
In his personal life, Ross loves spending time at his lake cabin with his wife, two elementary school aged sons and golden retriever.
If Ross were stuck on a desert island with access to one food, he says he’d pick: “Pizza… the food that works for breakfast, lunch and dinner!”

Dion gets tremendous joy from spending time with his young children and being outside in nature, even just for a walk around one of our beautiful city lakes.
If he were stuck on a desert island with unlimited access to one food, Dion says: “I’m not a very picky eater but I think I could enjoy PB&J for a quite a long time.”

Becky Johnson works as a nonprofit financial consultant, and is the co-founder of Nonprofit Mavens. She was compelled to serve on VEAP’s board to be connected to her community and contribute to a cause that she cares about. When not working, Becky finds joy in her family, friends and nature.
If she were stuck on a desert island with one food, Becky says: “It would be yogurt (with dark chocolate, granola, and blueberries!)”

Shannon enjoys spending time with her friends and family, including her young children. She loves spending time out in nature, especially in environments where her two dogs can be off leash and roam.
If stuck on a desert island with unlimited access to one food, Shannon says: “I would choose ice cream – not only is it delicious, but it’ll provide me the necessary fats to survive in such a barren environment!”

Brianna “Bree” Williamson works with BMO Wealth Management as a Director | Private Wealth Advisor to families and organizations. She was compelled to join VEAP’s board for the ability to serve and make a meaningful difference in our community by providing for basic needs including food and housing.
Bree’s passions include her husband and three children. She is also an avid runner.
If stuck on a desert island with just one food choice, Bree picks: yucca fries

Joe finds joy in life spending time with his three boys and coaching their various sports’ teams.
Favorite food: “Raising Canes Chicken Fingers, got to have the sauce with it though!”

Jacky gets joy in life from watching kids learn as they discover about themselves and the world around them, especially in sports.
If she were stuck on a desert island with unlimited access to one food, Jacky would pick: Spicy Matoke and beef stew

Anne Marie Gavel is retired from United HealthGroup – Optum where she worked as Senior Vice President. She feels extremely grateful for all that she has been given in life and is a member of VEAP’s board to serve others with the hopes they too can experience joy in their lives.
Anne Marie enjoys spending time with loved ones, giving back to her community and facilitating groups to find solutions and effect change.
If given access to just one food on a desert island, Anne Marie would pick: peanut butter.

Tai has a great love for cooking and excels at recreating recipes from scratch at home. When dining out, she can easily replicate dishes just by tasting them. She can whip up an appetizer, entree and dessert in less than an hour!
If she were stuck on a desert island with unlimited access to one food, Tai says, “How can I choose just one, so many endless choices. But if I must choose, I would pick Spicy Korean Beef Bulgogi with steamed rice.”

In her free time, Molly enjoys hiking, camping, and exploring – always with her pandemic puppy Hugo in tow.
If stuck on a desert island with unlimited access to one food, Molly would choose her favorite comfort food – cornbread!

In his personal life, Keith finds joy in nature and the outdoors, as well the special people in his life.
If he were stuck on a desert island with unlimited access to one food, Keith would choose: coffee.

Lisa Oster works as a Senior Internal Communications Leader at Jack Link’s, an American snack company. She was drawn to VEAP’s mission and the specific communities we benefit which compelled her to join our board. Lisa enjoys utilizing her talents as a communications professional to support the work VEAP advances.
Lisa loves spending time with her husband and children who bring much joy to her life.
If stuck on a desert island with just one food choice, Lisa says: “There is never a day that pizza isn’t an amazing idea! I think if I were on a desert island and had pizza, it would make everything else about being on a desert island seem just a little more manageable!”

John Rimstad works for UnitedHealth Group, Population Health Solutions CFO (OptumHealth) as the Director of Finance. He serves on VEAP’s board as a way to have a direct impact in his own community. In his spare time, John enjoys fixing things that are not working properly, and bringing old items back to life.
If John were stuck on a desert island with access to one food, he says he’d choose: “Cereal and milk. Simple but hard to live without.”

If she were stuck on a desert island with unlimited access to one food, Megan would chose: chocolate.

Jennifer Siedow worked as the CFO of Yale Mechanical for 17 years, before retiring in 2021. She joined VEAP’s board as a way to give back in a local organization. Jennifer’s children are older and she says she now has more time to pursue other interests. In her spare time, she enjoys golfing, reading and spending time on the river in her family’s boat.
If she were stuck on a desert island with unlimited access to one food, Jennifer would pick: “Nachos!!!”

Sarah’s desert island food? “Iced lattes with coconut or almond milk – I wouldn’t survive without coffee!”