CARBON PIPELINES MN - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Independent Planning Consultant
Andrea Fox Jensen is an independent planning consultant based in Litchfield, Minnesota and Rudkøbing, Denmark. She provides a range of expertise to organizations that serve the public good, including comprehensive strategic planning, facilitation of planning teams and activities, design of programs and events calling for collective problem solving, and assessment of specific strategic opportunities. Over the last few years, Andrea has worked with CURE to update the organization's strategic framework, develop key CURE initiatives, and facilitate roundtable discussions on issues critical to CURE members.
Before consulting, Andrea was the leader of Listening and Strategic Planning at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune. Her early career was spent in account management at several national advertising agencies. She holds a B.A. in Semiotics from Brown University.
Andrea Fox Jensen is an independent planning consultant based in Litchfield, Minnesota and Rudkøbing, Denmark. She provides a range of expertise to organizations that serve the public good, including comprehensive About Me
Job Titles:
- Communications Director
- CURE 's Communications Director
Anne Borgendale is CURE's Communications Director. She joined CURE in 2017. Anne works to communicate CURE's grassroots, progressive vision for the future rural places as it relates to CURE's work with Climate, Energy, Water, and Rural Democracy. On a day-to-day basis, she is responsible for CURE's web, email, and print communications, social media, and public relations. Program projects have included graphic design, video production, and strategic messaging. Anne also coordinated CURE's Clean Cars Campaign.
A passion for seeing rural communities thrive drives Anne's work. She has previously worked with the Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota and Buy Fresh Buy Local Upper Minnesota River Valley, in addition to years spent as an artisan cheesemaker and cooperative cheesemonger and buyer. Anne grew up on a dairy farm in Lac Qui Parle County and currently lives in the rural Montevideo area with her family. She holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry with a minor in biology from the University of Minnesota, Morris.
Anne Borgendale is CURE's Communications Director. She joined CURE in 2017. Anne works to communicate CURE's grassroots, progressive vision for the future rural places as it relates to CURE's work About Me
Brian Wojtalewicz served on the CURE board from 1999 to 2006, part of that time as Board Chair, and then reappointed in 2013.
Job Titles:
- Communications
- Rural Democracy Project & Democracy and Climate Pledge Organizer
Clovis Curl joined CURE in the Fall of 2021. As the Minnesota Rural Democracy Project and Democracy and Climate Pledge Organizer, Clovis assists with a variety of projects, from investigative research to community outreach. With a background in economic analysis and policy research, her primary responsibility is to provide the CURE staff with materials that ensure the team is best prepared to take action.
Clovis recently graduated from St. Olaf College and holds a degree in both Economics and Environmental Studies. She is passionate about climate justice and has several years of experience in environmental organizing. While in undergrad, she served as the Environmental Senator and co-led St. Olaf's divestment campaign. She has also worked with other Minnesota nonprofits to promote local power, spread climate awareness, and build frameworks to sustain healthy, sustainable communities.
In her free time, Clovis can be found exploring Minneapolis, contra dancing, and playing the fiddle.
Clovis Curl joined CURE in the Fall of 2021. As the Minnesota Rural Democracy Project and Democracy and Climate Pledge Organizer, Clovis assists with a variety of projects, from investigative About Me
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Executive Director of CURE
Duane Ninneman is the Executive Director of CURE. He continues to serve as CURE's Climate Program Director, the program area he has led since joining CURE in 2005. Duane concentrates on broadening and deepening the conversations needed to achieve meaningful and lasting results in watershed sustainability, including climate solutions and renewable energy adoption. He believes that real progress toward sustainability can only come from honest assessments and a genuine understanding of the complex dynamics that are affecting the environment. Duane is a recognized rural environmental leader and shares his understanding of rural history, culture, and the environment as a public speaker and network weaver.
Duane graduated from St. Olaf College with a BA in Sociology and Anthropology. Currently, he is the Chair of the Clean Energy Working Group and serves on the Steering Committee of RE-AMP. His life away from work is tied to his farm and family in Big Stone County, Minnesota.
Duane Ninneman is the Executive Director of CURE. He continues to serve as CURE's Climate Program Director, the program area he has led since joining CURE in 2005. Duane concentrates on About Me
Job Titles:
- Energy Democracy Program Director
Erik has been working with CURE since he joined the organization in 2013 and currently leads CURE's Energy Democracy campaigns. His work focuses around rural development through fostering sustainable economies and by building rural democracy. Erik's primary focus is democracy, transparency, and clean energy at rural electric cooperatives.
