Board President

Canon Karen Olson serves as Episcopal Church in Minnesota (ECMN) Missioner for Ministry. She works closely with faith communities in leadership transitions, guides the discernment and canonical process for ordination and serves as the team lead for the ECMN Missioners. She has a diverse work background having taught at the college level, served as a campaign manager for a US Senate race, administered in a parish office, and worked in church publishing.

Board Co-Secretary

Director of Leadership and Development, Synod of Lakes and Prairies, PCUSA. Teaching Elder Deb DeMeester began serving in the synod in 2016. She provides staff support for Synod School, the popular week-long, midsummer ministry, and staffs the synod's numerous leadership development activities. Previously served as associate executive for leadership development for the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area and directed a graduate leadership program at the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN).

Board Co-Secretary

Howard grew up in the home of a pastor in South Dakota. After graduation from Dakota Wesleyan, he taught junior high science for 10 years. After attending seminary at Boston University, he returned to South Dakota to pastor churches in South Dakota. Howard also served as a District Superintendent. In retirement he substitute teaches and preaches and is presently also serving on the Board of Ordained Ministry. Howard is married with two children and five grandchildren.

Paul is the founder and CEO of ConstructReach, a workforce development initiative and consultancy on a mission to diversify and empower the construction industry.

Jeff serves as Associate Dean of Formation and Professional Development with Bethel University.

Ex-Officio

Drew is a licensed psychologist with over 18 years of experience providing assessment and counseling to individuals across the lifespan in a variety of settings. He also has experience providing clinical supervision, leading workshops and trainings and consulting with congregations.

Ex-Officio

Mary Kay is a leadership coach and consultant, facilitator, teacher, and strategist with over 30 years of experience in management, leadership development, marketing, and business management and development. She is also a deacon in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

Ex-Officio

Mark has served as a consultant, teacher, and counselor in the field of psychology for over twenty years. As co-director of LeaderWise, Mark has specialized in personality and leadership assessment, with an emphasis on health and wholeness, leadership development, and conflict skills training. The center contracts with over fifteen businesses, denominations, and seminaries to provide leadership assessments, and meets with about 750 individuals each year.