Welcoming new Trustees, Officers and Staff

The Northland Foundation’s Board of Trustees has welcomed three new members, as well as elected officers. The 2023-2024 officers are: Peter McDermott, Chair – Retired, Grand Rapids; Mary Harrelson, Vice Chair – Owner, Mary Rademacher Psychological Services, Grand Portage Reservation; Roy Smith, Treasurer – Director of Education & Talent Development, Iron Range Resources/MN State Colleges & Universities, Hibbing; and Cindy Anderson Bina, Secretary – Counselor (retired), Vermilion Community College, Ely. The Immediate Past Chair, Angie Miller of Duluth, will spend an additional year on the board. Find the listing of all Northland Foundation Trustees at northlandfdn.org.

Our newest trustees bring a great diversity of experience and perspectives to the board! Learn a little about each of them, below, including what about Northland’s mission most resonates with them.

Tia Marie is the owner of two small businesses in the Grand Rapids area: UnWined Up North and Smoke on the Water Co. and is very involved in small business development and networking. She had previously been a school teacher for 28 years in Northern Minnesota and California. Tia is the proud permanent Foster Parent of two teenagers with disabilities and is an involved supporter of Special Olympics. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Bemidji State University and has licenses in reading recovery, early childhood special education, physical health disabilities and developmental delays. Of the opportunity to serve on the board, she said:

“I was struck by Northland Foundation’s values, including intention, the desire to break down barriers, and trusting the communities to know their own challenges and strengths. We live in an amazing place, and I welcome the work needed to strengthen it.”

Darren Sheldon is the principal of Lakewood Elementary and is also the Federal Programs Coordinator for Duluth Public Schools. He is currently on the Lake Superior Basketball Board and officiates across the region at the high school and college level, as well as sings with the Twin Ports Choral Project Choir. Darren received his bachelor’s degree in teaching from Concordia College and his Doctorate degree in Educational Administration from the University of North Dakota. Darren stated:

“The Northland Foundation has a mission where people and communities work towards a future where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. One piece of this mission is to help students and our youth. I want to help connect northeast Minnesota even further and as a school principal in the area, I really think we (our region and the Northland Foundation) can strive to accomplish one of the World’s Best Workforce Goals in Minnesota which is having ALL students ready for school.”

Elena Foshay is the Director of the City of Duluth’s Workforce Development Department, leading development and implementation of workforce strategy, employer services, and programs for jobseekers.  She serves as the Executive Director for the Duluth Workforce Development Board and serves on the Local Advisory Board for Duluth LISC. She earned a master’s degrees in social work and community economic development, both from the University of California – Berkeley. She also served in the Peace Corps in Paraguay as an Urban Youth Development volunteer from 2002-2005. Said Elena:

“Northland is a leader on some of our region’s most critical issues and urgent needs. The programs and organizations Northland supports have a ripple effect that helps leverage other resources, build community leaders, and strengthen organizations and small businesses. And all of this is done with a sharp focus on equity and belonging. I am thrilled to help support this important work.”

Melissa King joins Northland staff