Board welcomes newly elected chair and two new trustees
With gratitude to Immediate Past Chair and retiring Trustees
At its upcoming December meeting, the Northland Foundation’s Board of Trustees will officially bring two new members into the fold and be guided by a newly elected Board Chair.
Officers for 2021-2022 are: Angie Miller, Chair; Shaye Moris, Vice Chair; Cindy Anderson Bina, Secretary; and Peter McDermott, Treasurer. Find all current trustees on our website.
“The board sets the foundation’s direction and challenges and encourages us to evolve. We are fortunate to have such smart, dedicated folks working on behalf of our region.”
Tony Sertich
Outgoing Board Leaders
In September, trustees and staff also celebrated Jason Hollinday, who concluded his term as Chair but continues his board service through next spring. Jason has provided steady, flexible leadership throughout the uncertainty of the pandemic. Thank you, Jason!
There was also a warm send-off for Trent Janezich who rotates off the board after ten years, including two as Chair. Trent will stay connected as an Emeritus Trustee Group member, as will former trustee, Lisa Kruse, who retired from the Board in the spring.
Meet New Trustees
Following an open, region-wide search and selected from an impressive group of applicants, Michelle Ufford and Jamie Adams have joined the Board of Trustees. As further introduction, read a bit about their backgrounds and their individual responses to the question, “What about the Northland Foundation’s mission is most meaningful to you?”
Jamie Adams is an Economic Development Planner with the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. She also serves on the Northspan and Solon Springs Educational Foundation boards. Jamie has been a volunteer adult mentor with the Northland Foundation’s Youth in Philanthropy Board and an AGE to age coordinator. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Studies and Urban and Regional Studies from the University of Minnesota Duluth.
“The mission aligns directly with my passion in life, which is helping communities thrive – especially by investing in youth. I appreciate that the foundation listens to each community and recognizes that each one is different,” stated Jamie.
Michelle Ufford is the Director of Workforce Strategy for Essentia Health. Previously Michelle worked at the Northeast Minnesota Office of Job Training, including 12 years as Executive Director and most recently as School-business Coordinator for Rock Ridge Public Schools. She serves on a number of other boards including the Minnesota Governor’s Workforce Development Board. She holds a degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota.
Of the mission, Michelle said, “Having been involved in workforce development in our region for over 21 years, as well as being a 5th generation Iron Ranger raising a family here, I have a vested interest in ensuring our communities thrive today and in the future.”
