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.
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 10-15 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 one-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 possible participation on the board of directors.
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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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Human Resources Committee:
Design NEON’s Talent Development Plan, the succession plan for NEON President, and identify key prospective candidates for management roles.
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Finance and Audit Committee:
Analyze organizational finances, surface board discussions and decisions.
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Governance Committee:
Champion good board governance practices, including board composition, education, and structure.
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Real Estate Task Force:
Analyze opportunities for economic development through real estate.
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Capital Committee:
Structuring loans and capital investments for Northside entrepreneurs.
Ready to serve? Complete the NEON Board Member application below.
Current Board of Directors
Officers
Lynn Farmer, Chair
AVP Marketing and Communications, Hamline University
Beth Dumke, Vice Chair
Vice President, Product Development & Innovation
US Bank
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 Committee
Ting Ting Ni, Chair
Senior Financial Analyst
Abbott Laboratories
Spencer Cronin
Regional Practice Manager
Burns & McDonnell
Lynn Farmer
AVP Marketing and Communications, Hamline University
Human Resources Committee
Beth Dumke, Chair
Vice President, Product Development & Innovation
US Bank
Nerita Hughes
Dean of Business, Technology, Career and Workforce Development
North Hennepin Community College
KB Brown
Owner of 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)
Fundraising Committee
Lance Knuckles, Chair
CEO, The Possibility, LLC.
Shannon Olson
Former Director of Member Engagement Strategies
Thrivent Financial
Warren McLean
President, Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON)
Real Estate Task Force
Dennis Werneke
Owner, American Chemical
Arthur Gardner, Jr
Construction Manager,
Hillcrest Development, LLLP
Warren McLean
President, Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON)
