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:
Paul Godlewski, Board Chair
Personal Injury Trial Lawyer
Board Member since 2007
"As a personal injury trial lawyer I have represented survivors and families after traumatic brain injury for over 35 years. During this time I have witnessed the frustrations of my clients in their search for resources and services to assist in their need for help to assure maximum recovery and better a quality of life. After referring many clients to the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota and personally observing the benefits of The Association to a family member desperately needing help to locate available resources and services following a severe brain injury, I made a commitment to become involved as Board member. Surrounded by an energetic and professional staff and equally committed fellow board members I feel very privileged to participate as a Board Member of this great organization."
Andrew Kiragu, M.D., Chair Elect
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."
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."
Karen Bjorgan
Park Nicollet Health Services, Stroke Inspire Program
Board Member Since 2010
"The Brain Injury Association of Minnesota gives visibility to those of us who have had a stroke or brain injury. The education the public receives from seeing us at work is priceless."
Dick 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."
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."
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."
Kathy 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."
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."
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."
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."
Tim Rundall
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 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."
Dave Scott
Manager, HealthEast Care System
Board member since 2004
"I worked in the field of brain injury since 1995 and knew all the great work being done on behalf of people with brain injuries by the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota. In 2005, my own family member sustained a brain injury from a car crash. The Association was there for her through her recovery and helped get her back on her feet. The importance of being a board member and giving back to an organization who'd given so much to my family took on a whole new meaning for me."
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."
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."
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."