Board of Directors
The Brain Injury Association of Minnesota is governed by a Board of Directors made up of people with a brain injury, family members and professionals in the brain injury field. Current Board members include:
Tim Rundall, Board Chair
Contractor
Board Member Since 2007
"I am a family member of someone with a brain injury. The work I've done advocating for my own family, allowed me to meet other people in similar situations; eventually, my work grew beyond my family. I feel like that is part of my personal ministry nowadays; advocating for people with disabilities."
Veronica Anderson
Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch
Board Member Since 2008
"My husband suffered a stroke 12 years ago. As a caregiver - and professionally, as a special needs financial advisor - I bring a very unique perspective to the Board."
Richard Bloom
Board Member Since 2009. Previous member 1998-2004
"This organization has grown in the years since my last tenure and continues to improve its scope and to serve clients with competent people and successful programs."
Nancy Carlson
Director of Pain and Psychological Services, Courage Center
Board Member Since 2010. Former Board member 1998-2007,
Nancy is a Licensed Psychologist and currently works at Courage Centers as the Director of Psychological Services and Pain Services. In addition, she works as a psychologist for Karol Neuropsychological Services and Consulting.
Nick Dennen
Hospital Transport Aide, Methodist Hospital; author/speaker
Board Member Since 2009
"I was introduced to the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota shortly after I endured my TBI in 1998. I began as a volunteer, and after being introduced to one of the current board members, I saw that joining the board presented an opportunity to share my message of hope, faith, and possibility. My vision is to recognize the value of personal relationships while maintaining a positive attitude and heightening awareness of traumatic brain injury."
Jan Holtz
Professor of Psychology, College of St. Benendict and St. John's University
Board Member since 2010
In 2003, Jan was certified as an Independent Medical Examiner, allowing her to prescribe psychotropic medications. In addition to her private practice, Jan currently works as a professor of Psychology at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota. She has authored numerous articles and has just completed a college level textbook on Neuropsychology.
David Kendrick
President, Integrity Living Options, Inc.
Board Member Since 2007
"After surviving a brain injury while roller blading in 2000, I became passionate about helping those who may not have been as fortunate as myself. I started an organization dedicated to helping individuals with brain injuries and other physical disabilities in April 2002. Through this experience I became aware of the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota and enthusiastically accepted the invitation to become a Board member in 2007."
David King, Executive Director
Executive Director of Brain Injury Association of Minnesota
Board Member Since 2008
"Having a family member with a brain injury provides a unique perspective on the importance of the work and mission of the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota."
Andrew Kiragu, M.D., Board Chair
Medical Director, PICU, Hennepin County Medical Center
Board Member Since 2007
"As a physician that cares for children who have sustained a traumatic brain injury, I see first hand the effects of these injuries on children and their families. I continue to be impressed by the excellent work that the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota does to support and advocate for these and other Minnesotans dealing with the effects of a brain injury and am proud to be part of this effort."
Robin Landy
Attorney; Hauer, Fargione and Love, P.A.
Board Member since 2010, former Board Member
Robin is currently on the board and President Elect of the Jewish Family and Children's Services. She was also a two term member on the Sister Kenny Institute Foundation. Robin holds a bachelor’s and a Master's degree in social work from the University of Minnesota and worked as a rehabilitation social worker at Sister Kenny Institute before beginning her career as a personal injury attorney.
Sharon Larson
Registered Nurse, Program Director, North Country Regional Hospital, RehabCare Group
Board Member Since 2009
"I became involved with the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota in 2005 after I met patients and their families who were struggling with traumatic brain injuries. Their needs do not end when they leave our hospital and I'm so happy that I can give them information about what the Brain Injury Association can provide to them in the way of support and services."
Donna Lindsay
Register Nurse, Abbott Northwestern Hospital
Former Board Member of the Minnesota Stroke Association, 2006-2009
Donna currently coordinates the stroke program at Abbott Northwestern Hospital and is the Co-chair of the Minnesota Stroke Partnership. She has also worked with training the Asslociation staff on strokes and has facilitated further training for the organization.
