Marnie Anderson is VEAP’s Finance Manager and has worked with us since 2016. She oversees the revenue and expenses of the organization, and works closely with the Finance Committee and senior leadership to ensure VEAP remains in a healthy financial position. Marnie graduated from the University of Minnesota, Duluth with a degree in accounting. She loves spending time with her family, husband Adam, sons Collin & Josh (both VEAP volunteers!) and their dog Lola.

Marnie’s #1 comfort food: pasta

marniea@veap.org  •  952-955-8311

Katie Blood is VEAP’s Bilingual Housing Specialist, working directly with our Spanish-speaking participants who need access to housing supports. She joined our team in May of 2020 and just prior to VEAP, spent a year as an Education Volunteer with the Peace Corps in Costa Rica where she taught hundreds of students. Katie studied at the University of Minnesota: Twin Cities where she obtained a B.A. in Spanish and Communication studies. She has a passion for empowering others through human connection and mutual understanding. In her personal life, Katie enjoys most things involving music and the outdoors: hiking, attending concerts with friends, and exploring new places are her jam.

If stuck on an island with just one food of her choice, Katie says she’d pick: “Peanut Butter! It is delicious and keeps you full.”

Shari DeBlieck works as VEAP’s Human Resources and Administration Director and joined the VEAP team in 2000. Shari volunteered for VEAP for many years before officially joining our staff. She has served in many roles since that time, and now directs the administrative operations of VEAP, overseeing all aspects of human resources and co-creating with staff the environment they need to excel. Shari earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Augsburg University. Shari loves helping others, organizing and sharing knowledge, and as one of VEAP’s resident historians (she’s been here a long time and has seen lots of change), she want others to share in our important history and work so it continues. Shari believes there is space for others to accumulate the knowledge of VEAP’s past to bring it forward so it isn’t forgotten—oral history shared with the next generations!

If Shari were stuck on a desert island with access to just one food item: “That’s easy for me – WATERMELON. I absolutely love watermelon! It is the sweet but not too sweet flavor and the crunchy but not too crunchy texture combination. If it had the whole gamut of nutrition one needed, it would be the only food I’d eat.”

sharid@veap.org  •  952-955-8304

Katrina Dragon works as a Social Worker and Housing Specialist for VEAP. She worked as an intern with VEAP before officially joining our team in 2018. Katrina provides case management services for community members seeking VEAP services and is an expert in the area of housing for people in unstable housing situations. Providing short-term counseling support, Katrina works holistically with participants to action plan and provide referrals. Katrina graduated from the University of St Thomas in 2018, and while there served as an intern at a shelter for people experiencing homelessness which sparked her interest in housing. In her personal life, she enjoys cooking, drawing and painting. Her favorite thing to do though is hang out with her two cats and bunny.

Katrina’s desert island food pick: “This might sound kind of gross but I would be content with anything cheesy – Mac n’ cheese, cheese & crackers… even just a block of cheese!”

katrinad@veap.org  •  she/her •  952-955-8318

Zach Dragon works as a Warehouse Specialist for VEAP. He worked as an AmeriCorps COVID-19 Emergency Responder in our food pantry before joining our full-time staff in December of 2020. Zach is a recent graduate of Tartan High School in Oakdale and is currently finishing up his Eagle project for the Boy Scouts. He has completed a great deal of volunteer work and is happy to apply these skills to better serve the community at VEAP. He is an avid lover of sports and all things Boy Scouts.

If Zach were stuck on a desert island with access to just one food item, he picks: Chicken wings.

zachd@veap.org  •   952.388.6406

Courtney Flug is VEAP’s Volunteer Director and directly oversees our 3,000 annual volunteers. She is responsible for all aspects of our volunteer program, ensuring our participants have a meaningful volunteer experience with VEAP. She also works to develop relationships within the community to advance volunteer engagement, and guides organizational staff in retaining volunteers for individual programs and departments. Courtney is passionate about eliminating poverty and believes in the transformative power of community and volunteerism. Most recently, her professional experience includes volunteer program management for Avivo, a Minneapolis based non-profit providing services to increase well-being through recovery, employment, and career advancement. Prior to this role, she spent 15 years in direct services and program management with Interfaith Outreach, a nonprofit based in Plymouth supporting people to overcome barriers to stability. Courtney holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Social Work from University of Wisconsin-Madison. When she’s not working, you can find her running, reading, and cheering on her beloved Badgers and Packers alongside her husband, Josh.

