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Staff Directory
As president, Maria oversees all client relationships and orchestrates the administration and management of internal support staff. She also works continually to improve the services that Nonprofit Solutions provides to clients. Maria views the relationships we build with each and every member as critical to the overall success of our partnerships with clients. Maria has been a Nonprofit Solutions team member since 1998 and has extensive experience leading boards through change and growth. She has a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Hamline University and is uniquely qualified to help our clients achieve their goals. She is a member of Meeting Professionals International, the Midwest Society of Association Executives, and the American Society of Association Executives. She is an active volunteer on the Midwest Society of Association Executives Annual Conference Planning Committee and also volunteers on the Memorial Blood Center’s annual fundraising event. Maria acts as the executive director for Meeting Professionals International - Minnesota Chapter (MPI) and Neuromodulation Therapy Access Coalition (NTAC).
Melissa brings to Nonprofit Solutions and her clients a diversity of experience in account management, marketing, and event planning, coupled with an extensive background working as a volunteer and with volunteers. Melissa enjoys giving back to her community and is currently active on the board of directors of the Minnesota Chapter of the American Marketing Association, the alumni board of directors for the University of St. Thomas, the board of directors for the Twin Cities Women’s Choir, and the marketing committee of the MN AIDS Project. Melissa was also fortunate enough to participate in the Best Buy Women’s Leadership Forum (WoLF) as an Omega on the Go Green team. She has a B.A. in business management, a B.A. in political science, and a certificate in project management from the University of St. Thomas. She plans to attend graduate school in the fall. Melissa serves as the executive director for American Marketing Association - Minnesota Chapter (AMA), Association of Fundraising Professionals - Minnesota Chapter (AFP), Minnesota Library Association (MLA), Minnesota Orthopaedic Society (MOS), Minnesota Society of Anesthesiologists (MSA), and Minnesota Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MSHA).
Aliza has worked in a fundraising and project management capacity for youth organizations, focusing on volunteer management and community development through extensive, personalized public relations methods. She believes that an asset-based view of nonprofits builds a community from the inside out. She returned to school as a nontraditional student and has never stopped learning. Aliza earned her BA in communications (with a radio-TV-film emphasis) from California State University Northridge, a mini-MBA in nonprofit administration from St. Thomas University, continues her education through the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and is currently earning her Master of Arts in leadership at Augsburg College. Aliza serves on the board of directors for Mentoring Peace through Art and volunteers regularly at Community Food Response. She is working on a mentorship project with 25 teens, who will build schoolrooms and teach in rural Africa. She is president elect of the American Business Women Association - Greater Rochester Express Network and an AAUW, WITO, RWT, Does, and Rotary member. She is interested in sustainable-environment programs, empowering women, and loves watching her tomatoes, tulips, and 16-year-old son grow. Aliza serves as the executive director for CareChoice Cooperative, Minnesota Academy of Otolaryngology (MAO), Minnesota Radiological Society (MRS), Minnesota Surgical Society (MSS), and Project Management Institute - Minnesota (PMI).
Maria has worked professionally and as a volunteer in the nonprofit sector for more than 15 years. Prior to joining Nonprofit Solutions in 2006, she served as a consultant for the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation and as the Foundation Administrator for the Frey Foundation. In addition to her professional experience, Maria has served as a board director and volunteer for a variety of nonprofit organizations, helping them with board governance, grant making, and fundraising. Maria holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota in public health, social work, and educational psychology and a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Hamline University. She is a member of the Midwest Society of Association Executives. Maria serves as the executive director for Corporate Volunteerism Council - Twin Cities (CVC-TC), Minnesota Association of Health Underwriters (MAHU), Minnesota Corrections Association (MCA), Minnesota Magazine and Publications Association (MMPA), and Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing (MOLN).
LJ has worked with 12 nonprofit organizations in his career, ranging in size from a few hundred members to a national foundation with chapters across the country. Through these experiences, LJ has acquired extensive knowledge of how to support and grow a wide variety of organizations. LJ has been with Nonprofit Solutions since 2000 and is working on his master’s degree in nonprofit management at Hamline University. He is a member of the Midwest Society of Association Executives. LJ serves as the executive director for Advertising Federation of Minnesota (Ad Fed), Communications Technology Association (CTA), and Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association (MIMA). He also supports a wide variety of projects, from training to membership development and strategic planning.
