Below is a list of nominees and statements for all candidates running in the 2024 Board of Directors Elections. These statements are direct copy/paste from the nomination form, with no edits. Each candidate will have an opportunity to introduce themselves at our Annual Meeting on Wednesday February 21st at 6pm in the Summit Brewing Training Bar. A link to their email is included if you have additional questions for the candidates.
These three candidates will be running for three open seats.
Please describe your experience with the Wonderwall GBC & its supporters groups:
I am a Member of Dark Clouds, participated in Last Year's Annual Meeting, organize large groups to Loons games, spent time on the drums, and have enjoyed getting to know supporters from all groups.
Please describe your professional experience and how you will bring those skills, experience and knowledge to the board:
I own Luce Line Brewing, a West Metro brewery that shows Loons games on our 85" TV's, have special offers on game days, offered brewery space for TIFO prep, and organize buses to select games. I have also been on several corporate and not for profit boards. I have had to be serious about business at times, and also enjoy life and know how to have fun.
What do you want to focus on during your time on the WW Board and why do you want to focus on them?
Our brewery focuses providing great beer, and THC seltzers. We also focus on bringing fun to all we do. I want to make fun the cornerstone of Wonderwall in a way that is inclusive to all and really makes a difference in the quality of SG member experience.
Please describe your experience with the Wonderwall GBC & its supporters groups:
I have been a member of an SG for over a decade starting with the Dark Clouds in 2012, and also as a member of the Red Loons and for a bright shining moment Dark Gliteratti (RIP DG)! With the DC's I helped build the Partnership program which was absorbed by the WW when it was established in 2018. I sat on the board of the DCs for many years as the Partnerships Chair and co-chaired an ad hoc committee to help write the DC's new by-laws & governance structure, and helped develop and institute DC board elections. I am currently part of the leadership group for the Red Loons.
For the last two years, I have served on the WW Board, the last year as Vice President. In the last year, we have managed to formalize our pass-thru agreement with the team, worked to take over the affiliation process from the team to establish more of an SG presence for fans of the WW, and worked with SGs throughout the WW to help with issues as they crop up, including running around during Leagues Cup to find team employees to take care of issues as they arose.
I've worked hard to help build bridges across all SGs (including visiting as many SG groups as I can each match) and we have seen huge progress in cross-SG relations and collaboration.
Please describe your professional experience and how you will bring those skills, experience and knowledge to the board:
In addition to my current WW board service and work as part of the RL leadership group, as well as my previous DC board experience, I recently served on the Streets.mn board for 6 years, including 3 as Treasurer. My general professional experience is as an Organizer and Fundraiser.
My main motivation last year was getting out into the WW and experiencing the match throughout as much of the WW as I could, with as many different SGs and fans as possible. It's a little hard when my children are at the match (but thanks to Apple that shouldn't be much of a problem this year, again). One of the biggest skills I use day in and day out whether in work or volunteering is communication, both ways. The WW is such a unique experience since we are working with 3 different SGs, fans who are STH who are not affiliated with an SG, and a Front Office, that, let's be fair, is often less than forthcoming. I feel like my communication skills have helped me navigate this very tricky slalom course of often aligned, but sometimes contradictory missions/ideas/actions.
What do you want to focus on during your time on the WW Board and why do you want to focus on them?
I want to finish the work that we've started with the Pass-Thru/Affiliation process. This was a key part of my desire to join the board two years ago and I would appreciate the opportunity to see it through.
I believe we have started a good dialogue with the team and established more regular communications between the FO and the WW and SG leadership. I still believe there is more work to be done here and this would be a focus of my term on the board.
I want to help continue the transparency work that this board has started. Again, the transparency of this board is lightyears beyond where it started and I'd like to continue the work of that as much as we can, including ensuring we have official SG representation from all affiliated SGs on the board. We have started this process including opening meetings to the public and making minutes available as soon as possible. If elected to another term I'd like to explore how we can further advance the transparency of this board to our members.
Finally, we started working with Zarek Valentin on some brilliant ideas and I'd love to help lead the board on this work and hopefully use this as a conduit to doing more work with players directly.
Please describe your experience with the Wonderwall GBC & its supporters groups:
I have been a Dark Clouds member since 2017. I served on the Dark Clouds Board as the Secretary for the past two years. I am now the co-chair of matchday for the Dark Clouds. I am also frequently a capo on matchday for MNUFC.
Please describe your professional experience and how you will bring those skills, experience and knowledge to the board:
I have a background in finance and theatre, with a degree in arts management. This experience has taught me how to be responsible in business while also coming up with creative solutions when required. I have also served on the Board of Directors for the Dark Clouds and a small theatre company in the Twin Cities. Being on both boards has shown me how to more effectively run an organization and how to apply those lessons to a supporters group. I know how to deal with a variety of personalities and strengthen relationships, even in times of struggle or contention.
What do you want to focus on during your time on the WW Board and why do you want to focus on them?
In the recent past, there has been a divide between the different supporter groups. We have been getting better at working together, but there is still room for improvement. I want to help strengthen bonds and communication between the SGs to create a better experience for all and create the best possible environment both on and off the pitch when supporting MNUFC. A more efficient Wonderwall will allow the SGs to thrive and increase their impact.