Tim Martin
Retired
Minnesota Stroke Association Board Since July 2007; Brian Injury Association of Minnesota Board Since December 2009
"My daughter had a internal brain injury (stroke) after heart surgery when she was thirteen years old. I wanted to give back to organizations that support survivors and families of stroke and brain injury."
Craig Martinson
Board Member Since 1992
"Until I got my brain injury, I knew nothing about TBI. I got involved early on because the Association came to St. Cloud in '90 or '91 with the first brain injury support group. I've been involved ever since. I think it's wonderful that in that time, the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota has gone from four employees to over forty. It's been simply amazing."
Kathy Nesheim-Larson
Director of Brain Injury Services, REM Minnesota/The Mentor Network
Board Member Since 2007
"Having moved from out of state, one of the first organizations I contacted for in state reference information was the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota. I quickly learned that Minnesota had one of the most comprehensive and active Brain Injury Associations in the nation. I joined the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota's board as a way to continue to work on something I felt passionate about: brain injury prevention, recovery, and services. I've seen the difference that the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota can make in my clients' lives and I wanted to be a part of supporting their efforts. It is truly gratifying to serve a cause, practice one's ideals, work with people, solve problems, see benefits and know one had a hand in them."
Russ Philstrom
Certified Professional Picture Framer, Certified Professional Fishing Rod builder
Rehabilitation Aide at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, Crosby, Minnesota
Part time Board Member Since April 2000, Board Chair 2005-2006 Elected 3rd term 2007
"A snowmobile accident in 1994 was the beginning of my interest in the services of the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota. An important part of my recovery has been helping others get more and better help. We must continue to improve the services available."
Kate Shannon
Assistant Vice President, GWAG, Merrill Lynch
Board Member since 2004
"My sister sustained a severe traumatic brain injury in 1984 as the result of a near-drowning accident. I joined the board of the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota because I wanted to leverage my knowledge in service to the community, and I wanted to be able to do that through an organization that was financially solid, forward-thinking, and socially effective. The Association was-and continues to be-all of these things."
Tim Rundell
Board Member since 2011, former Board Member
Brian Siska
Board Member Since 2009
"I joined the Board of the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota in late-2009 after having served on the board of the Minnesota Stoke Association since 2002. I am very enthusiastic about the opportunities that lie ahead for these organizations as we develop new ways to work together and improve the services we provide to the community."
Sue Sjoselius
Board Member since 2011, former Board Member
Jeffrey Smigielski
Neuropsychologist, Mayo Clinic
Board Member Since 2009
"I have worked in the field of brain injury for over 25 years, and wanted an opportunity to contribute to the field in a way that would go beyond clinical service. Before I moved to Minnesota, I was a member of the board of the Brain Injury Association of Wisconsin. As I came to learn more about the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota, I became aware of the scope and breadth of the activities of this dynamic group. I considered board membership to be an excellent opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way to the mission of this outstanding organization."
Ann Swanson
Partner SKS Consulting Psychologists
Board Member Since 2009
"The Brain Injury Association of Minnesota was instrumental in helping us find support systems for our daughter who experienced an acquired brain injury. I joined the board as I wanted to be involved in ensuring other individuals with brain injuries received the help they need."
Terri Traudt
Director of Business Development, Wings Finiancial Federal Credit Union
Board Member since 2010, former Board Member
Terri is a stroke survivor who has volunteered with both the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association. Her niece survived a car crash that left her with a severe brain injury. Terri knows first hand the challenges faced by family members and caretakers of survivors. She has an undergraduate degree in education and also holds a master's degree in business communication.
Libby Utter
The Wood Group
Board Member since 2010
Libby is the President of what is now called Wood Executive Search. With a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature, Libby has spent most of her career working in private industry and as an executive recruiter.
Pat Winick
Board Member since 2011, former Board Member