Speaker Bios
Keynote Speaker
John Moe is the host of American Public Media's Marketplace Tech Report.
Previously, John was the host of American Public Media radio program Weekend America where he replaced show founder Bill Radke and Radke's co-host Desiree Cooper. He developed and wrote the weekly segment "A Little Bit of Weather Everywhere," presenting unique events happening around the country, and the weather for the day at these events. Prior to joining Weekend America full time as a senior writer in 2007, John worked for NPR affiliate station KUOW-FM in Seattle,Washington where he hosted and produced The Works, a weekly program dedicated to business and technology.
Other conference speakers include:
Brian Allie is the director of application development for the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Brian is responsible for software architecture, product development, quality engineering and management of DEED’s Agile and Scrum development processes. Brian has over 15 years experience including software development, systems design, Agile methodologies and technology leadership and management. Past projects include www.minnesotaworks.net, www.mnworkforceone.com, and the State of Minnesota’s Unemployment Insurance system.
Joel Barker has over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. His experience includes fund development (major gifts, grant writing, online giving); nonprofit management, board development, marketing consulting, and nonprofit technology solutions focused on cost-reducing technology improvements. He is passionate about using technology to help nonprofits achieve their mission and grow their constituency. Over the past five years his technology enhancement strategies have helped organizations to collectively reduce operation costs by over $200,000 annually. Joel serves as the assistant director of development at the nonprofit Fraser, primarily focusing on major gifts. He is president and owner at Backpack Tactics, LLC and serves on a few local nonprofit boards.
Katherine Bass is a senior community prevention consultant at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. She also consults for Blue Cross’ new affiliate company, Invitation Health and Wellness. She has spent the past seven years coaching and guiding communities on coalition building, community engagement and public policy strategies to support more walkable, bikeable environments. Prior to that, she spent 5 years at Hennepin County Public Health Department. Katherine has a masters in public health from the University of Minnesota.
For the past two years, Tanya Belanger has led accessibility efforts at the State of Minnesota. She has been involved in all activities related to establishing accessibility standards, policies, and processes for IT products, applications, and electronic content. Most recently, she has designed a training course on how to create accessible eDocuments, which will eventually reach nearly all State of Minnesota employees. She is primarily responsible for implementing accessibility in procurement of the State’s IT products and services.
Chuck Bies, solution engineer and practice lead at Aeritae Consulting, specializes in technology operations and management. He has 25 years of experience, first as a process engineer and consultant for IBM, then in a variety of IT management roles at Target and United Health Group, and for the past 7 years with Aeritae Consulting. Chuck's experience includes implementing technology management tools and processes for Target Stores, implementing an IT service management framework for UHG, and starting the local chapter of the IT Service Management Forum. His current role with Aeritae includes developing fee-based solutions addressing a variety of technology management problems, and working with local non-profits to provide opportunities for Aeritae team members to provide pro-bono expertise. Chuck earned a B.S. degree from the University of Minnesota in electrical engineering.
As the Manager of IT Services at MAP for Nonprofits, Rick Birmingham helps organizations capitalize on the power of technology to do what they do -- better. In 2012, Rick is hoping to share what was learned from MAP’s technology innovation research and will be leading an expansion of MAP’s technology services. In recent months, Rick has managed MAP’s transition to a new internal database using Salesforce to track work with clients, volunteers and other stakeholders. Previously Rick was coordinator at NetDay Minnesota and served as vice president of the boards of KFAI Radio and Genesis II for Families.
Natalie Brenner has spent the last eight years in the nonprofit sector, working with both international and national organizations. While her management focus is in the areas of finance, HR and operations, her scope has also included development, national and international event planning, communications, marketing and strategic planning. Natalie graduated from Augsburg College with a degree in international relations and peace and global studies. Before joining the Progressive Technology Project in January of 2011, she worked for the INGO Nonviolent Peaceforce for close to seven years.
Sara Brown, director of marketing & communications at Restart, Inc., has over 10 years of experience in marketing, strategic planning and relationship management. Prior to Restart, she was a category marketing manager at Target Corp. Sara focuses on the advancement of Restart through marketing and communications, fundraising and long-term planning.
