Board MembersErik Juhl, vice president / acting president Term expires December 2020 Erik has a BA in Music and English from St. Olaf College and a Master of Software Systems from the University of St. Thomas. Alyssa MacLeod, treasurer Term expires December 2019 Prior to joining the City of Oakdale in August 2017, Alyssa served in communication management roles for several organizations in the east metro. Her areas of expertise include graphic design, branding, social media management, photography, community building, and event planning. She holds a bachelor’s degree in design technology and a master’s degree in business administration. Kaili Braa, CAPM, secretary Term expires December 2019 As part of the administration team at the Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA), one of Kaili’s many tasks is the coordination of internal and external communications and information, whether on the intranet or agency’s website, or larger initiatives such as events and special projects. In addition, Kaili is the assistant to the executive director and clerk to the CDA Board of Commissioners, and assists with human resources and records management needs. Sharon Feiner Term expires December 2019 Sharon Feiner leads creative services at Metro Transit, which offers an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike. Creative services is responsible for brand development and consistency, social media, web development, publications and print, digital and environmental graphics. She has nearly 30 years of experience in marketing and communications. Yvonne Klinnert Term expires December 2019 Yvonne has served as the Public Information Manager at Washington County since 2009. Previous to this, she was the editor of the Stillwater Courier, and was in a number of positions at Sun Newspapers, including executive editor. Before joining Washington County, her background was in reporting and editing for community newspapers. Yvonne has a masters degree in urban planning and economic development from the Humphrey Institute, University of Minnesota, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Cloud State University. Carolyn Marinan Term expires December 2020 Carolyn Marinan is the public affairs officer for Hennepin County. She has worked in communications in the county since 1998. Previously Carolyn spent nearly 20 years in television news and promotion at WCCO TV, KSTP TV and KARE 11. She’s done talk radio and produced and hosted a local travel show on TPT. Her numerous awards include a New York Film Festival award, Telly Awards, Best of Gannett and AP. Carolyn serves on the National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) Board of Directors. Kristi Saksvig Term expires December 2019 Kristi joined Ramsey County in 2000 with a focus on improving the graphic design of the library’s newsletter and other publications. Since then, Kristi has advanced the communications strategies for all of the department’s public and employee print and electronic communications. She has also helped produce opening events for six of seven library locations as well as promoting and coordinating thousands of on-site programs each year. Currently, Kristi supervises a staff of three who are responsible for leading and developing all communications efforts for the Community & Economic Development, Library, Parks & Recreation, Property Management and Workforce Solutions departments. Kristi holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in journalism/mass communication and a degree in visual communication from Brown Institute. She is a current member of MELSA promotions and adult programming teams, and past member of NAGC and Minnesota Women in Marketing and Communication. Stew Thornley 651-201-4655 Term expires December 2020 Stew has been involved in communications for the drinking water program at the Minnesota Department of Health since 1993. He previously worked in radio announcing as a disc-jockey/sports announcer and as an editor for a weekly trade magazine serving the construction industry. He speaks and writes books on the side and is an official scorer for Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Timberwolves games. |