Erik grew up on a small family farm in the Norway Lake community and is a lifelong resident of Western Minnesota. A committed rural leader, he currently sits on the New London City Council, is the Board Chair of the New London Food Co-op startup, and is the Vice-President of Kandiyohi County Farmers Union. In 2017 he was invited to the Inaugural Obama Foundation Summit.
Erik has been working with CURE since he joined the organization in 2013 and currently leads CURE's Energy Democracy campaigns. His work focuses around rural development through fostering sustainable economies About Me
Glen "Jake" Jacobsen was elected to the CURE Board of Directors in 2013.
Jim Falk was elected to the CURE Board of Directors in 2017.
Kathy Hartley was elected to the CURE Board of Directors in 2018.
Maggie joined CURE at the end of 2021 as Campaigns Director. She is helping to build CURE's capacity for strategic communications, campaigns, and advocacy. Maggie is a Minnesota transplant from the East Coast. Before moving here in 2015, she worked around the world with communities that have been adversely impacted by large-scale energy and development infrastructure projects, helping them fight for their rights. She has brought this commitment to environmental rights, justice, and accountability to her environmental organizing work in Minnesota. She is excited to do the same as a member of CURE's committed team.
Maggie has an undergraduate degree from Georgetown University, an MA from the University of Essex (UK), and a postgraduate certificate in Evaluation Studies from the University of Minnesota. When she is not giving corporations and state agencies a hard time, she can be found in Ely, MN trying her hand at cold-climate gardening or DIY home improvement with her partner and their six cats.
Maggie joined CURE at the end of 2021 as Campaigns Director. She is helping to build CURE's capacity for strategic communications, campaigns, and advocacy. Maggie is a Minnesota transplant from About Me
I am drawn to CURE by its mission and vision because I am passionate about conserving high quality habitat for Minnesota's native species and about fostering a harmonious relationship between people and the land.
Maureen started working as CURE's Financial Manager in February 2021. Maureen served as CFO and Office Manager for Hasslen Construction for over 20 years. Prior, she spent six years working as City Administrator for the City of Ortonville, four years as Financial Controller for Formac Corporation in Minneapolis, one year as Accounting Supervisor at Dayton/ Hudson Department Stores in Minneapolis, and four years as a Certified Public Accountant with LAWCO. She graduated from Minnesota State University-Mankato with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
Maureen started working as CURE's Financial Manager in February 2021. Maureen served as CFO and Office Manager for Hasslen Construction for over 20 years. Prior, she spent six years working About Me
Misty Butler was elected to the CURE Board of Directors in 2017.
I was raised with a deep appreciation for nature and the environment. My parents' involvement in CURE in their retirement years piqued my interest. I like the social and educational nature of the events that I have been involved in and really enjoy meeting people with similar values.
Job Titles:
- Energy Democracy & Digital Organizer
Mitchell joined CURE as the Energy Democracy & Digital Organizer in the summer of 2022. He originally moved to west central Minnesota to attend college. During that time, he grew a deep attachment to the agrarian and prairie landscape-and the Morris community. He also witnessed specific problems affecting rural communities and became a local activist. He found himself involved in several organizations advocating for the expansion of the arts, investment in rural infrastructure, and divestment from fossil fuels. Along with several other area leaders, he worked to organize young people to unlock their collective power in university environments and the greater Morris community.
Mitchell is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, Morris, with degrees in sociology and anthropology. A lifelong creative, he enjoys producing music, photography, and audio-visual projects focusing on rural issues and culture. As an avid outdoorsman, Mitchell's work is further motivated by a desire to preserve our natural resources.
Mitchell joined CURE as the Energy Democracy & Digital Organizer in the summer of 2022. He originally moved to west central Minnesota to attend college. During that time, he grew About Me
Job Titles:
- Operations & Director of Programs
- Operations & Program
Peg Furshong joined CURE in August of 2012. As the Operations & Program Director, Peg is responsible for internal operations including financial systems, information technology and managing organizational performance, record management, facilities and risk management. Peg is also focused on building relationships with members and providing educational and experiential opportunities. She was instrumental in the development of the Connecting People with the Outdoors Program and is responsible for our signature programs which include the biannual Tallgrass Prairie BioBlitz and our Freshwater Mussel Field Days.
