Candice Amundson
Board member, Alexandra House
Candice Amundson, a realtor with JPW Realty Pomerleau Team, noticed a barrier for people who need to escape domestic-abuse situations: Many shelters do not accept pets. Amundson sought a solution
2026 Notable Nonprofit Board Members
Across law, health, housing, media, and other fields, nonprofits provide often crucial services. They also benefit from the knowledge of executives on their boards of directors. These 19 professionals contribute insights, subject matter expertise, and networking prowess to a wide range of nonprofits.
Methodology: The individuals featured did not pay to be included. Their profiles were drawn from nomination materials. This list is not comprehensive; it includes only people who were nominated and accepted after editorial review. To qualify for this list, individuals must have at least five years of experience in their field and have shown the ability to effect change in their roles or areas of practice.
To nominate other best-in-class executives in their fields, click here.
Jeff Arnesen
Board chair, Spark-Y
Jeff Arnesen has been a board member since 2019 and board chair since 2023 at Minneapolis-based Spark-Y, dedicated to youth entrepreneurship and STEM education. He also is on the board
Mike Bauer
Board member, Gilda’s Club Minnesota
Board member Mike Bauer has brought his passion for supporting those affected by cancer to Gilda’s Club Minnesota. Based in Minnetonka, the organization shares his mission and is an affiliate
Maureen Cahill
President and board chair, Cleft Care International
Since 2020, Maureen Cahill has brought her public relations and communications expertise to nonprofits. Her experience runs deep; she has worked as a freelance producer for NBC News and as
Jeanne Crain
Board chair, YMCA of the North
At YMCA of the North, Jeanne Crain has helped guide the Minneapolis-based nonprofit into what it describes as a whole-person well-being organization over the past year. Now retired, Crain was
Lachelle Cunningham
Board chair, Neighborhood Development Center
Lachelle Cunningham helps guide the St. Paul-based Neighborhood Development Center nonprofit in its mission to provide resources to entrepreneurs—while also working directly with aspiring business leaders in the classroom. Cunningham
Jana Aune Deach
Board member, Breaking Free
Jana Aune Deach is a nationally recognized family law practitioner and co-office managing partner at Cozen O’Connor’s Minneapolis office, with more than two decades of experience. An author and frequent
Rob Goggins
Board member, Junior Achievement North
The president and CEO of Bloomington-based Great Clips, Goggins works with Sara Dziuk, president and CEO of Junior Achievement North, the St. Paul-based nonprofit for youth development, to ensure it
Kristin Hangebrauck
Board chair, Rise
One decision that speaks to Kristin Hangebrauck’s reputation as board chair of Rise: When the organization was going through a leadership transition, Hangebrauck, who is vice president of digital customer
Libby Hlavka
Chair of the board of trustees, Minnesota Public Radio (MPR)
Libby Hlavka recently had an exceptional year of stewardship on the MPR board that also marked a pivotal moment for public media: She helped guide MPR through the loss of
Erica Holzer
Board president, Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota
In addition to her work as a partner and co-chair of the Appellate Practice Group at Maslon, Erica Holzer has made a sizable impact as a nonprofit board member. As
Gauri Jadhav
Board member, Girls on the Run Minnesota
In June 2025, Gauri Jadhav became board treasurer and chair of the finance committee for Girls on the Run Minnesota, an after-school program that helps girls build life skills. With
Sarah Lewis
Board member, Free Bikes 4 Kidz Minnesota
In 2025, Sarah Lewis joined the board of Free Bikes 4 Kidz Minnesota, where she supports the organization’s statewide efforts to collect, refurbish, and distribute bicycles to children and families
Anne Lockner
Board member, Children’s Theatre Co.
As chair of the board’s affairs and governance committee and a member of the executive committee for Minneapolis-based Children’s Theatre Co. (CTC), Anne Lockner helps guide governance, leadership accountability, and
Andrew Marshall
Board member, Washburn Center for Children
As a board member for Washburn Center for Children, Andrew Marshall has worked as an advocate for the Minneapolis-based nonprofit’s mission: to expand access to compassionate and high-quality mental healthcare.
Roger Matza
Board president, Healing Hearts Connection
As board president for Healing Hearts Connection, Roger Matza honors the legacy of this Big Lake-based nonprofit by guiding its strategic vision, ensuring financial sustainability, and driving its mission forward
Greg Ruberg
Board chair, Minnesota Hospital Association
Greg Ruberg, president of Two Harbors-based Aspirus Lake View Hospital and vice president of Duluth-based Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital, has helped guide the Minnesota Hospital Association as board chair during a
Courtney Schroeder
Board chair, Project for Pride in Living
At Golden Valley-based General Mills, Courtney Schroeder works as head of belonging and community impact. For more than a year, he also has served as board chair for Project for