Meet Our Board
The Hopkins Education Foundation
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors helps guide our efforts to kickstart learning opportunities for Hopkins students. Board members are people who care about the Hopkins Public Schools, want to give back and make a difference for all of our students, and have time to serve.
Board members serve for up to 8 years. Monthly meetings are usually on the third Wednesday of the month from 7-8:30 pm. Board members also serve on board committees (Spark Grants, Awesome Fund, Finance, Events, Marketing, Alumni, and Development & Fundraising).
JOIN THE BOARD
View the complete job description here. Contact HEF Executive Director Emily Wallace-Jackson to discuss your interest at 952-988-4091.
“I give to HEF because the grants bring learning and joy to students and help teachers amplify the impact of the learning. In the end, it’s all about the kids!”
Thank You
Transfer of Leadership
Hopkins Education Foundation welcomes Betsy Anderson as our new Board President. Betsy is a 1997 graduate of Hopkins schools, a former Hopkins School Board member, and has served on the HEF board for 6 years (in addition to years as our Hopkins Alumni Association representative). Bryan Kreske, who served as president for the last four years, will continue as a member of our board. We thank Bryan for his dedication, strategic leadership and passion for giving teachers the resources needed to spark innovation (HEF awarded $500,000 in Spark Grants under his leadership)!
Departing Board Members
From left, Karen Wilcox, Kristin Hanneman, and Travis Smith. THANK YOU for your dedication and service to the Hopkins community!
Executive Committee Directors
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Betsy Anderson
President
Betsy is communications director at the Perpich Center for Arts Education, a Hopkins grad, and a Hopkins parent. "I’m so proud of the work that HEF does and the people involved with the organization. I'm honored to serve the mission of HEF and give back to the community that has given so much to me and my family."
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Malvin Moore
Vice President
Malvin is vice president of social responsibility at UnitedHealth Group and a Hopkins parent. "I am a big believer in education and the value and priority public schools should play in shaping communities. And I think every child should have the same opportunities as my children do and will. I hope to utilize this experience and this perspective to continue to ensure that all the children in this school district have a rich educational experience."
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Luke Jacobson
Treasurer
Luke is a vice president at BMO Bank and a Hopkins parent. He serves on the Hopkins schools Citizens Fincancial Advisory Committee (CFAC) and supports my wife’s business, Tonkadale Greenhouse.
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Jim Cameron
Jim is general manager of BLVD Kitchen and Bar, and a Hopkins parent. "I like helping out and being a part of the community."
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Kelly Caspers
Kelly is senior vice president of business enablement at U.S. Bank and a Hopkins parent. "I love the Hopkins community! My husband and I have been very involved in the community." She is also vice president of Hopkins Football Boosters and a member of Hopkins Hockey Boosters.
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Beth Dierker
Beth Dierker is a community organizer with experience in education and nonprofit work. She has a passion for supporting neurodiverse children and their families in their schools and communities. Beth has two students in Hopkins Public Schools.
“I have enjoyed watching my kids find their way in this diverse and creative Hopkins community. They get to explore their interests and develop their strengths with the guidance of amazing educators, coaches, and directors.”
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Sarah Goff-Dupont
Sarah is a freelance writer and Hopkins parent. "I've seen firsthand the difference that HEF makes in our schools and was inspired to get involved."
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Ben Maxwell
Ben is a financial analyst with expertise in financial services and corporate finance. He is active in several community organizations in addition to HEF and is proud to have his three children in the XinXing Chinese immersion program.
“Having an organization like HEF to target private resources to bolster teacher and student initiatives is incredibly powerful. I am honored to be serving on the Board and helping to guide the Foundation to give our kids wider opportunities at a time when public schools are facing so many challenges."
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Gene Ward, Jr.
Gene is co-principal at Hopkins High School. "As a new educator in Hopkins I wanted to learn more about ways our school partners with our families and community members to ensure every scholar has a phenomenal educational experience within Hopkins Public Schools. My life passion is to serve my community and ensure that every scholar is able to leave our schools with the tools needed to change our world."