Baya Clare has over 15 years of experience promoting technological literacy through workshops and individual training. In addition to work as a web developer and designer, she teaches technology at a school for adult immigrants in Minneapolis. She is a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet.
Carlo Cuesta is the managing partner for Creation In Common, which helps nonprofits enhance their power to engage the public through the creation of communication, fundraising and organizational development strategies. Carlo has led engagements for Greater Twin Cities United Way, Pillsbury United Communities, Care Providers of Minnesota, KERA Public Radio and Television, Resources for Child Caring, Plains Art Museum, Sabes JCC, The Saint Paul Foundation, Sidney Health Center, Vail Place and Work Incentives Connection. He is the author of several articles on nonprofit branding as well as presents trainings on the topic with Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Mary Davis has worked (and played) at the Duluth Children’s Museum as program director and “accidental techie/graphic designer” since 2008. Her visual arts knowledge comes from a unique combination of a degree in elementary education, vicarious graphic design experience at the Museum, and having a mother who is an art teacher. Mary has expanded her knowledge of technology and graphic design through various courses and trainings at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, the University of Wisconsin-Superior and the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. She currently designs print publications for the Duluth Children’s Museum. Mary wears many hats on a daily basis, but she really is just a techie at heart.
Meleck Davis is an interactive designer at Triangle Park Creative with over 10 years of experience working with nonprofits. He has been building and designing websites for eight years, and he has taught classes in design and animation at the University of Minnesota and Brown College. His work has been recognized by both the Dot.Org Awards and the Cooperative Communicators Association. Meleck holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and studio art from Macalester College, and he is pursuing his master's degree in interactive design.
Matt Derosier started at HIRED in May 2000 as an employment counselor, assisting laid-off workers become job-search ready and ultimately find employment. Today Matt is a senior program manager in HIRED’s Dislocated Worker division. He is responsible for the overall performance of up to 15 Dislocated Worker special projects and programs. Matt has a passion for helping others find sustainable employment. Prior to his work with HIRED, Matt was a mental health counselor at Fairview Southdale Hospital where he facilitated group therapy and provided individual counseling. He holds a psychology degree from the University of North Dakota and has a M.A. in counseling and psychological services from St. Mary’s University.
Christine Durand joined the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits in 2000. As its communications and marketing director, she leads the organization’s external communications efforts, including marketing, media relations, online communications and social media, and advertising. She develops marketing efforts around educational events and resource materials, oversees membership recruitment and member communications, and is the editor of MCN’s member newsletter, Nonprofit News. Christine has served on the board of the Girls Coalition of Minnesota and Citizens for a Safer Minnesota, and on the advisory committee of the Partnership Internship Program at HECUA. She has a B.A. in public relations from Drake University and is a candidate for an M.P.A. in from the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
Elise Ebhardt works in the City of Minneapolis Information Technology department as an interagency coordinator, focusing on digital inclusion and community technology needs and resources. Elise is passionate about networking and building relationships and joined the Technology Literacy Collaborative to help plan the TLC’s 2011 Digital Inclusion Forum. Elise’s career with the City includes positions in Public Works, Finance and the Department of Health & Family Support where she managed a variety of research, program planning, training, outreach, and workforce diversity activities. At the health department’s 348-TOTS program, Elise did home visits for Minneapolis families to provide early childhood screening and to connect families with health, educational and community services.
David Erickson, director of e-Strategy at Tunheim Partners, specializes in strategic online communication. He has more than 15 years experience, first as a freelancer, then as founder and president of e-Strategy, and now with Tunheim Partners. David's experience includes executing a national online media relations campaign, expert positioning with e-mail marketing, EPKs and search-optimized press releases, search engine marketing for many clients, viral video campaigns, and social media marketing campaigns. David earned his B.A. from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he studied art and writing. He is a former Hubert H. Humphrey Policy Forum Fellow.
As associate creative director at JWT, Jack Fahden is continually reinventing what brand engagement looks like in a digital world. His passion for communication and culture gives him the unique ability to craft powerful messages and relevant branded conversations across multiple platforms. In his career Jack has worked with brands such as General Mills, H&R Block, Edible Arrangements, UnitedHealthcare and Bridging.
