SAINT PAUL & MINNESOTA FOUNDATION - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Trusted Advisor
- Attorney & Owner, Leach Law, Albert Lea / Advisor Spotlights
Attorney Abby Leach Schumaker shares her views on the importance of community foundations and charitable giving in a rural community.
Job Titles:
- Senior Investment Analyst
Job Titles:
- Trusted Advisor
- SVP - Financial Advisor, the Hegge Rykken Team, RBC Wealth Management, Edina
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder and CEO, the Coven
Alex is a Swiss Army knife who knows how to raise humans and build Public Relations strategies for businesses, politicians, startups and nonprofits. Alex is the co-founder and CEO of The Coven, a network of digital and physical spaces for radical change makers. She is dedicated to the economic empowerment and advancement of women, non-binary and trans folks through leadership development opportunities within The Coven.
Prior to co-founding The Coven, Alex held the positions of Communications Director for advertising agency Fallon and political candidates in the Twin Cities. Leading PR and communications strategy and execution, she gets joy from telling stories from underestimated communities. Alex loves her two kids, husband, Oprah and Beyoncé in no particular order.
Alex has been recognized for her inclusive work, locally and nationally, including by Forbes as a member of its "Next 1000" list and by AMEX and its "100 for 100" list. She is a recipient of the Mpls/St. Paul Business Journal's 40 Under 40 award and was a 2019 Bush Fellow. She's genuinely a people-person who enjoys a good cry.
Job Titles:
- Social Sector Strategist
- Vice President of Community Impact
Alfonso Tomás Wenker (he/him) is a seasoned social sector strategist with deep experience in racial equity, community philanthropy, and organizational development. His work is to ensure the Foundation's community impact grants and programs are informed by and responsive to our communities in partnership with our community impact team. He also gets to work across the executive leadership team to think with his peers about how the Foundation uses their voices and resources to advance community-defined solutions.
Alfonso began his career as a student organizer working on LGBTQ+ inclusion across Minnesota's private colleges. Born and raised on the West Side of Saint Paul, Alfonso is deeply committed to resourcing leaders across communities to build thriving and equitable communities. Alfonso has served as a philanthropic leader through his roles at the Bush Foundation, PFund Foundation, Minnesota Council on Foundations and the Trillium Family Foundation board of directors.
Alfonso has been recognized by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as a 40 under 40 leader, Lavender Magazine with LGBTQ leader award, and by the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation with a Facing Race Award. Alfonso lives with his partner David and outside of work enjoys trying out new recipes, singing in a very amateur cabaret group and spending summer weekends on the pontoon.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Partnerships
Anne has worked at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation since 2016. As Vice President of Partnerships, Anne works to build community capacity through philanthropic and community initiatives that address a wide range of issues facing Minnesota. Anne is a facilitator and advocate, energized by building networks to respond to community need. Anne is grateful for the company and entertainment provided by her husband, a teacher in St. Paul, and two young children.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant, Philanthropic Services
Job Titles:
- Program Manager, Community Sharing Fund
Job Titles:
- Community Impact Operations Lead
As community impact operations lead, Ashlee is responsible for leading operational coordination, planning, optimization, and reporting initiatives. Working cross-functionally, the community impact operations lead is accountable for identifying and driving operational improvements through the strategic deployment of technology, resources, processes, and continuous improvement techniques as well as developing and managing related reporting.
Ashlee joined the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation in 2010. She has a bachelor's in business administration with a focus in management from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Ashlee lives in western Wisconsin with her husband and two children. When not attending her kids' sporting events and extracurriculars, Ashlee enjoys camping, traveling, playing volleyball, and scrapbooking.
Job Titles:
- AVP Director of Investments
- Foundation in 2023 As AVP Director of Investments
Ashley Gam joined the Foundation in 2023 as AVP Director of Investments and works closely with the Chief Investment Officer on all facets of oversight and management of the investment portfolio. She co-leads the Foundation's investment manager sourcing and screening efforts and leads the due diligence process with selected managers. Ashley was most recently a Portfolio Manager at New Holland Capital (NHC), a NYC-based alternative investment firm that spun-out of a large Dutch pension in 2006. At NHC, Ashley was responsible for sourcing, evaluating, and monitoring investments across the firm's client portfolios. She also provided key leadership over NHC's DE&I and ESG efforts, serving on both committees at the firm.
Ashley began her career as a fixed-income analyst at RBS Securities Inc. where she was a strategist on the agency mortgage-backed securities trading desk. She graduated with Highest Distinction from the University of Michigan, earning a dual degree in Economics and Psychology.
