Our Board of Directors brings a variety of operational and strategic experiences to the table, including operational expertise in non-profit works. Here are some brief bios of our current board members and program staff:
ALICIA CAIN (PAST CHAIR) - Ali works for the American Cancer Society, where she is a Patient Navigator at United Hospital. She works in the oncology department connecting patients to American Cancer Society resources and other cancer support programs in the community. Ali’s social work career has also included roles as an HIV Case Manager at the MN AIDS Project and as a Child and Family Advocate and Shelter Manager at Mary’s Place family homeless shelter in Minneapolis, MN, a long-term partner of Tix for Tots.
Ali completed her Bachelor’s degree in Family Social Science, followed by her Master’s degree in Social Work, both from the University of MN. Ali works on a project called Chic’s for Charity, an annual golf tournament and luncheon, to benefit local nonprofits, and volunteers for a variety of different organizations throughout the metro area.
JULIE DIETLIN - Julie has been working in marketing and sales for 10 years in the technology and medical fields. She is currently staying home with her two boys and occasionally accepting contract marketing roles.
After receiving her MBA in Marketing and E-Business from Penn State University in 2003, Julie worked as a marketing manager for a small consulting firm in Washington DC. She then held both category and brand management roles with CDW in Chicago before moving to the Twin Cities. Julie has an undergraduate degree from Marquette University in Marketing and International Business.
Julie has completed the Breast Cancer 3 day walk and has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity rebuilding houses in New Orleans. She currently resides in Edina.
ERIC FIEDLER - Eric is the Director of Learning and Organization Development at Uponor's North American headquarters in Apple Valley, MN. In his role, Eric provides expertise and consultation in areas such as: leadership development and coaching, strategic planning, individual and team development, employee engagement and change management.
Eric received his undergraduate degree in Psychology from St. Cloud State University and his Master of Arts degree in Human Resource Development from the University of St. Thomas. Eric serves as a volunteer for several non-profit organizations in Dakota County and spends much of his spare time as a volunteer youth baseball, basketball and football coach. Eric, his wife Laurie and their three children currently reside in Lakeville.
MICHELLE GIERKE – Michelle is Senior Counsel for Target Corporation specializing in transactional real estate both domestically and internationally. Prior to joining Target Corporation, Michelle practiced in the areas of transactional real estate and land use for a private firm in San Diego, California. Michelle received her BA from St. Olaf College and her JD from the University of Minnesota Law School.
While in San Diego, as a member and graduate of LEAD San Diego, Michelle was involved with Barrio Logan College Institute and active in the Junior League of San Diego and the development and rollout of its fundraising cookbook California Sol Food. Michelle is on the leadership team for Target’s Women Business Council and, through her work on the council, is involved with a number of non-profits in the Twin Cities.
JILL HASPERT (TREASURER, VICE-CHAIR) – Jill is an Associate Marketing Manager at General Mills, working on exciting new product development and marketing campaigns for the Pillsbury brand of refrigerated dough, with one of the best co-workers around - the Pillsbury Doughboy! After beginning her career in Finance at Ameriprise Financial, Jill spent several years in Finance roles at General Mills, including Global Internal Audit and Bakeries and Foodservice.
Jill is originally from Milaca, MN, and holds an undergraduate degree in economics from Gustavus Adolphus College and an MBA from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. She also serves as an advisory board member for Bolder Options, a local mentoring organization that partners closely with Tix for Tots. Jill lives in Plymouth with her husband, Patrick.
HEATHER MCCANTS – Heather McCants has worked for Ameriprise Financial since 2004. She began as a member of the Finance Leadership Development Program (FLDP) where she rotated through various different areas in the Finance Department. She held positions supporting the Investment Department, the Asset Management Business, Business Planning and Analysis and the office of the Chief Financial Officer. Currently, Heather leads the FLDP and works with recent college graduates on professional, technical and leadership development to create a pipeline of leadership for the Finance organization.
Heather received her undergraduate degree in both Finance and Management at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She also serves on the board for Arts Us, a nonprofit organization focused on using the arts to enrich the lives of children and Association of Latino Professionals in Accounting and Finance - Twin Cities Chapter.
ROBB NEUENSCHWANDER (FOUNDER & PRESIDENT) - Robb is a Lead Technical Architect with Target Corporation and also the founder and President of Voyageur Business Services, Inc., a Minnesota-based business and technology consulting company. Robb has over 20 years of experience in business strategy and systems design and integration consulting. He has consulted to large and small companies in a variety of industries. Robb has extensive expertise in web systems and business process design.