Alexander Falconer joined the grassroots solutions team in December 2011 as the campaign manager for do.town, a community initiative that seeks to make the healthy choice the easy choice. Alex came on board after a long stint on the campaign trail that began in 2002 while attending St. Olaf College and working with Senator Paul Wellstone’s 2002 campaign. Alex helped on Barack Obama’s 2004 Senate campaign, was part of Howard Dean’s 50 State Strategy as a regional field director in Minnesota, and has since been a campaign manager for coordinated and congressional campaigns in Minnesota.
Helen Roberts Franczyk serves as vice president of external relations for Minnesota Children's Museum, one of the leading children’s museums in the country. Helen has held leadership positions in nonprofit marketing management for more than twenty-five years, and has a strong track record growing audience and revenue. She previously served as director of marketing for Minnesota Orchestra and director of marketing and public relations for Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. Helen is currently on St. Paul Arts and Culture Partnership board, and has served as an advisory panelist with Minnesota State Arts Board, as well as presenting at national and regional conferences for Association of Children’s Museums, American Symphony Orchestra League and Chorus America. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Texas at Austin.
Karen Graham has been working with nonprofits for almost a decade, and is especially interested in emerging technology for building relationships and communicating with supporters. She is currently director of Business Development with thedatabank, a provider of nonprofit CRM software, and for the past 8 years she has helped thedatabank build its business to over 1000 clients nationwide. Karen has been selected to speak at a number of state and national nonprofit conferences, including past MCN conferences. She earned an M.B.A. with an emphasis in nonprofit management from the University of St. Thomas.
Over the last eighteen years, John Gwinn's work has been concentrated on combining media arts with youth development and education. He co-founded Phillips Community Television in the early 1990’s, and through that organization, helped to empower thousands of Minneapolis teenagers to tell their own stories through video, photography and other media. In December, 2008, he began a new job with MIGIZI Communications, doing the same kind of work, but specifically focusing on American Indian youth. This work brings a new framework for teaching youth media arts, and that is putting it under a broader project of empowering young people with job skills and entrepreneurial ability. John has also produced media pieces that have been shown at festivals around the country and internationally.
Matthew J. Harmon is a security researcher, instructor and mentor, auditor, ethical hacker, security architect and international standards developer. Having consulted and advocated for many Fortune, governmental and nonprofit organizations he is familiar with the day-to-day challenges of businesses. Matthew is the owner and a security researcher for IT Risk Limited, LLC.
Graham Hartley is the director of programs for MIGIZI Communications, Inc. With MIGIZI since 1995, he has been successful in building partnerships with schools, educational organizations and other nonprofit programs. Graham is a former science teacher, who successfully incorporated project-based learning coupled with animation and presentational technology for high school students to gain deeper understanding and engagement in their science courses. Over the last fifteen years he has also designed and delivered professional development workshops, locally and nationally, for teachers, school administrators and non-profit agencies to improve the incorporation of technology into their work.
Ange Hwang has 25 years of experience in media arts. As the founder and executive director of Asian Media Access, she is actively involved in the Twin Cities' Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Ange has conducted instrumental media advocacy and public education campaigns in key inequality areas, addressing issues such as health disparities, violence/crime victims and gender inequality. Through her award-winning works, Ange continues to engage the AAPI community in active public dialogues with the mainstream through media as a way to promote positive social changes.
Jamie Lee Jacobsen is lead project manager for Spyder Trap, a marketing and technology firm in Minneapolis. As a project manager and online strategist, she works with teams of web developers, designers, search specialists and social media experts to solve problems for clients. She has a passion for nonprofits and thoroughly enjoyed working with local nonprofit Defending The Blue Line on the recent redesign and development of their new website. For the past two years, Jamie has been working closely with Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota on several initiatives including social strategy, search, web development and sponsored search to further their online footprint. This past summer, Jamie completed her master’s degree in strategic communication from the University of Minnesota.
For 13 years at BPK&Z, Tim Jewell has been helping organizations invest in the technology that helps them grow their businesses and run them more efficiently. From assisting a client with a technology related project to leading technology planning and implementation, Tim helps companies select the best software solutions for their business. He consults with businesses so they will know when to invest in the correct technology and what needs they should anticipate in the future. Tim’s 25 years of experience includes work in technology planning and implementation for a large national firm and also for a local CPA firm in accounting, tax and computer service areas. Tim holds certifications as a CPA and CITP from the AICPA and holds the GSEC credential which combines his business and technology skills.
