people who will “do the right thing." Honesty, hard work, and a smile will lead to a successful business career and more importantly – a good life.

What is your favorite thing about Minnesota?
From skiing, snowshoeing, biking, and hiking the north shore of Lake Superior and canoeing the Boundary Waters to the “boating” with friends on a summer afternoon – Minnesota is one of my favorite places to enjoy the great outdoors!