Job Titles:
- Director of Philanthropic Advising
As Director of Philanthropic Advising, Aurea is responsible for leading the Foundation's dynamic team of philanthropic advisors. In her role, Aurea partners with donors to help them reach their philanthropic goals and deepen their engagement with the Foundation.
Aurea joined the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation in 2012 and brought with her a wealth of experience in the nonprofit sector, especially in the areas of project management and development. She is also a committed volunteer, serving as board co-chair and lending her skills as a certified Reiki Master to Pathways Healthcare Crisis Center.
Aurea studied at the University of Saint Thomas and holds an associate's degree and a bachelor's degree in business administration and metaphysical science. She also holds a master's degree in metaphysical science. Aurea loves traveling with her spouse, playing with her dog-a Coton de Tulear named Domino-and spending time in nature.
Job Titles:
- Trusted Advisor
- Partner, PrairieView Partners, LLC, Saint Paul
Job Titles:
- Founder and President of Seed
- Founder and President of Seed. Grow. Bloom LLC
Bo Thao-Urabe is founder and president of Seed. Grow. Bloom LLC, a consulting company that partners with executive leaders and organizations to create transformative solutions to change systems and cultures. Immigrating as a refugee child from Laos, her experiences at the intersections of war, poverty, immigration, gender, culture and race inform how she leads and innovates. Bo was founder and executive director of the Coalition of Asian American Leaders and executive director of Hmong National Development and the Women's Association of Hmong and Lao and served as senior director of Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy.
She co-founded RedGreen Rivers, BMPP Giving Circle, MaivPAC, Building Our Future: A Global Community Campaign, Asian Pacific Islander Institute on Gender-Based Violence and Hmong Women Achieving Together. Bo was a Bush Fellow in 2019 and received the Foundation's Facing Race Award, the National Philanthropy Day Award, AZNS Most Influential Asian Americans Award, Augsburg College Courageous Woman Award and the Governor's MLK Day Commitment to Service Award.
Job Titles:
- Senior Grants Administrator
Bridget Rosario-Vega works daily with our donor-advised funds, a service offered to corporate and individual philanthropists. She is responsible for dispersing each and every grant specified by the donors who initiated these accounts. She is also the one who calls nonprofit charities with the good news: They will soon receive a grant. Bridget started working at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation in 2007. A resident of Saint Paul since 1974, she is a 1984 graduate of Humboldt High School. When she is not providing grants to worthy organizations, she loves to cook. She also likes to spend time with her large family, which includes two children, four stepdaughters and nine grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Director of Community and Impact Investing
After 29 years on the grantmaking team, Carrie Jo recently transitioned to work more closely with the investments team of the Foundation. In addition to maintaining a grantmaking portfolio focused on economic and business development, Carrie Jo's new role builds on her experience deploying capital beyond grantmaking. She will be working with the investments team to develop a thoughtful, equitable resource designed to leverage investment assets to enhance grantmaking in a more intentional way. This new investment portfolio is expected to deliver a triple bottom line, including strong financial returns, strong community impact, and enhancing grantmaking that is already making a tremendous impact on communities.
Carrie Jo graduated from St. Olaf College and holds an MBA from the University of St. Thomas. During her time at the Foundation, Carrie Jo has led grantmaking for many ongoing and time-limited programs, serving in a variety of leadership roles.
Job Titles:
- Director of Community & Impact Investing
Casey Shultz, Director of Community and Impact Investing, brings 15 years of leadership experience in the areas of technology, startups, entrepreneurship and venture capital to the Foundation. Most recently, Casey served as executive director of BETA.MN, a Twin Cities nonprofit that provides Minnesota-based founders of top local tech startups with the resources to grow their companies. At BETA, Casey diversified the board of directors, acquired Tech.MN, a startup newsgathering website, and doubled the size of the BETA team. Earlier, she gained experience at The Planning Group of the Northwest where her team was recognized by Barron's as the top financial advising team in Alaska. Casey also was an early employee of Silicon Valley startup CouchSurfing International - a precursor to Airbnb - helping the company raise its $7.9 million Series A-round. Collectively, Casey has helped startups raise over $25 million.
Casey earned an MBA at Presidio Graduate School in San Francisco. She was recognized by Twin Cities Business magazine as a member of its TCB 100: The People to Know in 2021.
Job Titles:
- Trusted Advisor
- Director, Redpath and Company, Saint Paul
- Learn Audit Director
Learn audit director Cathy Lydon's tips for fellow advisors when working with nonprofits.