Aaron Kesher brings a great deal of energy and a necessary sense of humor to the discussion around difference. His work as principal consultant with deepSEE Consulting includes training and coaching executives and facilitating employee training sessions. Aaron comes from a background in education, having taught English and theater to high school students. His training work centers on issues of diversity, with a special focus on leading across differences. He has written articles for diversity-centered websites and newsletters, including co-authoring a manager’s toolkit for dealing with religious diversity in the workplace. A certified Intercultural Development Inventory Administrator, he’s worked with Minnesota Department of Transportation on restructuring their Diversity Council, and was one of the principal designers of a comprehensive cultural proficiency professional development initiative for the St. Paul Public Schools.
Grace Kintzinger’s work is guided by the idea that technology innovations can empower the missions of nonprofit organizations. Her experience includes devising best methods for enhancing programs and operations through the use of new technologies, ranging from simple online tools to custom developed applications. Currently Grace provides technology and program support for Eager-to-Learn, an online professional development program serving child care providers. She strives to continually improve the experience of students and instructors by incorporating the latest tech tools in their online learning environment.
Hilary Le Bon has more than 15 years of digital marketing, web and mobile development experience. She started her career in Washington, DC with PBS' The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer and has worked with Minneapolis agencies space150, BBDO/Proximity, and Colle+McVoy. She now contracts direct with clients to provide social media education to executive and corporate teams, consumer research and insights related to on- and offline behavior, online opportunity analysis, and online media plans including SEO and SEM, and content strategy. She is passionate about creating simple, actionable programs and measuring results.
Bruce Lindberg is the executive director of Advance IT Minnesota. Prior to his current position, Bruce served in various leadership roles at Inver Hills Community College from 1995 through 2006 as dean of business, dean of student services and executive director of business partnerships. He also spent eight years in higher education with the Graduate School of Business at the University of St. Thomas, and served in management positions with the YMCA of Metropolitan Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Public Schools. He holds a bachelor's degree in education and a master's degree in business administration. Recent volunteer work includes serving on the board of directors for Minnesota Computers for Schools and the Upper Midwest Security Alliance.
Ryan May is currently the principal of RDM Consulting, providing public relations, marketing, communications and social media support to Minnesota nonprofits. He is an industry leader with proven experience in planning, directing, and implementing organization's marketing, public relations, social media and communications activities. Ryan is a highly experienced, well respected executive with 10+ years of public relations and marketing experience launching new products, penetrating new markets, and producing record results in a variety of product arenas. He is recognized as an energetic leader and strategic thinker in marketing, communications, social media, and as an esteemed adviser to management.
Terryl McKaye has been with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities since 1997, working in both program and administration as the director of individual & family services, executive assistant to the president, director of human resources, director of special events, area director for North Minneapolis and currently as the vice president of marketing & communications. She focuses her time and talents on creating awareness and building passion for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities organization. Terryl has a B.S. in child psychology from the University of Minnesota, and is currently completing an M.B.A. program at the University of Phoenix.
T.J. McLeod has been working in marketing for 14 years. He started in 1998 by creating a customer database and eBlast campaigns for a coffee shop in Minneapolis. After several years in traditional marketing, he moved to a career in viral video marketing that altered his field of interest to web based marketing initiatives. His consulting marketing projects included beta testing for web and phone applications, website optimization (SEO), blogging for business, optimizing online profiles, brand monitoring, and geo-targeted ad campaigns. T.J. was hired in 2011 by CRAVE to oversee the digital marketing efforts for all the CRAVE Restaurants, Sopranos Kitchen, The Urban Eatery Restaurant, and CRAVE Catering. He recently assembled a blog team of over 60 people from CRAVE to launch their newly designed blog.
Jamie Millard leads the communication and marketing strategies for the Charities Review Council, a leading organization in ensuring nonprofit excellence, where in her first year on staff she more than tripled online engagement for the organization. She is also the co-founder and executive director of Paper Darts, the Twin Cities’ premier literary arts magazine, (recognized as #15 on METRO Magazine’s top 100 list for “Best of” in the Twin Cities). Jamie also sits on the board of directors for the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network-Twin Cities, where she chairs the communications committee. And, when not co-collaborating on new ventures (which is rare), you’ll find Jamie obsessing over the newest tech gadget or video game.
