Board adds new Trustees from Ely, Grand Rapids, and Tamarack; 2016-17 Executive Committee also elected

During the August 4th annual meeting, the Northland Foundation Board of Trustees elected three new members. They are: Cindy Bina, Lisa Kruse, and Peter McDermott. Ed Zabinski has retired from the Board upon completing his third and final term. Our thanks to Ed for his nine years of dedicated service!

Meet our new Trustees and the 2016-2017 Executive Committee.

Cindy Anderson Bina, Ely

Cindy Anderson Bina has her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Northern Illinois University and is a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor. She worked in Student Services at Luther College, her alma mater, and eventually moved to Ames, Iowa where she worked for Youth & Shelter Services, a non-profit organization serving youth and their families. There she provided individual, family and group therapy for both outpatient and inpatient youth and supervised the outpatient clinic. She and her spouse moved to Ely, 22 years ago to work at Vermilion Community College where she is a Counselor and he serves as Provost. She also currently serves on the board for Ely Community Health Center and Young Life. She and her husband have two sons and reside in the beautiful northwoods of Ely.

Lisa Kruse, McGregor

Lisa Kruse has served the McGregor school and community as Community Education Director for 16 years. In 2015, the Minnesota Community Education Association honored her as Regional Community Educator of Excellence for Region 8 and the prestigious 2015 State Community Educator of the Year award. Lisa serves on the Board of the McGregor Chamber of Commerce, as the Aitkin County Early Childhood Initiative Coordinator, and on a Pre-K to Grade 3 Transition Team. She recently wrapped up her role as chair of the 2016 Governor’s Fishing Opener. Lisa and her husband have three grown children and seven grandchildren. When away from the office you will find her with family or friends, enjoying the outdoors.

Peter McDermott, Grand Rapids

Peter McDermott is President and CEO of Minnesota Diversified Industries, Inc. (MDI). MDI is a not-for-profit social enterprise with the mission of serving people with disabilities by offering inclusive employment opportunities and services. Previously, he served as President of Itasca Economic Development Corporation which is a county-wide nonprofit economic development organization in northern Minnesota. Additional experience includes 26 years in public accounting and senior management positions.  He served as chief financial officer of UPM Blandin Paper in Grand Rapids and Cirrus Design in Duluth. He is a CPA (inactive) with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Babson College. He and his wife live in the Grand Rapids area.

Board elects leadership: Executive Committee named

There are some new members, as well as an expanded structure for the Executive Committee. Steve Downing was elected to a two-year term as Board Chair; Trent Janezich is the 1st Vice Chair; Nevada Littlewolf is the 2nd Vice Chair; Jason Hollinday is the Secretary; and Tom Rider is the Treasurer.

Diane Rauschenfels, who has completed her two years as Chair, will remain on the Board for one year as the Immediate Past Chair.

Congratulations, and thanks to the Board of Trustees who make a positive impact on the Foundation and the entire region.