Below is a list of nominees and statements for all candidates running in the 2025 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 13th at 7pm in the Summit Brewing Training Bar. A link to their email is included if you have additional questions for the candidates.
These five candidates will be running for four open seats.
Please describe your experience with the Wonderwall GBC & its supporters groups:
I’ve been a member of the Dark Clouds since the team’s move to MLS. Whenever I have the chance, I try to attend the Wonderwall board meetings. Last year, I was disappointed because there was no real choice in candidates since there were just enough to fill the board. Therefore, I want to I do I could so that hopefully, there will be a choice this year.
Please describe your professional experience and how you will bring those skills, experience and knowledge to the board:
I work as a system administrator on a Learning & Development team, where I handle data and tracking. With the recent switch to a new pass-through agreement with the team, I believe I can assist in implementing the new process.
What do you want to focus on during your time on the WW Board and why do you want to focus on them?
My primary objective would be to ensure that the SGs have the necessary support to maintain the supporters culture that we all enjoy. I would focus on any data or tracking needs that the board may have.
Please describe your experience with the Wonderwall GBC & its supporters groups:
I have been on the TNE board for 4 years, with 2 of those 4 being the president. While being president of TNE, I worked closely with the wonderwall board.
Please describe your professional experience and how you will bring those skills, experience and knowledge to the board:
At my full time job I am a leadership role working with my supervisor to lead a small team. We manage workload and have created a very collaborative environment. My leadership as the past TNE president has also brought me skills and experiences in the Supporters environment.
What do you want to focus on during your time on the WW Board and why do you want to focus on them?
For a very long time now TNE has not had a representative on the WW board. I feel like its time to change that and create more of a collaborative environment within the Wonderwall. Especially on the matchday aspect, i would love to help close that gap in communication and collaboration.
Please describe your experience with the Wonderwall GBC & its supporters groups:
I have been on the board of Wonderwall since 2021 and and president for the last two years. Aside from that I have previously served as Dark Clouds matchday lead and continue volunteering regularly with matchday. During this time I believe I have made a positive impact on Wonderwall. Helping to guide it to a more sustainable and stable place.
Please describe your professional experience and how you will bring those skills, experience and knowledge to the board:
My experience on the board as well as my background as a senior business leader gives me insight into the needs of running a business like Wonderwall. My communication skills and ability to build and maintain business relationships has and will continue to serve the board well as we continue to build our relationship with the team and the supporter groups.
What do you want to focus on during your time on the WW Board and why do you want to focus on them?
My focus if I am elected to a new term on the board would be to provide continuity and transition out of leadership smoothly. I am explicitly running without the intention of serving another term as Wonderwall president but I believe strongly in ensuring that the next leaders are set up for success.
Please describe your experience with the Wonderwall GBC & its supporters groups:
I've been a member of Dark Clouds since 2017 and Red Loons since 2019, handling their merch and finance for the past 5 years. I was elected to the WW Board of Directors in 2023 and have served as Treasurer for the past two years. I'm hoping to maintain my role on the board for another two year term.
Please describe your professional experience and how you will bring those skills, experience and knowledge to the board:
My career is in data analysis and e-commerce operations, with some experience in business management and accounting. I've been using these skills to maintain Wonderwall's financial records, manage taxes, and gather data from the Wonderwall store on SG sales. I enjoy working with numbers and spreadsheets and want to continue making our financial data more transparent for the member SGs.
What do you want to focus on during your time on the WW Board and why do you want to focus on them?
Over the past two years we've instituted a new expense platform (Ramp) and set new policies for membership scarf ordering and post-season sales. The biggest focus in the coming year should be on reorganizing the corporation as a non-profit, as we are taxed heavily on the pass-through revenue collected from both season ticket holders and individual members.
Please describe your experience with the Wonderwall GBC & its supporters groups:
I have been a Dark Cloud and/or Red Loon since 2016, led communications for the Dark Clouds in 2020, and I am currently the communications leader for the Wonderwall board.
Please describe your professional experience and how you will bring those skills, experience and knowledge to the board:
I have extensive MarComm experience, including running offseason fan engagement campaigns for several NHL, NFL, and NLL teams and Champions League campaigns for adidas and Heineken.