Courtney’s #1 comfort food: “anything made by my mom.”

courtneyf@veap.org •  she/her • 952-955-8325

Ree Ford is VEAP’s Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, joining our staff in the summer of 2020 after serving for a year as an AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer Outreach Coordinator. She supports and engages our volunteer base, with a focus on expanding and diversifying our volunteer corps, developing and implementing trainings that promote inclusion, and deepening partnerships with multicultural communities. Ree is a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota. While there, she advised and supported a diverse group of historically underserved students for the President’s Emerging Scholars program and facilitated workshops that had a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, Ree has served as a Community Outreach Intern for the Minnesota Literacy Council. Her experience also includes volunteering with immigrants and refugees in several settings as a tutor for adults learning English. Ree is a huge family person and loves seeing her grandparents and other close relatives—she visits them every week!

Ree’s biggest comfort food: “definitely pasta. Any kind of pasta. I could eat it every day.”

reef@veap.org •  she/her • 952-388-6409

Jamie Gonzalez joined VEAP’s Social Services team in May of 2020. Prior to VEAP, Jamie worked for several years with Community Action Partnership of Scott, Carver and Dakota Counties. She has experience working in a variety of social services roles, including support with energy assistance programs and case management to individuals who have experienced homelessness. As VEAP’s Bilingual Housing Specialist, she plays a key role in providing financial management assistance to our Spanish-speaking participants and offering housing support. Jamie loves attending sporting events, is an avid biker, and a big lover of the beach. She attended Minnesota School of Business.

If stuck on an island with just one food, Jamie says: “It would have to be pizza.”

jamieg@veap.org • 952.388.6422

Nadia Hecker-O’Brien is VEAP’s Housing Specialist working directly with participants in our Social Services department, researching resources, and responding to calls from our housing line. Her focus is to help connect individuals and families with VEAP services and other community resources. She also works with individuals around VEAP’s financial assistance program, and aids people with housing searches and problem solving. Nadia graduated from Beloit College in 2015, and served as an AmeriCorps VISTA for CAIR-MN before joining VEAP’s team. Nadia cooked professionally in a past life, and gets lots of joy from her cookbook club that meets regularly to try out new recipes and swap tips.

#1 comfort food: “My family’s pasta with tomato sauce is my ultimate comfort food and I never get tired of it.”

nadiah@veap.org •  she/her •  952-955-8303

Jessica Hering is VEAP’s Social Services Director and joined our team in the summer of 2020. Prior to VEAP, Jessica worked for over a decade at The Salvation Army, and has served as a social worker in various capacities for the last 14 years. She has experience in food pantry management, and has supervised and led emergency financial assistance programs, as well as on-site supportive housing and case management programs. At VEAP, Jessica merges her knowledge and experience to complement our team of professionals in the social services department by directing its strategic vision and community impact. She received her Bachelor’s of Social Work from the University of St. Thomas and Master’s of Social Work from the University of Minnesota. Jessica loves taking bike rides with her family, teaching her kids to downhill ski and boating days on the lake. She also can’t resist a good book or a great TV show.

If stuck on an island with just one food, Jessica says she’d choose: “Ice cream! Specifically vanilla with fresh strawberries on top, but anything will do.”

jessicah@veap.org •  she/her •   952-955-8313

Paul Jacobson joined VEAP in September 2012 and has served in a variety of roles since that time. Currently, Paul oversees all food programing, which includes the VEAP Food Pantry, the weekend food program for students, and the nutrition education program. He also directs off-site programming such as rides home for pantry shoppers, food deliveries and shuttles for seniors, and the VEAP Mobile Food Pantry, which launched in 2018. The Basic Needs team is comprised of the Food Operations & Sourcing Manager, the Distribution Coordinator, the Mobile Food Services Manager, as well as the hundreds of volunteers who support our programs. Paul is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in Business. Whether it is traveling, hiking in nature or cooking together at home, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends above all else.

