The membership of The Arc Minnesota has elected a new Board of Directors to serve the recently merged organization. On January 1, 2018, chapters of The Arc across Minnesota came together as a statewide organization to provide consistent, essential services to support more people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Board members elected for two-year terms include Steve Astrup, Dilworth; Rachel Freeman, Minneapolis; Neil Helgeson, St. Cloud; Lynn Klaber, Mankato; Leann Negley, Babbit; Brett Nelson, Clear Lake; and Nathan Scott, Sherburne.
Board members elected for three-year terms include Tim Allen, Plymouth; Stan Alleyne, Minneapolis; Duchess Harris, Vadnais Heights; Beth Hawkins, Minneapolis; Heidi Larson, Apple Valley; Kim Norton, Rochester; Randee Pattee, Minnetonka; Felicity Riley, St. Paul; and Brian Schreifels, Rosemount.
Board members elected for four-year terms include Maurice Blanks, Minneapolis; Nancy Fitzsimmons, Mankato; Debbie Harris, Eagan; Tom Judd, Excelsior, Mary Liddicoat; Minneapolis; Peggy O’Toole-Martin, Rochester; Darla Nemec, Eden Prairie; and Mike Wall, Maple Plain.
Board members represent regions of the new statewide organization. The Regions were previously independent chapters of The Arc including the Greater Twin Cities, Range, Midstate, Southeast, Southwest, and West Central. Working together, chapter representatives concluded that a merger of chapters to become The Arc Minnesota was the most promising way to provide access to quality programs and services across the state. Elections for Board officers will happen at their first meeting on June 21, 2018.
The Arc Minnesota’s expanded services throughout the state include access to a toll-free information and referral phone number, and the option to submit questions to Advocates at The Arc and receive responses typically within one business day. The Arc will also expand opportunities to participate in online and in-person education and training events. The organization will support grassroots engagement of volunteer leaders across the state to develop public policy, and fundraise to support statewide goals.