I know first-hand the amount of amazing things that supporters can do when we band together, but I also know that positioning and messaging are critical for affecting change at the corporate level. I can speak both languages and translate effectively between them.
What do you want to focus on during your time on the WW Board and why do you want to focus on them?
Given the changes we've seen in social media (RIP Twitter and the enshitification of Meta's platforms) we need to develop an email list for more consistent communication with members. Additionally, getting better coordination with the team on community events should be a priority.
I want to focus on these things because they give us a strong foundation for member communication irrespective of what happens on any given platform.
Thank you to all who voted in the 2024 Wonderwall Board of Directors election. We had 52 shareholder ballots cast and based on the results of the election four members were elected: David Zeller, Jackson Smith, and Tim Naumann. David was re-elected for a second term, while Jackson and Tim will be serving their first terms.
As there were three candidates for three open positions all three were elected on the first ballot. If you are interested in the full results, please email board@mnwonderwall.com.
We look forward to welcoming our new board members and thank Andrew Beck and Mel Birke for their service as they step away from the board.
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.
L-R, Andrew Beck, Abraham Opoti, Max Tusa
After over 62 shareholder votes, three members were elected to the BoD for a term of two years.
Max Tusa and Abraham Opoti were re-elected to serve another term. This is Max's second term, and Abraham's third. Andrew Beck joins the Wonderwall Board of Directors for the first time.
Thanks to all who ran and for all who voted in these elections.
Below is a list of nominees and statements for all candidates running in the 2020 Board of Directors Elections. These statements are direct copy/paste from the nomination form, with no edits. If you click on a candidate's name, the link will take you to a photograph.
These six candidates will be running for three open seats.
As quite possibly the loudest Wonderwall season-ticket holder, I will use this platform on the board to advance our community´s collective voice and interests. As an immigration attorney, I bring an analytical perspective to a variety of issues that the board may consider in the future. As a former long-term resident in both South America and Europe, I have a passion to advance our amazing Wonderwall to even higher levels evidenced in fellow supporter groups around the world.
The sport of soccer has invigorated the community and our state with something new and exciting! My business experience is in human resources: policy, performance and LEAN philosophy. I also have skills in relationship and consensus-building that can be valuable in a BOD environment. I would love to support and move the Wonderwall purpose forward!
As the current President of Wonderwall, I feel fully qualified to say that we have come a very long way in the time since I first started on the board. We also have quite a bit more to do, which I am very much interested in accomplishing as much as possible during my next term should I be re-elected. Through conversations with our members it became clear that we were not speaking to each other enough, and now have all-WW SG leadership meetings with the WW President, Vice-President, and anyone else from the WW board who is able to attend.
As a corporation, we are in the middle of a massive shift in focus from operations to oversight. As was stated at a recent board meeting, we’ve grown as an organization in scope and size, and now begins the hard work of governance. We are adding structure and policy where it had not existed before in order to make the lives of our volunteers less complicated. Creating policy documents is not the same sort of fun as leading chants, or banging loudly on drums, yet it is critical work that I honestly enjoy seeing completed. We have a wonderful organization I have been honored to be a part of. I am regularly humbled by the great work our many volunteers do daily. I wish to honor those efforts by continuing to serve on the board and help lay the foundation for future successes.
With my time on Wonderwall board there are 3 things main categories I would like to focus on.
Building Relationships-I believe one of the most important and powerful things Wonderwall can do is be platform to help build stronger relationships across supporter groups at all levels and especially between leadership. Being able to facilitate those conversations and relationships is going to be key to the continued growth of WW along with existing and new SG’s. Those connections are a huge part of the organization’s strength and allow WW to be most effective voice possible for all MNUFC supporters.
Structure & Growth-As Wonderwall continues to grow and evolve as an organization separate from supporter groups, having smart and effective policies and procedures, extending to financial controls, in place and functioning is going to be critical going forward. Also serving as primary platform for SG’s to grow and build off of, it is important that there are clear rules and expectations that all SG’s follow. This extends particularly to dealing with financial decisions and how money is spent amongst SG’s.
