Board of Trustees
Matt Varilek | President | | (320) 631-2005
"For more than 30 years, the Initiative Foundation has empowered local people to build thriving communities across Central Minnesota. The Foundation’s staff—working in conjunction with a diverse array of partners—plays a critical role in the important work of making our region an ideal place where people choose to live, work, give and play."
Brett Anderson
First National Bank of Milaca
Rick Bauerly
Granite Partners
Jessica Bitz
Falcon National Bank
Santo Cruz
CentraCare Health
Kim Ellingson
Board Vice Chair
Bremer Bank
Teri Hoggarth
Edward Jones
David Monroy
Monroy Law Office, PLLC
Joe Mulford
Pine Technical & Community College
Joe Nayquonabe Jr.
Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures
Julie Nelson
Mayer, Porter & Nelson, LTD
Tim Nelson
Isanti County
Traci Tapani
Board Chair
Wyoming Machine
Robbyn Wacker
St. Cloud State University
Dan Weber
Sherburne County
Kristi Westbrock
Consolidated Telecommunications Company
Emeritus Board of Trustees
Jim Anderson
Brainerd
John E. Babcock
Anoka
Charles Black Lance
Baxter
Reggie Clow
Merrifield
Linda Eich DesJardins
St. Cloud
Don Engen
Crosslake
Kathy Gaalswyk
East Gull Lake
Pat Gorham
Mora
Dave Gruenes
St. Cloud
Lee Hanson
Rice
Arnie Johnson
Lakeshore
Larry Korf
Genola
Mary Sam
Onamia
John Schlagel
Andover
Steve Shurts
Lakeville
Dorothy Simpson
Minneapolis
Pat Spence
Rice
Wayne Wolden
Wadena
Selection Criteria — Emeritus trustees are former board members who have served with excellence for at least one three-year term. While on the board, they contributed at a high level and served in leadership and advisory roles. Upon leaving the board, they've remained engaged with the Foundation as a donor, advisor or volunteer.
In Memoriam:
Cal Clark, Oct. 1, 2021
Gene Walorf, Feb. 29, 2020
John Kuester, Feb. 2, 2019
Judie Rose, Sept. 4, 2017