Shane has a broad range of experiences in nonprofit organizational development and operations management. Prior to joining Nonprofit Solutions in 2009, Shane worked as a consultant to nonprofit, foundation, and government clients through his own practice and with a large regional firm. He has developed key nonprofit management skills through his work as a program manager for a large nonprofit social services agency and as the executive director of a small membership-based nonprofit. Shane has also been part of the founding and development of several nonprofit organizations. He has a B.A. summa cum laude in applied sociology from the University of St. Thomas and has completed all of the coursework for a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. He is also certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR). Shane serves as the executive director of Communications Technology Association (CTA), Minnesota Association of School Business Officials (MASBO), and Minnesota Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
As Director of Education & Events, Lisa oversees the administration and implementation of events for all Nonprofit Solutions clients. She also oversees the development, application, and facilitation of education curriculum in conjunction with these events. Lisa has been on staff with Nonprofit Solutions for more than four years. She has a master’s degree in international administration from the University of Denver. Lisa serves as executive director for the International Association of Business Communicators - Minnesota Chapter (IABC) and Midwest Direct Marketing Association (MDMA).
Erin joined Nonprofit Solutions in July 2008 as a meeting and event assistant. While in college, Erin worked for Caravents, Inc. as the event production and design intern, where she gained valuable experience helping produce chic charity galas, lavish weddings, film premieres, and stylish corporate events. A graduate from Tulane University, Erin received her bachelor’s degree in communications with minors in art studio and architectural studies. At Tulane, she was a member of Tulane University’s cross country and track team and guided campus tours as a Green Wave Ambassador. She currently lives in Minneapolis with her boyfriend and miniature bulldog.
Kristin worked with the Minneapolis Downtown Council as an event coordinator for projects such as the Aquatennial and the Holidazzle Parade prior to joining Nonprofit Solutions in September 2007. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire with a major in mass communications, Kristin is skilled at building strong relationships and seeing the big picture when it comes to client events.
Alaina found her passion for planning events while interning at a Minneapolis public relations firm, where she coordinated awards ceremonies. She is a journalism graduate from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. Her extensive customer service experience and public relations training make her an energetic and enthusiastic addition to the Nonprofit Solutions team, which she joined in May 2007.
As a former senior assurance auditor with Ernst & Young, Aimee came to Nonprofit Solutions in January 2007 with a wealth of knowledge about best practices for nonprofit financial management. Aimee has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and political science from Luther College and is currently working on her CPA certification. She is a member of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and the Financial Planning Association - Minnesota Chapter. In her role as director of accounting, Aimee is responsible for working with clients and staff to create financial reports, manage budgets, and establish policies and procedures that ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and reporting requirements. These policies and procedures work to ensure the long-term financial health of Nonprofit Solutions’ clients.
David joined Nonprofit Solutions in September 2008. He’s a recent graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato with a major in accounting, and is excited to practice his expertise as part of the accounting team.
Kevin worked with Anixter Fasteners as an accounts payable specialist prior to coming to work for Nonprofit Solutions in June 2006. A graduate of the Minnesota School of Business with a degree in accounting and business administration, Kevin is well versed in all aspects of the accounting process, from accounts payable to generating financial statements for our clients. Kevin is currently a member of the St. Louis Park Lions Club, a volunteer organization that raises funds to help other nonprofit organizations. Some of the organizations they support are the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank, Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota, Leader Dogs for the Blind, and many more. Kevin is also active in his community, singing in the church choir and serving on the council.
Prior to joining Nonprofit Solutions in June 2009, Dan was the web producer for Minnesota Premier Publications. Dan has experience in multimedia production, graphic design, web design, and printing, and he’s worked with a number of organizations, many of which were nonprofits. Dan holds bachelor’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in communication arts and history, and he is currently earning a certificate in electronic publishing from Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Dan oversees Nonprofit Solutions’ communications team and ensures that all projects utilize media in the most efficient way possible.
