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
Associate Trustee
Sentry Bank
John E. Babcock
Board Chair
Bank of Elk River
Rick Bauerly
Granite Equity Partners
Jessica Bitz
Falcon National Bank
Charles Black Lance
Central Lakes College
Santo Cruz
CentraCare Health
Kim Ellingson
Bremer Bank
Larry Korf
DeZURIK
David Monroy
Monroy Law Office, PLLC
Joe Nayquonabe Jr.
Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures
Steve Shurts
East Central Energy
Traci Tapani
Board Vice Chair
Wyoming Machine
Robbyn Wacker
St. Cloud State University
Kristi Westbrock
Consolidated Telecommunications Company
Wayne Wolden
MN State Community and Technical College
Emeritus Board of Trustees
Jim Anderson
Brainerd
Cal Clark
St. Paul
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
John Kuester
Elk River
Mary Sam
Onamia
John Schlagel
Andover
Dorothy Simpson
Minneapolis
Pat Spence
Rice
Gene Waldorf
Grey Eagle
What is the 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.