LEARN ABOUT OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Welcome! Thank you for your interest in joining our Board of Directors
Join Our Board
As a Head of the Lakes United Way (HLUW) Board Member, you’ll be part of a team of dedicated volunteers who want to better the future for all who live and work in our area. New board members will serve three-year terms beginning January 1. HLUW’s Board Members commit 2-3 hours per month.
To apply to join our board, please read the roles and responsibilities below.
Contact Sara Niemi, HLUW President, for more information: sniemi@hlunitedway.org
Role of the Board
As the highest leadership body of the organization and to satisfy its fiduciary duties, the board is responsible for:
• Determining the mission and purposes of HLUW
• Selecting and evaluating the performance of the President
• Strategic and organizational planning
• Ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management
• Fundraising and resource development
• Approving and monitoring HLUW’s programs and services
• Enhancing HLUW’s public image
The HLUW Board and Executive Director relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of all board members is both critical and expected.
Individual Board Member Qualifications
- Individuals must embrace Head of the Lakes United Way’s commitment to serve all of our local communities through our three focus areas of Health, Education and Financial Stability
- Candidates should have a commitment to equity and inclusion and to working towards eliminating barriers in our communities
- May have leadership stature in business, government, education and/or philanthropy, and a track record of community leadership
- Board members will demonstrate skills that enable them to collaborate with and attract other well-qualified board members
- Committing to regular attendance and strong contribution to board meetings
- Serving as active HLUW advocates and fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary
- Leveraging connections, networks, and resources that can benefit the organization’s fundraising and reputational standing
- Giving a meaningful personal financial donation
Current Board of Directors:
Beth McCuskey
Chair | Duluth Central Labor Body
Allison Hanig-Landrus
Vice Chair | American Family Insurance
Jon Benson
Member at Large | Integris LLC
Paul Eberth
Member at Large | Enbridge Energy
Todd Gustafson
Member at large | AFL-CIO Community Services
Amy Hallback
Treasurer | maurices
Amy HOnkala
Member at Large | ALLETE
Janet Nelson
Member at large | US Senate Office (retired)
Emily Nygren
Member at Large | MN Nurses Association
Corey Oulette
Member at large | MN Power Employees Credit Union
Amy Starzecki
Member at large | School District of Superior
Frances Wittenberg
Secretary | 23rd Veteran
