Join the NEON Board of Directors
We’re looking for passionate leaders and enthusiasts to step up
and commit to a term of service to help shape the future of entrepreneurship in north Minneapolis and surrounding communities.
Consider the next step and volunteer to help us shape our community
while growing as a leader, contributor, and collaborator.

What to expect
Board Member Overview
The Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON) has a dynamic group of community members fully engaged in governing the organization to achieve our mission. We look for individuals who are eager to serve in leadership roles, willing to engage beyond board meetings and provide philanthropic support to the organization. We strive to maintain a board that reflects the diversity of the community that we serve. For more information, submit your information below or contact us at board@neon-mn.org.
What do NEON Board Members do?
NEON Board members spend an average of 5-10 hours a month including service
on a committee or doing committee work.
Each member participates and supports their committee by:
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Regularly attending committee meetings and other important organization events.
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Make a serious commitment to participate actively in committee work and fulfill a minimum three-year term.
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Volunteer for and accept assignments and complete them thoroughly and on time.
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Pursue additional leadership opportunities including chairing a committee or an officer role.
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Stay informed about committee matters, prepare well for meetings, review and comment on any minutes and reports.
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Get to know other committee members and building a collegial working relationship that contributes to consensus.
What Committees Exist?
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Finance and Audit Committee:
Analyze organizational finances, surface board discussions and decisions.
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Governance and HR Committee:
Champion good board governance practices, including board composition, education, and structure as well as manage the annual goal setting and performance evaluation for the President of NEON.
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Fundraising and Development Committee:
Assure fiscal health of NEON through philanthropic giving and fund development.
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Real Estate Task Force:
Analyze opportunities for economic development through real estate.
NEON Board Member Application
Ready to serve? Complete the NEON Board Member application below.
Current Board of Directors
Officers
Beth Dumke, Chair
Vice President, Product Development & Innovation
US Bank
Ting Ting Ni, Vice Chair
Senior Financial Analyst,
Abbott Laboratories
Blake Berquist, Treasurer
VP, Finance and Central Region, CFO
UnitedHealth Group
Shannon Olson, Secretary
Former Director of Member
Engagement Strategies,
Thrivent Financial
Board Committees
Governance and HR Committee
Ting Ting Ni, Chair
Senior Financial Analyst,
Abbott Laboratories
Nerita Hughes
Dean of Business, Technology, Career and Workforce Development
North Hennepin Community College
KB Brown
Owner,
Wolfpack Promotionals
Finance Committee
Blake Berquist, Chair
VP, Finance and Central Region, CFO
UnitedHealth Group
Trent Bowman
VP, Community Development Officer, Old National Bank
Russell Knighton
Retired, Bank Executive
Warren McLean
President, Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON)
Development Committee
Shannon Olson, Chair
Former Director of Member Engagement Strategies,
Thrivent Financial
Warren McLean
President, Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON)
Meron Demissie
Engineering Manager,
Sunrise Energy Ventures
Debra Spears
Director of Admissions and Marketing,
Providence Academy
Real Estate Task Force
Arthur Gardner, Jr, ex-officio
Construction Manager,
Hillcrest Development, LLLP
Spencer Cronin
Regional Practice Manager,
Burns & McDonnell
Warren McLean
President, Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON)
Lucas Wiborg
Founder & Owner,
Shingle Creek Capital, LLC