In January 2016, Governor Dayton appointed her to the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission for District 3 where she advises on Legacy funding in greater Minnesota.
As an educator throughout most of her professional career, Peg has worked with young adults in higher education - facilitating programs in leadership, civic engagement, sustainability, and diversity. Born and raised in Montana, she came to Minnesota with a love for nature and the values of the natural world. She is a volunteer instructor for the Minnesota Master Naturalist program and has completed the Master Water Steward Certification program. Outside of work, she spends time with her husband and children gardening, biking and enjoying life on the tallgrass prairie in southwestern Minnesota.
Peg holds a Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Information, Process & Communication (IPC) from Montana State University-Billings.
Peg Furshong joined CURE in August of 2012. As the Operations & Program Director, Peg is responsible for internal operations including financial systems, information technology and managing organizational performance, record About Me
I'm a Renewable Energy Researcher at the University of Minnesota Research and Outreach Center located in Morris, MN. I'm also the founder and CEO of Kennedy Research where we are working on distributed ammonia production systems for crop nutrients and energy storage.In my position as a CURE Board member, I support CURE staff to help fundraise for the organization so that it can make changes in the environment and community. I also serve as the treasurer for the Swift County DFL party and my wife Teresa and I both belong to the Minnesota Land Trust and The Nature Conservancy.
Pete Kennedy was elected to the CURE Board of Directors in 2013.
I hope to encourage more active roles on issues that have a direct impact on the river.
Reagan joined CURE in the spring of 2021. As the Program Intern, she provides program support in organizing community events and connecting people to outdoor programs. Her internship offers her the opportunities to learn how policy shapes environmental protection and give her hands-on experience in various communication platforms while giving a voice and perspective from the next generation.
During Reagan's short tenure, she helped organize the bi-annual highway clean-up, spear-headed the silent auction donations for the Tallgrass Prairie BioBlitz, and submitted letters to the editor around the Minnesota Clean Cars campaign.
Reagan is a Junior at Montevideo Senior High School. She enjoys swimming at her family's lake cabin, kayaking, and skiing in the winter. Spending time with her family and friends has shown her the importance of healthy ecosystems. She thinks that it is essential for her generation to be active participates in maintaining the environment for generations to come.
Reagan joined CURE in the spring of 2021. As the Program Intern, she provides program support in organizing community events and connecting people to outdoor programs. Her internship offers her About Me
Rhyan Schicker was elected to the CURE Board of Directors in 2019.
I believe connecting people's values to the environment is truly the most effective way to create meaningful change, and I am honored to join up with an organization that shares this belief.
Job Titles:
- Rural Democracy Project & Democracy and Climate Pledge Organizer
Sara is a lawyer and climate policy strategist. She joined CURE in the summer of 2022 as a Minnesota Rural Democracy Project and Democracy and Climate Pledge Organizer.
Between 2017 and 2022, Sara served as the Advocacy Director at the Minnesota Environmental Partnership. There she worked with other coalitions on climate, energy, water, soil health, pollinator, mining, and transit issues. Sara previously worked as a policy assistant to Susan Gaertner at the Ramsey County Attorney's Office.
Sara grew up in Nebraska. She went to St. Olaf College where she met her husband Doug. Sara plays the cello, likes to sing in large groups, and enjoys cooking with her family.
Sara is a lawyer and climate policy strategist. She joined CURE in the summer of 2022 as a Minnesota Rural Democracy Project and Democracy and Climate Pledge Organizer. Between 2017 About Me
Job Titles:
- Government Relations & Policy Director
Sarah joined CURE in the fall of 2021. Sarah graduated from Vermont Law School with both a J.D. and a Master of Environmental Law and Policy. She is passionate about protecting the environment and believes that to successfully do so we must change our existing policies and attitudes about nature. Sarah has clerked for the Minnesota Court of Appeals and worked on projects concerning tribal rights and land management efforts, mining in northern Minnesota, and surface water use in New England. Sarah also holds degrees in sociology and journalism from the University of Minnesota.
Sarah joined CURE in the fall of 2021. Sarah graduated from Vermont Law School with both a J.D. and a Master of Environmental Law and Policy. She is passionate about About Me
Sean Carroll was elected to the CURE Board of Directors in 2018.
I believe that effective social change requires relationships based on a shared vision, with space for shared leadership.