Brand Building-Due to the unique structure that has developed, Wonderwall is a somewhat unknown and opaque organization to the average supporter. I want to grow the work to address that through continuing to build the WW brand along communicating the unique role WW fulfills. I believe one of the best way that can be down is to open up the organization so that supporters can see what WW role is and continue to communicate why decisions are made.
I thank you for your time and ask you for your vote.
My name is Maxwell Tusa and I am a current member of the Wonderwall Board of Directors seeking to continue my board membership. Currently, my tenure is only 3 months, as I was voted in by the Board itself in October; this spot was left vacant by the departure of my good friend and fellow True North Elite member James Norungolo. I am incredibly eager to continue the work I have only just begun!
As an introductory aside, for those of you who don't know me by name, I am a devout fan of the Loons and have been a season ticket holder for the three years Minnesota has been a part of MLS. I am a member of True North Elite, having been adopted into the group by former TNE leader Nicholas Bisbee in the fall of 2016. Most of you will know me better as the guy in TNE who wears a facemask and never wears sleeves!
That said, to restate to the broader Wonderwall membership what I had stated in my application to the Board back in October, I bring a unique view to an already diverse Board of Directors. This past May I graduated from the University of St. Thomas School of Law with my Juris Doctorate - the professional training and education I received while in law school instilled in me excellent analytical skills. I will forevermore IRAC every issue or question that is placed in front of me - IRAC being the lawerly process of looking at any matter, I for issue (find what is being asked), R for rule (what's the applicable rule, or usually the standard practice), A for application (how do you apply the rule to the issue at hand), and C for conclusion (make a measured conclusion based on your analysis). I love nothing more than to carefully and judiciously work through any and all questions presented to me, from legal questions, to vehicle maintenance questions, to soccer related questions as well! I will put forth this same level of analysis and carefully measured thought process as a member of the Wonderwall board.
Turning to a less professional, and more humanistic qualification of mine relates to my desire to continue to foster and develop the soccer community here in Minnesota. Although I played soccer through high school, I never followed any team or even watched professional soccer. However, upon studying abroad in London in 2012, I had a chance to snap up a cheap ticket to a FA Cup fixture at Stamford Bridge - Chelsea v Leicester City. I found myself in the middle of the Chelsea supporters section and was absolutely floored by the passion and love for the team. Not only that, from what I saw, it was an incredibly diverse group of people brought together in their support. Within the writhing crowd of Blue I saw a coming together of people from all walks of life - it didn't matter who you were, only that you were shouting in unison for the team you supported. It was nothing like any sporting event I had been to before, and from the instant I saw that, I knew I wanted to bring that experience back across the pond. After sticking primarily to Premier League fandom in the years I lived out of state, my move back to Minnesota coincided with the Loons coming into the league. After being introduced to True North Elite and the supporter culture here in Minnesota, I well all in on the Loons. Since then I've done my utmost to both grow True North Elite and Wonderwall in what ways I can, and to bring awareness to MNUFC and soccer here in Minnesota. Take for example my fun part time job of Uber and Lyft, I nearly always try to bring up the Loons in my conversation, my love of the team and culture around the team is that strong!
I know I could continue extolling on my 'soft skills' and as to my unending love of the Loons, True North Elite, and Wonderwall, but in my first impression I don't want to go too overboard. I would be honored to continue to retain my Wonderwall Board of Directors membership and continue to move our amazing organization forward in support of the team and of it supporters within the Wonderwall. I am excited to do all that is required in support of the Board and Wonderwall, and will continue to be a diligent and present member of the Board.
Thank you all so much for your consideration. COYL
I was hooked on this team and its supporters from the Snowpener in 2017 - my first ever MLS match, and quickly became a STH. I believe the energy we bring to the stands every week is infectious and can spill out into our communities if channeled. I began as a Dark Cloud and am currently a Red Loon, though I believe all our SGs can provide a fantastic linkage to the team and I see Wonderwall as that federation for our common objectives as SGs. As a board member, I hope to bring the perspective of a new-ish supporter who can speak to those elements which attract new members, volunteers, and strengthen our ties to each other as SGs.