Job Titles:
- Digital Marketing Specialist
Job Titles:
- President and Chief Operating Officer, Andersen Corporation
Chris is president and chief operating officer of Andersen Corporation. Chris has responsibility for the Andersen Division, Renewal by Andersen, as well as enterprise manufacturing, logistics, supply chain, research, development & innovation (RD&I), information technology and marketing.
Chris began his career with Andersen in 2002 leading the company's treasury and investment departments. He spent 15 years in finance and strategic planning leadership roles, supporting all aspects of the business from operations to sales. Prior to joining Andersen, Chris spent eight years at Target Corporation in a number of roles within corporate finance, investments and financial planning & analysis.
Chris currently serves on the Andersen Corporate Foundation board of directors and is a member of Andersen's executive committee. He is also currently a board member for the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, First State Bank and Trust, Minnesota Stroke Association, and Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance.
Chris holds a bachelor of science degree in finance from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a master of business administration degree in finance and strategic management from the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management.
Job Titles:
- Communications Specialist
As Communications Specialist for the Marketing & Communications team, Chris supports the Foundation's work by showcasing it to the community through words, photo, video and other media. Her role is to make sure that Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation is not only known locally, but also nationally for its commitment to advancing equity, strengthening communities, and broadening philanthropic expression for the people in the state it serves.
Before joining the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation in 2019, Chris worked as a Communications Specialist for the Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board. Prior to moving back to Minnesota in 2015, she worked as freelance writer in New York, writing for various online publications including XXL Magazine, The Source, and Complex Media's Green Label. In addition, she did work in public relations for athletes and artists such as Nick Young, Serge Ibaka, Michael Beasley and Teyana Taylor. Chris has also written for local publications such as Insight News and the Minnesota Annual Conference of the UMC (MN Connect). She has volunteered and been a part of organizations such as Feed My Starving Children and Girl Scouts of America, the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the National Kidney Foundation. Chris is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Booktini book club.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, painting and binge watching Netflix. She also has a deep passion for all things art, as well as accessories and music. Her fashion motto is: it's not about what you wear; it's about how you wear it. Chris has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Alabama State University and a Master of Science in Journalism from the Northwestern University. She chose to work for the Foundation because its mission aligned with her personal ethics. Her favorite part about working for the Foundation is being able to work with such brilliant people who are experts of their craft.
Job Titles:
- President and Chief Executive Officer of Ecolab Inc
- President and Chief Executive Officer, Ecolab Inc.
Christophe Beck is president and chief executive officer of Ecolab Inc., the global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and vital resources. Prior to becoming president and chief executive officer on Jan. 1, 2021, Beck was Ecolab's president and chief operating officer. He has held several other senior leadership roles at Ecolab, including executive vice president and president of the Global Industrial Group; executive vice president and president of Nalco Water, an Ecolab company; and executive vice president and president of International Regions. Prior to joining Ecolab in 2007, Beck was a senior executive at Nestlé for 16 years. In 2006, he was nominated as a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum for his accomplishments and commitment to shape a better world.
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant
- Finance
- Executive Assistant for Finance
As executive assistant for Finance at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, Clare Shavor facilitates smooth communication among her team and between departments. Clare brings expertise in detail management and team coordination to her work at the Foundation, drawing from her extensive background in restaurants, catering and education.
Clare holds a degree in English and psychology from the University of St. Thomas. A life-long learner, Clare enjoys building her skills in nonprofit management and learning about community development. Outside of work, Clare enjoys staying active with her family.
Job Titles:
- Trusted Advisor
- Principal, Chan, PLLC, Law Offices, and Carlson Estate Planning, Edina
Job Titles:
- Trusted Advisor
- President & CEO, Holt Consulting, Minneapolis
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer at Charles K. Blandin Foundation
Daniel Lemm is chief financial officer and treasurer at Charles K. Blandin Foundation. He is responsible for the financial strategy execution and risk management of the largest rural-based and rural-serving private foundation in Minnesota. He also oversees key operational functions - Information Systems & Technology, Facilities, and Grants Management.
Prior to the Blandin Foundation, Daniel held staff positions at the McKnight Foundation and Native Americans in Philanthropy. He has also held fiduciary roles with numerous nonprofits and foundations throughout Minnesota.
Daniel earned bachelor's degrees in finance from Iowa State University and accounting from Metropolitan State University. He also holds a master's degree in nonprofit management from Hamline University. Daniel is a certified management accountant, certified fraud examiner, and is certified in strategy and competitive analysis.
Originally from the Twin Cities, Daniel has made a home in Grand Rapids with his wife and son. He is a proud citizen of the Mdewakanton Band of Dakota at Cansa'yapi.