Board Members
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Steve Adams
Steve is a retired IT executive and parent of Hopkins grads. He served for 6 years on the Minnetonka Planning Commission and 12 years on the Hopkins School Board "My wife was a 45-year employee of the Hopkins district and introduced me to her committed colleagues, many of whom are still friends today. Our relationship with HEF goes back to its founding. We are supportive of HEF's mission of supporting the Hopkins School District."
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Julie Carroll
Julie is an Executive Producer specializing in experiential campaigns and culture-driven events.
“As a Hopkins parent, Girl Scout troop leader, and daughter of a public school teacher, I joined the Hopkins Education Foundation to champion the educators, programs, and opportunities that help students and the community thrive.”
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Reena Desai
Reena is an attorney at Nichols Kaster, PLLP, and a Hopkins parent.
"I'm proud to serve on the HEF board as a way to give back to a community and to support the success of Hopkins schools."
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Marlene Garvis
Marlene is a former nurse and is currently an attorney at Marlene S Garvis, LLC. She is also a parent of three Hopkins grads. "I was interested in joining the HEF Board because I am passionate about the Hopkins School District and the education it offers to its students."
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Marina Kern
Marina is a system clinical nurse Educator at Ridgeview and a Hopkins parent.
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Bryan Kreske
Bryan is director of Corporate Strategy at Hormel Foods Corporation and a Hopkins parent. "I joined because I believe in the importance of a strong public education system. I am dedicated to helping improve our community and support the Foundation's mission. Additionally, as a parent of a student in our schools, I am personally invested in the success of our educational programs."
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Calla Murphy
Calla is a senior vice president of digital strategy at Belardi Wong and a proud Hopkins parent.
"I support HEF as I believe a strong public school system is foundational to the vibrancy of the broader community."
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Arron Olson
Arron is a financial advisor with Edward Jones and a Hopkins parent. “ We have two daughters, so supporting the school district is important to their development and strengthening our community!”
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Betsey Palmgren
Betsey comes to the board with a background in nonprofit fundraising and event planning. She has successfully developed and managed initiatives that strengthen community engagement and support organizational growth.
"I am excited to join the Hopkins Education Foundation because I believe in investing in the educators, programs, and opportunities that help students succeed and enrich our community"
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Brittany Philpot
Brittany Philpot is a local emergency medicine physician and Associate Medical Director of the Abbott Northwestern Emergency Department. She is a Hopkins parent and a strong advocate of equitable access to quality public education.
“I am proud to serve on the board of a local, high-impact organization that will benefit not only my children, but the broader community. I deeply value the diversity of educational experiences that HEF promotes, and I firmly believe in equipping every child with the tools they need to thrive.””
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Sharae Sledge
Sharae is director of finance at the Minneapolis Downtown Council and Downtown Improvement District. Her children, nieces, and nephews are all enrolled in the District.
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Munya Tirivepi
Munya Tirivepi is a Senior Event Registration Manager at BI WORLDWIDE, where he leads registration and event operations for corporate meetings, conferences, and incentive programs across the United States and internationally. Outside of work, he has been a DJ and emcee with GenerationNow Entertainment for more than a decade, performing throughout the Twin Cities and across the country at major music festivals, sporting events, and community celebrations.
"As a parent of three daughters at Meadowbrook Elementary, I'm grateful for the opportunities Hopkins has provided my family. I hope to give back by bringing fresh ideas, creative energy, and a people-first mindset to help strengthen our community so every student can Keep Thriving."
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Travis Tufte
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Kim Wolson
Kim is managing partner at Wolson Properties. She is an alumni of HHS and has kids at the high school.
Emeritus and Ex-Officio Board Members
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Jelan Heidelberg
Emeritus
Jelan is a retired offerings manager at IBM and parent of Hopkins alumni. "Our three children got a great education at Hopkins schools and have go on to successful careers. I joined the Board to pay it forward for the next generation of Hopkins kids."
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Dr. Michael Thomas
Superintendant
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Nik Lightfoot PhD
Assistant Superintendant