Board adds two members, elects officers
Welcoming new trustees from Ely and Duluth
The Northland Foundation’s Board of Trustees has added two members. They began their first terms with the August 8, 2025, board meeting. Welcome to Rachel and Rick. The board and staff are thrilled to add your perspectives to help guide the organization and mission forward!
Rachel Hedlund, of Ely, works for Friends of the Boundary Waters as the Ely Education and Outreach Manager. She spent 10 years working for the Voyageur Outward Bound School leading expeditions and managing programs in Ely and Big Bend National Park. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Colorado College. Rachel has committed her career to expanding outdoor education for all youth, regardless of background.
Dr. Rick Revoir, Duluth, serves as Vice President of Advancement and a Professor at the College of St. Scholastica where he leads advancement services, alumni engagement, foundation and government resources, and fundraising. Rick has served in a variety of leadership roles at the College since 2004. He previously worked for 11 years in finance roles at large healthcare systems.
“Rachel and Rick bring very different but equally valuable experiences to the board,” stated Northland Foundation’s President, Tony Sertich, “which is exactly what the board was seeking. A high-functioning board benefits from a diversity of perspectives and skill sets.”
Board elects officers, extends appreciation to outgoing Chair and Secretary
The Foundation Board also has elected officers for the coming fiscal year.
- Roy Smith, Chair, is the Director of Education & Talent Development with Iron Range Resources and Minnesota State Colleges & Universities, Hibbing.
- Mary Harrelson and Sumair Sheikh are serving together as Co-vice Chairs. Harrelson is licensed psychologist (retired) from Grand Portage Reservation and Sheikh is the Executive Director of LISC Duluth.
- Jamie Adams, Treasurer, is an Economic Development Planner with the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
- Ashley Hall, Secretary, is Assistant to the Superintendent and Grant Writer with ISD 361, International Falls.
The Immediate Past Chair, Peter McDermott, of Grand Rapids, will continue to share his knowledge and experience for a tenth and final year on the board, an option available to outgoing Board Chairs who have completed nine years and agree to serve an additional year.
The board also offers its heartfelt thanks to Cindy Anderson Bina, Ely, on the conclusion of her third and final term. Cindy, who is retired from the Vermilion campus of Minnesota North College in Ely, dedicated nine years to the board, four of them as Secretary. We are pleased she will stay connected as part of the Emeritus Trustee Group.