John Nesbitt is the director of network and information systems for Volunteers of America – Minnesota, one of the largest nonprofits in the state. In a long career working for Fortune 500 companies as well as local nonprofits and governmental agencies, John has successfully engaged a wide array of needs, people and technologies to build solutions that deliver value. He has been recognized nationally and has presented on his work in the areas of cloud computing and information standards and stewardship. Having just finished his first year with Volunteers of America –Minnesota, his main accomplishments to date include introducing several cloud based solutions, initiating the organization’s first enterprise scale business process mapping effort and partnering with Normandale Community College to develop their first medical record practicum.
Daren Nyquist is a senior project manager at grassroots solutions, a consulting firm that focuses on getting people engaged and keeping them engaged in the issues that matter most to them. Daren has considerable experience in evaluating and auditing grassroots programs and developing grassroots engagement strategies. His current clients include Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Minnesota, the Minnesota Children’s Museum and the Center for Community Change. Prior to joining grassroots solutions, Daren worked as a community organizer focusing primarily on neighborhood development issues and as an analyst in county government. Daren has a B.A. from Carleton College and a master’s in public policy from the University of Minnesota.
Chris Oien is the web communications associate for the Minnesota Council on Foundations (MCF), where he is responsible for their online presence and marketing initiatives. In his time at MCF, he has overseen a 50% increase in traffic to the Philanthropy Potluck blog and has led in developing data-driven reports on the results of the organization’s various revenue and mission-related goals. In life before MCF, one of his proudest moments was winning Minnesota Monthly’s award for Best Twitter Feed for his work at the Lake Street Council. He also sits on the board of the Twin Cities chapter of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network, where he serves as Membership Chair.
Adaobi Okolue is a brand and communications strategist who loves to help organizations identify and deliver on their promise to communities. As a pursuer of creativity and innovation, she’s often the instigator for thinking of new and productive ways to solve problems. Adaobi has worked in the backyards of Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation, McKnight Foundation, Page Education Foundation, Minnesota State Colleges & Universities, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and Best Buy. She is also a driven advocate for youth and community development in communities of color—especially African and African-American youth and communities. In her free time, she serves as a board member for Young Nonprofit Professionals Network-Twin Cities. And in her freer time, she works on creative writing, photography and graphic design projects.
Robyn Perry works at the Progressive Technology Project (PTP), a Twin Cities-based organization that supports community organizing groups across the U.S. to use technology to do their work more effectively. She is part of the training team at PTP that helps groups transition to using CiviCRM, an open-source, web-based database that allows organizations to track and manage membership, communications, fundraising, and events all in one tool. Her day-to-day work spans communications, fundraising, data tracking, and managing PTP's relationships with the many organizations it serves. She also conducts tech skills webinars on the Office Suite for organizers. She has a B.A. in linguistics and Italian studies from the University of California at Santa Cruz, and is a graduate of UCSC's Global Information Internship Program.
During her twelve year television career, Kristi Piehl worked as a reporter and anchor at five television stations. She won numerous awards for her work including two Emmys for stories she covered at KSTP in Minneapolis. Kristi has appeared on Good Morning America, CNN, Dateline NBC, FOX News Channel and several national radio shows. In 2010, Kristi started Media Minefield to give organizations access to results-focused public relations, media relations, video production and website design services. Kristi’s focus is creating specialized solutions for each client’s specific communications needs. Every member of the Media Minefield team is a former journalist or news photographer with a sharp eye for storytelling and a talent for making an emotional connection with the audience.
John Richard works at Pillsbury United Communities as the Waite House adult education and employment coordinator. In this capacity John developed and continues to manage a heavily used computer lab. He also developed a computer lab and designed a computer education program for Hope Community of Minneapolis. John was a founding member of the Technical Literacy Collaborative and formerly served on the City of Minneapolis Digital Inclusion Task Force and as an advisor to the Minneapolis Foundation’s Digital Inclusion Fund.
