the history of dakota woodlands
Dakota Woodlands began as Mary’s Shelter, incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)3 human service organization on November 25, 1981, located in West St. Paul, MN. Mary’s Shelter served single pregnant women 14 years and older (eventually 11 years and older) until 1993 when the Shelter was licensed to add residential care for single homeless women and homeless women with children. In 1995 Mary’s Shelter discontinued maternity services and focused on their homeless programming.
Also in 1995 Mary’s Shelter relocated to its present site in Eagan, MN and began making plans for renovation which was completed in 2000 when the Board of Directors decided to change the name to Dakota Woodlands.
Also in 1995 Mary’s Shelter relocated to its present site in Eagan, MN and began making plans for renovation which was completed in 2000 when the Board of Directors decided to change the name to Dakota Woodlands.
Board of Directors
The Board members of Dakota Woodlands are the fiduciaries who steer the organization towards a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, as well as making sure the nonprofit has adequate resources to advance its mission.
Steve Zweber, Chair is Director at Thomson Reuters - Core Publishing Solutions in Eagan, MN. He joined Thomson Reuters in 2001 after completing his BS at UW-Wisconsin Stout in Industrial Management, and more recently earned his MBA from Augsburg University. Steve is proud of the longstanding community partnership that Thomson Reuters has established with Dakota Woodlands and is excited to carry the support forward. Steve is married and has three children; his family is part of the Lakeville community.
Mary Kaul-Hottinger, Vice Chair is the Chief Human Resources Officer for CHS, Inc. in Inver Grove Heights. She joined CHS in September of 2018. Prior to this role, she worked in Human Resources for Ecolab, General Mills, Pillsbury and Securian (Minnesota Mutual) and has over 34 years of Human Resources experience and expertise. Mary is a graduate of St. Thomas University. She was previously on the board of the Tubman organization. Mary lives in Dakota County and is married to David Hottinger and has two children, George (24) and Frannie (19).
Lisa Knipping, Treasurer has spent over 25 years in finance leadership roles in various industries including healthcare, information services, and banking. In her current role, Lisa is the Finance Director for Life Link III, a non-profit air medical transport organization serving communities throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. Lisa holds an MBA in Management from the University of St. Thomas, Opus College of Business, and a B.S. in Finance from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management. She has two grown children and has been part of the Eagan community for over 30 years.
Laura Weiss, Secretary is Vice President, Human Resources at Smart Care Equipment Solutions. Prior to this role, she was a Director of Human Resources at Ecolab, supporting multiple divisions during her 15-year tenure. Previously Laura worked in HR, Administration and Marketing positions at Lesaffre International Corporation and its subsidiaries. Laura holds a bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University – Mankato and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas. She resides in Apple Valley and is married to Steve Loosbrock; they have one son, Devin.
Melissa Bauer is a Director in Merchandising at Target Corporation. Her current team develops merchandising assortment strategies for new stores in neighborhoods across the US. She joined Target after completing her Bachelor of Science in Business at the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management. Melissa is married and has two children; her family has been part of the Eagan community for 15 years.
Charlie Brecht comes to Dakota Woodlands with 30 plus years of Insurance and operations experience including as an Agency Owner. Charlie is a graduate of St. John’s University and has been active in leadership roles with various boards and committees. He is happy to share his knowledge and skills from his corporate and volunteer life with Dakota Woodlands and looks forward to being part of finding solutions for our homeless families. He resides in St. Paul.
Charlie Brecht comes to Dakota Woodlands with 30 plus years of Insurance and operations experience including as an Agency Owner. Charlie is a graduate of St. John’s University and has been active in leadership roles with various boards and committees. He is happy to share his knowledge and skills from his corporate and volunteer life with Dakota Woodlands and looks forward to being part of finding solutions for our homeless families. He resides in St. Paul.
Sandy Crotteau a new board member, is a retired leader who held executive positions in the retail industry. Her focus was supply chain, logistics, operations and organizational structure. Sandy has developed strategic plans and championed them through implementation. She looks forward to putting her strategic and leadership skills to work at Dakota Woodlands. Sandy is married and has two daughters and four grandchildren. She lives in Apple Valley.
Sandy Crotteau a new board member, is a retired leader who held executive positions in the retail industry. Her focus was supply chain, logistics, operations and organizational structure. Sandy has developed strategic plans and championed them through implementation. She looks forward to putting her strategic and leadership skills to work at Dakota Woodlands. Sandy is married and has two daughters and four grandchildren. She lives in Apple Valley.
Randy Nelson is a retired social worker, having spent almost 35 yrs working for Ramsey and Hennepin Counties. He has a MSW (masters in social work) and has primarily worked with people with mental illness. "As an Apple Valley resident, I am concerned about homelessness in Dakota County and have tried to be financially supportive to Dakota Woodlands the past few years. As a new board member, I hope to be able to lend my professional background to the board and to be of service where needed."
Joseph A. Rusche, CPA, MBT Joe is a Tax Principal at Boyum Barenscheer CPAs and Business Advisors and has lived in Eagan for over 30 years. Besides his professional life he is a Trustee of both St. Thomas Becket Parish and the J.A Wedum Foundation and the Treasurer of the Minneapolis and St. Paul Estate Council. Joe is married with three adult children and 6 Grandchildren.
Joseph A. Rusche, CPA, MBT Joe is a Tax Principal at Boyum Barenscheer CPAs and Business Advisors and has lived in Eagan for over 30 years. Besides his professional life he is a Trustee of both St. Thomas Becket Parish and the J.A Wedum Foundation and the Treasurer of the Minneapolis and St. Paul Estate Council. Joe is married with three adult children and 6 Grandchildren.
Jesse Sanchez is Vice President of Global Procurement for Ecolab and has 20 years of sourcing experience. Jesse is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas with BS in Marketing. He is married with three children, Grace (15), Lily (13), and Jayce (9). Jesse is active in the Eagan community.
Jesse Sanchez is Vice President of Global Procurement for Ecolab and has 20 years of sourcing experience. Jesse is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas with BS in Marketing. He is married with three children, Grace (15), Lily (13), and Jayce (9). Jesse is active in the Eagan community.
Julie Waller is an AVP of Human Resources at Kindred at Home, the nation’s largest provider of home health and hospice services, and has over 15 years of experience serving in non-profit and for-profit organizations within the healthcare sector. She has been a hospice volunteer for over 17 years and also serves as a mentor to new graduates through the St. Catherine University Alumnae Association. Julie attended St. Catherine University, Yale Divinity School, and has a master’s degree in human resources from the University of St. Thomas. She resides in Eagan with her two sons (6 and 8).
Anne Wiltscheck is an experienced Event Producer with a demonstrated history of working in the philanthropy industry. She currently works with the University of Minnesota Foundation. Anne has prior experience in social services and has been familiar with Dakota Woodlands for many years. She lives in Eagan.
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Beth Bromen, Executive Director came to Dakota Woodlands with 20 years of human services experience. She offers expertise in organizational management, shelter operations, and fundraising. “It is a privilege to be part of the Dakota Woodlands family and contribute to the well-being of our clients.”
Beth Bromen, Executive Director came to Dakota Woodlands with 20 years of human services experience. She offers expertise in organizational management, shelter operations, and fundraising. “It is a privilege to be part of the Dakota Woodlands family and contribute to the well-being of our clients.”
Dakota Woodlands, 3430 Wescott Woodlands, Eagan, MN 55123 | Telephone: 651-456-9110 | www.dakotawoodlands.org