Job Titles:
- Trusted Advisor
- Co - Chair / Senior Vice President - Wealth Management, Financial Advisor, UBS, Bloomington
Job Titles:
- Development Operations Analyst
Deepti joined the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation in 2016. She is part of the Philanthropic Services team, using her prior career experience in the nonprofit and government sectors to maintain an efficient and effective database and provide donor support. Deepti is a native of Nepal and moved to Minnesota 15 years ago. She has a master's in public policy with a minor in nonprofit management from the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. Outside of work, Deepti enjoys running, traveling and exploring new ethnic restaurants with her husband and two sons.
Job Titles:
- Community Impact Program Manager
Derek is part of the Community Impact team. He works directly with the Community Sharing Fund and the J. C. and L. A. Duke Employees' Assistance Fund, and supports the Foundation's initiatives and community affiliates.
Derek hails originally from the Pacific Northwest, but has called the Twin Cities home for the past nineteen years. He holds a master's degree in applied cultural anthropology from Northern Arizona University and a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Puget Sound. Prior to joining the Foundation, Derek managed and developed volunteer programs at M Health Fairview and worked as an employment counselor and consultant under the auspices of the state's workforce programs.
Over the past several decades, Derek has also cultivated a side career as a music critic writing for online and print publications. Jazz is his passion, but his ears are open to and curious about all kinds of organized sounds. Outside of work, Derek enjoys exploring and experiencing other cultures, volunteering, connecting with friends and keeping abreast of current events.
Board Chair; System Executive Director of Community Health Equity and Engagement at Fairview Health Services
Job Titles:
- Nonprofit Strategies Manager
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- President
Job Titles:
- President & CEO, Women 's Foundation of Minnesota
Job Titles:
- Trusted Advisor
- Co - Chair / Attorney, Chandler and Brown, Ltd., Saint Paul
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President
- Senior Vice President of Philanthropic Services
Job Titles:
- Senior Operations Analyst
Board Vice Chair; President & CEO, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Partnerships
Job Titles:
- Senior Marketing & Communications Manager
Job Titles:
- Trusted Advisor
- Tax Principal, Smith, Schafer & Associates, Ltd., Minneapolis
Job Titles:
- Gift Planner / See More
- Planner
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant, Operations
Job Titles:
- Grants Administration Lead
Job Titles:
- Associate Vice President of Philanthropic Services
Job Titles:
- Director of Gift Planning
Job Titles:
- Trusted Advisor
- Vice President, Senior Philanthropic Specialist, Wells Fargo, Saint Paul
Job Titles:
- Chairman & CEO, Mairs & Power, Inc.
Job Titles:
- Enterprise Solutions Lead
Job Titles:
- Chief Sustainability and Global Impact Officer for General Mills
Job Titles:
- Trusted Advisor
- Partner, Lathrop GPM LLP, Minneapolis
Job Titles:
- President & Alternate Governor, Minnesota Wild
Job Titles:
- Program Manager - Partnerships
Job Titles:
- Trusted Advisor
- Partner, Maslon LLP, Minneapolis
- Professional Advisor from Maslon LLP
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer, Carousel Motor Group
Job Titles:
- Director of Digital Strategy
Job Titles:
- Senior Investment Operations Specialist
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, Minnesota Twins
Job Titles:
- Senior Grants Administrator
Job Titles:
- Principal of Nissa Consulting
Job Titles:
- Program Assistant - Community Impact
Job Titles:
- Paralegal and Fund Specialist
Job Titles:
- Marketing & Communications Associate
Job Titles:
- Fund Accounting Specialist
Job Titles:
- Associate Vice President of Human Resources
Job Titles:
- President of Capella University
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant, Philanthropic Services
Chief Investment Officer Shannon O'Leary participated in a global panel discussion on sustainable investment trends.
We spoke with Stuart Bear of Chestnut Cambronne about achieving his clients' charitable goals.
Job Titles:
- Partnerships Administrator
Job Titles:
- Trusted Advisor
- Shareholder at Larkin Hoffman, Shares Her Tips and Tricks for Discussing Philanthropy With Clients
- Shareholder, Larkin Hoffman, Bloomington
Tara Mattessich, shareholder at Larkin Hoffman, shares her tips and tricks for discussing philanthropy with clients.
Job Titles:
- Commissioner of Minnesota IT Services ( MNIT ) and the State of Minnesota 's Chief Information Officer ( CIO )
Job Titles:
- Director of Community Impact
Job Titles:
- Community Affiliates Program Manager
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Community Impact
Job Titles:
- Associate Vice President of Finance - Controller