The Northland Foundation’s Board of Trustees has elected three new members, as well as the 2020-2021 Board Officers. Visit our website to see all current Trustees. The newly elected Trustees may serve up to three, three-year terms.
“Back in February, our Board began their Trustee recruitment efforts. Due to COVID-19, they had to work through process and timeline challenges. I thank them and all the candidates for their patience and perseverance,” said Tony Sertich, Northland Foundation President.
Following an open, region-wide search and selected from an impressive group of applicants, three individuals were elected as the newest members of the Board of Trustees.
“Baabiitaw, Roy, and Lori bring a terrific array of personal, professional, and community experiences to the Board that will serve the foundation and region well,” added Sertich.
Baabiitaw Boyd - Garrison, MN
Commissioner of Administration,
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
Baabiitaw Boyd, Garrison, serves as the Commissioner of Administration for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, population of approximately 4,700 Band Members. She has spent her career working with fluent Ojibwe language speakers to become an Ojibwe language teacher and advocate. She is a Bush Fellow that studied behavior design and indigenizing systems and is a Native Nation Rebuilder with the Native Governance Center. Boyd earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College and Bachelor of Arts Degree from The College of St. Scholastica, as well as a Certificate in Contemporary Indigenous Multilingualism and a Certificate in Tribal Administration and Governance.
Lori Rothstein - Grand Marais, MN
Leadership & Civic
Engagement Educator,
University of Minnesota Extension
Lori Rothstein, Grand Marais, is a Leadership and Civic Engagement Educator with University of Minnesota Extension. She designs, delivers, and evaluates programs for community leaders and leads workshops to spark social change around critical community issues. In addition, she is a consultant and coach for individuals and teams. Rothstein earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Valparaiso University and a Master of Arts Degree from the School for International Training. Rothstein spent a number of years in the Peace Corps; she has lived and worked in 11 countries but has made her home in northeastern Minnesota for the past decade. She is certified in the Intercultural Development Inventory and Positive Psychology, among others.
Roy Smith - Hibbing, MN
Director of Education and Talent
Development , Iron Range Resources
and Rehabilitation and MN State
Colleges and Universities
Roy Smith, Hibbing, is the Director of Education and Talent Development, Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation/Minnesota State Colleges & Universities. He earned an Associate’s Degree from Hibbing Community College, Bachelor’s Degree from Bemidji State University, Master’s Degree from St. Cloud State University, and Educational Specialist Degree from Nova Southeastern University. Following 18 years in public education as a teacher and administrator, in 2005 he transitioned to education and workforce development with Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation and Minnesota State Colleges & Universities. He is the Director of the Applied Learning Institute, serves on the NE Regional Workforce Investment Board, and is an appointee to the Governor’s Workforce Development Council.
The Board Officers for 2020-2021, elected by their peers, are:
Chair, Jason Hollinday - Duluth, MN
Director of Planning, Fond du Lac
Band of LakeSuperior Chippewa
Jason Hollinday, Chair - Director of Planning, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa; Shaye Moris, Vice Chair - Executive Director, Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank; Peter McDermott, Treasurer - President/CEO, Minnesota Diversified Industries; and Cindy Anderson Bina, Secretary - Counselor (retired), Vermilion Community College
Tom Rider, Lutsen, completed his ninth and final year on the board as of September. As the Chair of the Finance Committee, he helped guide several significant policy and process improvements. Trent Janezich of Hibbing, the outgoing Board Chair, will remain on the board for a tenth year as the Immediate Past Chair.
“Trent’s and Tom’s steady leadership is deeply appreciated. Their commitment to the organization is second to none,” Sertich said.