Robb has an undergraduate degree in Business Management from St. John's University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Business. He has been a Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer and serves on the Technology Committee for Trinity Academy in Hudson, WI and for Trinity Lutheran Church. Robb is a 2003 recipient of the Eleven Who Care award from KARE-TV and was awarded a Distinguished Alumni Award from St. John’s University and a Best in Community award from his employer, Target Corporation. Robb lives in Hudson with his wife, Laura, and three children, Charlie, Maya and Lauren.
NOAH ROUEN – Noah currently serves as a Senior Vice President at Public Affairs Company, a Minneapolis based Public Relations and Issue advocacy firm. In that roll, Noah utilizes his media connections and his skill in media training, event planning and staging, to create effective grassroots campaigns for clients nationwide.
Rouen is an active political insider often serving as a key advisor to local, state and federal office holders.
Noah holds a B.A. in Political Science and Communication from Gustavus Adolphus. He lives in Minneapolis with his wife Keri and son Connor.
BETSY ANDERSON (PROGRAM MANAGER) – Betsy loves her job at Tix for Tots. Program Manager since January 2007, Betsy believes in the mission of Tix for Tots whole-heartedly. She has seen its impact up close as she has worked with over 400 non-profit agency partners. Betsy is thrilled to serve as “the woman behind the curtain” that makes the Tix for Tots machine run. Being the face of Tix for Tots to the agency partners, venue partners, volunteers, ticket/financial donors, and the greater community is an honor for Betsy.
Childhood memories like going to a Twins game with her dad and seeing live musical theater with her mom and step-dad make the Tix for Tots mission very important to Betsy. She believes that every child should experience the magic and wonder that athletic and cultural events can provide.
Betsy, a Twin Cities native, has a BA in Spanish from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. In 2005, she was elected to the Hopkins School Board and is currently running for her second four-year term. Betsy is President-Elect of the Golden Valley Rotary Club, president of the Hopkins Alumni Association, and Co-Chair of the Legislative Action Coalition for the Hopkins School District. Working on behalf of children in our community and, through Rotary, around the world, is a goal for Betsy Anderson.
JILL SCHLOFER (BOARD CHAIR) - Jill is a Service Manager for the Minneapolis Employee Benefits Sales and Service Office at Standard Insurance Company. The Standard is a nationally recognized insurance provider offering group disability, life, dental and vision insurance. She started with the company in 1996 and has carried various positions throughout the years. Jill has been recognized as a leader in her organization for providing her expertise in several company projects, mentoring others both formally and informally and consistently contributing to the office and company's sales and service goals.
Jill has been a lifelong resident of the Twin Cities and has been continuously involved in the community. Jill received her Bachelors of Applied Science in Applied Business from the University of Minnesota and volunteers for various non-profits from time to time. Jill currently resides in Apple Valley.
PATRICIA CONNOLLY STEPHAN – Patricia Stephan is an Information Technology leader with extensive experience in finance, retail and supply chain processes. Currently working for a Fortune 50 organization, she has built a career focused on developing and implementing innovative business solutions that leverage technology. Pat currently works on a major international expansion program and manages multiple global teams. In her prior position with KPMG, Pat worked in finance and insurance sectors on domestic and international client engagements. In addition to technology, Pat focuses on leadership and team development. She has been recognized by her organization for building highly effective, diverse, multi-national teams.
Pat is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of St. Thomas focused on Leadership and International Businesses. She currently teaches International Business in the UST MBA program. Pat completed her MBA at St. Thomas and is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma. She holds a BA in Information Systems and Business.
Pat is originally from St. Paul, MN and currently lives in Chaska, MN with her husband and two children, Aaron and Samantha. She enjoys family activities including travel, music and sports.
ERICA TAYLOR – Erica is the Manager of Supply Chain Development and Optimization for Covidien Vascular Therapies. Covidien is a leading global healthcare products company that creates innovative medical solutions for better patient outcomes. She joined the organization in 2006 and has held various leadership positions within the Logistics and Supply Chain areas. She has 10 years project management experience and worked as a Client Manager for a local law firm prior to joining Covidien.
Erica received her undergraduate degree in both Global Studies and Spanish Studies from the University of Minnesota and received her Master of Business Administration from the University of St Thomas. She also serves on the board for Touchstone Mental Health, a local non-profit organization providing programs to assure people living with mental illness can enjoy the highest quality of life. Erica currently resides in Minnetonka.
We thank all of our dedicated Board members for their hard work and committment to this fine cause!