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.
Darryl Havlicek, Vice Chair is a Senior Software Developer for Nick Ryan Consulting with 30 years of application software development experience. He has worked for several large corporations in the Twin Cities metro area and is currently contracting as a Technical Lead for Maverick Software Consulting. He enjoys the opportunity in his current role managing and mentoring undergrad college students as they develop software for Thomson Reuters. Darryl is a graduate of Mankato State University with a BS in Computer Science. He lives in Apple Valley with his wife of 27 years and is the proud father of two sons, Nick (24) and Ryan (23). 
Randy Nelson, Secretary 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."
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. 
Albert Rhodes is a motivated executive with 17yrs of manufacturing management experience in the automotive, aerospace, commodity distribution and electric motor repair industries. He is currently the Terminal Manager for Kinder Morgan Dakota Bulk Terminal. He is an All American Athlete and enjoys playing golf and guitar.
Kari Wangensteen is an accomplished business attorney who helps move business forward with ethical, practical and cost effective legal solutions. She is a Senior Director, Global Product, Technology and IB Counsel for Carlson Wagonlit Travel in Minnetonka, MN. Kari resides in Eagan.
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 Regents 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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Lisa Knipping, Treasurer has spent 20 years in numerous finance leadership roles at Thomson Reuters, and is currently a Sr. Director providing decision support for the global print and manufacturing business. Prior to Thomson Reuters, Lisa held various audit and finance roles in the banking industry. 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 children and has been part of the Eagan community for almost 30 years. 
Tara Lemke Ebenhoch LMFT, ACC is passionate about developing others and organizations to more fully exist with purpose and intention. She loves helping clients and the organizations she serves to get clearer about what they want, make and sustain changes, and intensify their desired impact. She owns a small psychological and educational services practice. Tara is married with three children and enjoys an active lifestyle.
Mary Kaul-Hottinger is Vice President Human Resources Global Businesses for Ecolab. Prior to this role, she was Vice President, Human Resources for Global Institutional. She joined Ecolab in March of 2007 and has over 30 years of Human Resources experience and expertise. Mary is a summa cum laude graduate of St. Thomas University. She was previously on the board of the Tubman organization. She is married to David Hottinger and has two children, George (20) and Frannie (15). 
Julie Trygstad 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).
Joel Williams is the Lean Six Sigma Program Operations Leader for the Corporate Lean Six Sigma Acquisitions & Merger group at 3M. During his 20-year career at 3M he has had the opportunity to work in a variety of cross-functional roles which included: Engineering,Manufacturing, Marketing/Sales; as well as several 3M Overseas International Assignments in the Horn of Africa, and in the Latin America/Caribbean region as Managing Director-General Manager for one of 3M’s subsidiaries. To learn more
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
