Notable Nonprofit Board Members 2022

The old adage about asking a busy person to do something that really needs to get done holds true in spades with our 2022 Notable Nonprofit Board Leaders; many hold corporate leadership positions in addition to donating their time and expertise to charitable organizations in Minnesota. Their generosity and willingness to help where needed—from strategic planning to fundraising to mentorship—makes it possible for nonprofits to focus on their constituents. These noted nonprofit board directors bolster the work of dozens of organizations that support and improve the arts, education, health care, housing, and so many other key services in our community.

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.

Deborah Olson

Deborah Olson

Co-chair, The Sanneh Foundation
Deborah Olson, retired CEO of Nelson Laboratories, has served on the Sanneh Foundation board of directors since 2013, helping advance the St. Paul-based organization’s mission of improving lives, uniting communities,
Will Roach

Will Roach

Chair and trustee, Destination Imagination
Baker Tilly’s business development director Will Roach is known in his Twin Cities community as an instrumental nonprofit board leader, combining his passion for business, public policy, and advancement in
Dr. Elizabeth  Rogers

Dr. Elizabeth Rogers

Founding member and secretary, Minnesota Doctors for Health Equity
An assistant professor of medicine and pediatrics at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Elizabeth Rogers is a health services researcher, general internist, and pediatrician who shares her deep expertise as
Robert W. Sit

Robert W. Sit

Chair, Twin Cities PBS
Robert W. Sit joined the board of trustees at Twin Cities PBS (TPT) in 2015, following his active board service with other nonprofits including Be the Match, Abbott Northwestern Hospital
Ramesh  Subrahmanian

Ramesh Subrahmanian

Board member, Be the Match
Ramesh Subrahmanian is a global business leader and a transplant recipient. A single match on the Be the Match donor registry saved his life and prompted him to join the
Steve Thiel

Steve Thiel

Treasurer and chair of the finance committee, Keystone Community Services
Steve Thiel has served on the board of Keystone Community Services for seven years, aiding in the St. Paul-based nonprofit’s mission to strengthen the capacity of individuals and families to
Mandy Tuong

Mandy Tuong

Board member, MacPhail Center for Music
A MacPhail alumna and parent of a current student, Mandy Tuong served on MacPhail Center for Music’s board from 2008–2012 before moving to California. She rejoined in 2017 on her