Brian Roemen has over 12 years of technical support experience and has worked in for-profit, nonprofit, educational and residential environments. He has experience in network administration, PC setup and repair, and a wide range of hardware and software support for Macs and PCs. He also enjoys educating others about technology; he has trained one-on-one, small groups, and large audiences. He currently teaches part time at Concordia University – Saint Paul. Brian is analytical and systematic in his approach to problems. He loves efficiency and hates resource waste. He believes that technology ought to boost productivity and reduce stress (as opposed to the reverse) and implements this philosophy with his clients. He enjoys finding the best ways to leverage technology to make the daily tasks of life and business convenient and manageable.
Jason Samuels is technology manager for the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). He is an accidental techie, a social media enthusiast, an aspiring software trainer, a harried network administrator, and occasionally tries writing a little bit of code. Jason believes that IT management is most effective when you find the points where technological innovations and staff skills meet to improve business processes. He enjoys analyzing every aspect of an implementation project to get the best possible value out of every dollar spent.
Jodi Schlichting serves as a business analyst at HIRED, where she has been employed for nine years. As a business analyst, Jodi gathers, presents and interprets a wide range of data to assist the organization in achieving its program goals. In her role, she also has responsibilities related to quality assurance, employee training and user support, particularly as they relate to HIRED’s Internal Client Information System (ICIS). Jodi has also worked successfully as a program manager in HIRED’s welfare-to-work division—a background that has prepared her to develop data collection, management and reporting strategies that most effectively meet the needs of end users.
Natascha Shawver works as a technology consultant for nonprofits in the Twin Cities area and nationwide, helping organizations to properly deploy existing and emerging technologies. Too often she sees nonprofit staff tasked with being the “accidental techies” get stuck with their technology projects, because, quite frankly, they have more important things to do. Natascha sees herself as the translator who helps nonprofits navigate the complex field of technology and formulate clear objectives so they can make sound decisions to achieve the overall strategic goals of their organization while staying within their budget.
Mike Stadelman is a senior marketing professional who lives his personal mission statement every day… to make a difference for a company that makes a difference. As a member of the senior leadership team for CaringBridge, a nonprofit, caring social network, Mike leads the design and implementation of their strategic marketing, communications and brand management programs. With a diverse background in advertising and marketing for both nonprofit and for-profit organizations, a bachelors’ degree from the University of Minnesota and a masters certificate from the University of St Thomas, Mike is helping CaringBridge become one of the most trusted and respected brands in social networking.
Sara Sternberger has been the executive director of Bridging for nearly two years. During that time, Bridging has undergone a comprehensive strategic planning process, including a major rebranding effort. In previous positions, Sara has developed communication/marketing plans and has led or participated in branding and sub-branding initiatives. Sara is a graduate of the University of Missouri and holds both an M.B.A. and master’s in healthcare administration. She is an active community volunteer, serving on the United Way Tocqueville Society cabinet and planned giving committee. She is a past president of the Junior League of Minneapolis and is a member of the WAMSO Board (Minnesota Orchestra Volunteer Association), serving as its marketing & communications co-director. She is also currently assisting Easter Lutheran Church with its rebranding efforts.
Tejpal Thatte is a senior consultant at GNet Group. He has extensive professional industry experience in application and product development in client server, internet, intranet and database technologies. His primary areas of focus have been Microsoft technologies such as .NET Framework, SharePoint Solutions, Microsoft SQL Server and the Microsoft Business Intelligence Stack. Tejpal is a Microsoft certified technology specialist in the Microsoft SharePoint Technology and a Microsoft certified application developer in the Microsoft.NET Technologies. He has led many initiatives at his company regarding custom applications and product development in areas like SharePoint, InfoPath, PerformacePoint, Microsoft .NET, SQL, SSRS and SSIS.
Jim Thibodeau, director of IT for HIRED since 2008, is responsible for leading a team of six technology professionals in the maintenance and expansion of the organization’s technology services across more than 15 office locations. He is charged with supporting HIRED’s internal network, databases, in-house client information, IP phone and staff computer systems. Jim and his team also provide help desk support to the organization’s 150 staff members. Jim received his bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and brings over 40 years of executive experience in the computer industry and IT-related fields to his work at HIRED.
