
Mississippi Park Connection Staff
Community Program Director
Devin Brown is the Community Program Director who is responsible for the overall strategy and execution of the Mississippi Park Connection's public programs.
Operations and Support Specialist
Sarah Burke is responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of the organization through administrative and financial management.
Stewardship Program Specialist
Deacon lives in Bdeóta Othúŋwe and is currently attending graduate school at the University of Minnesota in the Heritage studies and Public History program.
Marketing and Events Associate
Lily supports all aspects of communications at Mississippi Park Connection from the website to coordinating e-newsletters to social media.
Engagement Specialist
David coordinates the River Educator Program and is the main point of contact for teachers who are registering for Big River Journey, Take Me to the River and Mississippi Park Connection’s online programs, among others.
Forestry Program Coordinator
Marielle coordinates tree plantings, manages MPC’s gravel beds, and conducts tree planting survival surveys.
Executive Director
Ellen is responsible for financial management and oversight of Mississippi Park Connection. She draws from nearly 20 years of experience with public lands partners and friends organizations.
Stewardship Director
Karen Solas is Mississippi Park Connection's Stewardship Director. She oversees MPC’s tree gravel bed program, coordinates a joint volunteer program with the National Park Service, and works with land managers…
Volunteer Coordinator
Emma coordinates group volunteers along the Mississippi River and the Mill Ruins, Crosby, Coldwater, and Menomin Volunteer Crews.
Assistant Director
Anna Waugh is responsible for building the Mississippi Park Connection team and coordinating efforts with the leadership team of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
Board of Trustees
Mangala Acharya
Digital Product Owner, Georgia PacificCourtney Anderson, Treasurer of the Board
Senior Audit Associate, Baker TillyBarry Clegg
Counsel, Lathrop GPMPeter Ebnet
Chief of Staff, Office of Mayor Frey, City of MinneapolisRebecca Haddad
Managing Director of Development, University of Minnesota Landscape ArboretumSam Holsen
Social Investment Representative, Xcel EnergyCathy Jordan, Vice Chair of the Board
Principal Scientist, Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain, University of Minnesota
Lisa Keitel
Volunteer AdvocateIsadora Korak
Community Impact and Inclusion Senior Manager, Winnebago IndustriesAndy Rodriguez
Director, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation, Office of Mayor Carter, City of Saint PaulRamesh Sairam, MD, Chair of the Board
Geriatric Psychiatrist, Retired, Allina Mental HealthAnna Sullivan
Director, Office of the CIO, Securian FinancialAmanda Wigen
Communications Director, Owámniyomni Okhódayapi