Kendra has held a variety of jobs since entering the workforce during high school, gathering a suite of skills that she uses to assist Nonprofit Solutions’ clients every day. Immediately prior to joining Nonprofit Solutions in January 2000, she worked for Colonial Church of Edina for five years, where she gained many valuable skills in administrative support and communications—including how to operate a small offset press. As senior designer and Webgoddess, Kendra assists clients with the design and distribution of print and e-mail communications and provides Web design and maintenance services. Kendra moved to Minnesota from her native state of New Jersey in 1995. She graduated from Cook College of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey with a B.S. in natural resource management. Despite her scientific tendencies, she has always had a love of language and design and has enjoyed honing her skills through on-the-job experiences. She continues to learn and practice her skills outside of the workplace, volunteering her time as writer, teacher, publication editor, artist, and activity coordinator with a worldwide nonprofit association focusing on medieval research and re-creation. In 2006, she received an international award for best newsletter layout and design for her work with the local chapter’s monthly newsletter.
Mary Pat joined Nonprofit Solutions in June 2009, bringing with her the experience of working for a nonprofit (Children’s Miracle Network) and interning with an association management firm in 2008. While in college, Mary Pat was the assistant editor of the student body newspaper and the publicity senator for Student Government Association. Mary Pat graduated from Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa in May 2009 with her degree in mass communications and minors in graphic design and writing. She is excited to be a part of the Nonprofit Solutions team and to use her positive outlook on life to help and better serve clients.
Prior to joining Nonprofit Solutions in March 2008, Molly gained experience as graphic artists’ assistant at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) and as a marketing intern for Hands On Twin Cities. Molly is a graduate from UWRF with a degree in marketing communications (with a visual communications emphasis). She’s excited to bring her passion for the field to the Nonprofit Solutions team.
With extensive professional experience and education in information technology, Jason has been with Nonprofit Solutions since 2008, supporting and growing its essential IT component. Prior to Nonprofit Solutions, he spent nine years successfully supporting and managing the IT infrastructure of a growing, medium-sized business, during which time he established effective IT policies and procedures, developed applications, implemented technology to improve and automate processes, designed and implemented a reliable and secure network, and provided support to hundreds of individuals. Jason enjoys utilizing this wealth of experience and knowledge at Nonprofit Solutions. Jason has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in computer science from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, graduating magna cum laude. He’s also attained A+, Network+, and MCP certifications, and completed the Information Technology Infrastructure Certificate program at the University of Minnesota.
Lacey graduated from UW-Eau Claire in May 2008 with a degree in mass communications / public relations and an Advanced Business Communication certificate. While at Eau Claire, Lacey was a marketing/PR intern for the Boys and Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley and the vice president of communications for the UWEC chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA). Lacey is proud to be part of the Nonprofit Solutions team.
Kathy joined Nonprofit Solutions in September 2008. She has more than 10 years of administrative experience working for Employers Association as a membership and special events coordinator. She received a top award for Performance Excellence while working as an administrative assistant in the healthcare field. Kathy enjoys sports and served as a youth hockey team manager for Roseville Youth Hockey Association. She received the Minnesota/Wisconsin Hockey Mom of the Year award in 2007.
Jenny graduated from the University of St. Thomas in December 2009, where she received a degree in Marketing Management. While at the University of St. Thomas she worked at the Alumni and Constituent Relations department where she gained invaluable prioritization, interpersonal and planning skills. Jenny joined the Nonprofit Solutions team in September 2009 as a Meeting and Events intern. Her success in that role garnered her the opportunity to become Nonprofit Solution's Administrative Assistant.
Kris Finger, MAOL Kris founded Nonprofit Solutions in 1996 with her husband Mike. Prior to founding Nonprofit Solutions, Kris worked as the director of education at the Minnesota Bankers Association and as the membership coordinator at the Minnesota State Bar Association. Her background has touched upon all elements of association management in a wide variety of professional settings. She is also a graduate of the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program from the College of St. Catherine and has her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation. She is a member of the Midwest Society of Association Executives, the American Society of Association Executives, the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, the American Society of Training and Development, and the National Association of Women Business Owners. |
Maria Huntley, CAE, MANM
Melissa Palank
Aliza Rongstad
Maria Salas, MANM
L.J. Taugher
Shane Weinand, PHR
Lisa Larson, MAIA
Erin Colligan
Kristin Koonmen
Alaina Short
Aimee Sandy
David Otieno
Kevin Roetzer
Dan Marfield
Kendra Myers
Mary Pat Soderberg
Molly Thompson
Jason McGraw
Lacey Cobb
Kathy Sims
Jenny Kraus