Pat Thompson is a web and print designer with Triangle Park Creative. She has 30 years of identity, publication and web design experience with nonprofits in the Twin Cities and Washington, D.C. She has taught at the University of Minnesota and the University of St. Thomas, and holds a master's in mass communication from the University of Minnesota.
Mary Ann Van Cura works for State Library Services, a division of the Minnesota Department of Education, supporting nonprofit and other library staff statewide in meeting the needs of their end users. Mary Ann promotes collaborations toward digital inclusion, monitors statistics on gaps in technology access, and promotes awareness of the importance of public technology training and access as the activities of daily life move online – for government, education, employment, entertainment, and business. She is a founder and current chair of the local, cross-sector Technology Literacy Collaborative. She chairs the newly-formed Digital Literacy Workgroup of the Minnesota Learning Commons.
Kang Vang is the programming director at Asian Media Access. His focus on effective communication strategies can be seen in his work as a filmmaker who has worked in the media arts field for over 10 years as both an artist and a teacher, focusing primarily on issues that affect the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. He has completed four feature length films, two of which surround the themes of domestic abuse, gang violence and cross-generational family problems. He leads a youth group through Asian Media Access called Youth Media Force, in which he teaches at-risk youth leadership skills in addressing social problems, and guides them in creating effective media such as public service announcements and roundtable discussions with professionals that promote awareness of the problems.
Amy Wagner is MAP for Nonprofits’ associate director. She works on the development of new partnerships with funders and clients. In addition, Amy facilitates the implementation of MAP’s strategic plan and supports several committees of MAP’s board. Prior to joining MAP, Amy was a consultant at Accenture, an internal project manager for Andersen Windows and a training manager at a software-consulting firm. Amy graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin - Madison with degrees in business and international relations. She is a recent graduate of the James P. Shannon Leadership Institute. Amy is an active community volunteer and has served on numerous boards and committees, including the boards of the Corporate Volunteerism Council – Twin Cities and IFP Minnesota. She is also currently a member of the GiveMN Strategy Cabinet.
Cary Walski is owner of Social Good, a web development and online marketing firm that specializes in helping mission driven organizations create a better world by design. She also works for MAP for Nonprofits as technology education and outreach coordinator for the MAP TechWorks program.
Kevin Watson has served a number of area nonprofits. His work has focused around marketing and public relations with an emphasis on online outreach. Kevin has had the opportunity to work with organizations of various sizes and stages, from startups to large community institutions. One of his primary focuses has been on how community can be facilitated and expanded with technology. In 2007 he started Aidan Web Services, a freelance web design and marketing company that works primarily with nonprofits in the Twin Cities area. Kevin is the communications coordinator for Development and Alumni Relations at Hamline University, his alma mater. Kevin’s communications background has been broad and includes: brand development, website design and development, graphic design, social media strategy, and work with nonprofit boards on creating marketing strategic plans.
Cory Woosley is the program manager for Eager-to-Learn, an online learning program dedicated to providing quality distance education for early childhood professionals. She played a pioneering role in the development of the program and developing best practices for distance education. In 2008 Cory received an online instructional degree from Concordia University in St Paul. Cory has received two Academic Excellence Awards from the Minnesota State College and Universities for her work in developing online curriculum. In addition she has presented both nationally and internationally on the best practices of distance education. Cory believes by deploying effective practices for distance education good teaching is possible anytime, anyplace.
Jay Wyant just recently started work as the chief information accessibility officer at the Office of Enterprise Technology (OET), the state IT agency. He is also the founder of Remotocom, a provider of high-quality media delivery and communications services. Previously Jay led the marketing teams of several technology firms including a national captioning company. He is immediate past president of the AG Bell Association, headquartered in Washington, DC.
Khou Yang is the coordinator for health education and promotion at Asian Media Access. In this role, she strives to promote a bi-cultural health approach towards a healthy lifestyle in the Asian American community. Khou strongly believes there is no “one size fits all” routine for a healthy lifestyle and hopes to tailor a routine that would address the cultural benefits for the Asian American community. In 2009, Khou was a mentor for the Trent Tucker Scholars Program, promoting youth college awareness. In 2011, she did an internship with Asian Media Access as a student consultant, evaluating the health status of the top eight Asian American communities for Diabetes and Coronary Artery Disease. She has a bachelors of arts degree in public health and Chinese.
