Mississippi Park Connection Staff
Board of Trustees
Mississippi Park Connection is led by a group of local community leaders from Minneapolis and Saint Paul. They guide the operations of the organization and its programs. We are proud to list this distinguished group that includes:
Courtney Anderson
Senior Audit Associate, Baker TillyMangala Acharya
Product Owner - Order Management, Georgia PacificBarry Clegg, Board Chair
Attorney, Lathrop GPMPeter Ebnet
Senior Strategic Policy Advisor, Office of Mayor Frey, City of MinneapolisAndy Rodriguez
Director, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation, Office of Mayor Carter, City of Saint PaulRebecca Haddad
Director of Development, Hennepin Theater TrustCathy Jordan
Principal Scientist, Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain, University of Minnesota
Lisa Kietel
National Park Service volunteer
Isadora Korak
Corporate Responsibility Manager, Winnebago IndustriesKristin Rasmussen, Board Secretary
PanacetaceaRamesh Sairam, MD
Geriatric Psychiatrist, St. PaulAnna Sullivan
Director, Office of the CIO, Securian FinancialAmanda Wigen
Wigen Consulting LLC; Friends of the Falls
Prospective Board Members
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Mississippi Park Connection strengthens the enduring connection between people and the Mississippi River by enriching the life of the river and the lives of all who experience our national park, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
» We are the nonprofit partner of Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a national park in the Twin Cities.
» Established in 2007.
» We focus areas of work include youth education, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.
» We raise money for park programs, co-manage volunteer program, co-create community programs.
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Mission Statement:
Mississippi Park Connection strengthens the enduring connection between people and the Mississippi River by enriching the life of the river and the lives of all who experience our national park, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
Vision Statement:
In partnership with the National Park Service, Mississippi Park Connection will ignite discovery and a lifelong relationship with the Mississippi River. Through youth education, environmental stewardship and community engagement, we will mobilize residents and visitors, and serve as a model for operating a national park in an urban area where people are part of the landscape.
Values:
Community Focused
We are fortunate to have the support of an engaged community, full of knowledgeable and passionate individuals. Each person has a unique relationship with this place, and plays a role in telling the river’s story. We are committed to honoring these relationships, and ensuring that everyone feels a sense of ownership of this park.
Inspiration
We seek to inspire people of all backgrounds to discover, explore, and cherish this place. We believe that by helping others to develop their personal relationships with the river, we will continue to cultivate dedicated advocates, stewards, and visitors of this park.
Resilience
We believe that our organization is much like a river, ever-flowing and always changing; and that enduring change means embracing it and remaining flexible. We keep an optimistic eye on the future to create solutions that steer through whatever snags may lie ahead.
Partnership
Above all, we believe in working together to achieve our goals. Just as no stream, creek, or river exists in isolation, we too are all connected to this watershed and to one another. It is through our partnerships that we are able to set a high standard in the national park system, and be a catalyst for positive change.
Joy
We acknowledge the human value of our shared natural resources, and recognize the role these spaces play in keeping us connected to our humanity. We go to the river to find tranquility, healing, and fun. The emotional connections that we have with the river are the driving force behind everything we do.
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» Governing Board responsible for mission and integrity of the organization
» Maximum of 20 members
» Three year terms (board members can serve up to 9 years maximum)
» Responsible for successful partnership with the National Park Service
» Board members are sought out for specific skills including, philanthropy, government relations, marketing/PR, legal, outdoor/nature engagement
Current Board Committees
» Board Relations / Governance
» Finance
» River Learning Center
» Special Events
Key Initiatives
» Mississippi River Paddle Share
» Plant For The Future
» River Learning Center
» St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam Redevelopment
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» Attend and participate in board meetings 4 times per year
» Join a special committee
» Contribute to a big picture, long-term view to the work of staff by driving strategic direction
» Make a gift that is personally significant
» Attend events
» Enhance the reputation and branding through advocacy and action
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Anna Waugh, Interim Executive Director
Sam Holsen, Board Relations Committee Chair