Paul’s biggest comfort food: “It is a passion of mine to prepare and eat delicious foods – though I have no particular favorite dish. That said chips and salsa is definitely one of my guilty pleasures.”

paulj@veap.org  •  he/him • 952-955-8307

Caley Long is VEAP’s Marketing and Digital Manager and joined our team in the fall of 2019. Caley has over a decade of experience in leading forward-thinking and innovative communications and marketing strategy for nonprofits. Prior to joining VEAP, she worked for a Saint Paul affordable housing development organization in a variety of roles. At VEAP, she leads marketing and digital campaigns, and coordinates strategy to advance VEAP’s mission and impact in the community. Caley loves speaking Spanish and Portuguese, and enjoys working within and for the Latinx community. She obtained her B.A. from Macalester College. She loves reading (a lot) and running after her furry pet family: Chuck the cat, Theo the rabbit, and Pepe the Chihuahua-poodle.

Biggest comfort food: “Donuts all the way. There’s no resisting a good chocolate glazed ring of fried dough.”

caleyl@veap.org  • she/her •  952-955-8522

Joe McDonald joined VEAP as CEO in December 2018. Joe comes to VEAP with a 19-year history in non-profit leadership and development as the Executive Director of The Upper Room in Edina. Joe forges partnerships and collaborations to address needs in the community and find innovative solutions to break down barriers and build relationships. His spirit of service and leadership accurately reflect the mission and vision of VEAP – to give all members of the community the ability to pursue their dreams. Joe holds a degree in Math and Economics from Lafayette College in Pennsylvania. He spent several years in investment, research and accounting work in Washington DC, and Minneapolis. Moving into the non-profit sector, he spent time in program development, internal and volunteer training and engagement, before becoming the founding Director, Head of Operations and eventually Executive Director and Lead Pastor of the Upper Room.

Joe’s desert island pick: “If push came to shove, I’d have to pick pizza.”

joem@veap.org  •  952-955-8312

Candy Nava is VEAP’s Bilingual Participant Services Coordinator (Spanish-English) and started her employment with us in October of 2020. At VEAP, Candy serves as the consistent staff presence for VEAP program participants and on-site intake volunteers. She collaborates across departments to build a warm and welcoming environment as people arrive at VEAP’s facility to access our food, housing and social services programs. Prior to VEAP, Candy was in the financial world working for a credit union but always held a passion for human services. She has seen the impact VEAP has made in the community, both personally and professionally, and has always wanted to be a part of an organization that makes a difference. Candy currently attends Metropolitan State University and is working toward her degree in human services. She is a creative soul and enjoys arts and crafts, learning how to play the guitar on her own, and caring for her young son and new puppy.

Candy’s desert island pick: “I would definitely choose French fries!”

candyn@veap.org  •  952-388-6414

Kial Nelson joined VEAP in 2016 as part of our Advancement team and now serves as a Senior Advancement Associate. Kial is responsible for managing the day-to-day aspects of VEAP’s individual giving program and maintains our donor database, preparing fundraising reports to support donor cultivation. She is also integral in organizing and planning for VEAP’s special events, including our annual gala and other fundraising opportunities. Prior to joining VEAP, Kial worked with youth at Treehouse after receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Bethel University. At home, Kial enjoys passing time with her husband, Riley, her big family, and her much-loved golden doodle, Kevin.

If Kial were stuck on a desert island with access to just one food item: “I would choose mac & cheese or anything dark chocolate!”

kialn@veap.org   •  952-955-8312

Dave Rannow is VEAP’s Distribution Coordinator and has been working with direct service nonprofits since 2012, including The PROP Shop, Bridging, and Small Sums. He joined VEAP in 2017 and helps manage the daily operations and volunteer staff in the VEAP’s distribution warehouse and food pantry. Dave also oversees the Student Food Pack program, which distributes pre-packed food bags to students on weekends throughout the school year. In this role, he serves as liaison to each school and facilitates the weekly packing with assistance from local Rotary groups. Outside of work he likes being outside, and is often hiking, camping, canoeing, or climbing.

Dave’s #1 food choice: “If trapped deep in a Nordic forest (you’d be hard pressed to find me anywhere near a desert island) with access to only one food, it would far and away be gummi bears (while I’m fending off bears of the actual variety).”

daver@veap.org   •  952-955-8309

Nathan Rust is VEAP’s Food Operations and Sourcing Manager and joined our team in 2007. He is responsible for the operational activities of VEAP’s Food Program, interacting with volunteers and visitors, and sourcing and procuring all products distributed in the Food Pantry, as well as the purchase of program supplies. Nathan ensures VEAP’s food operation is within state and local facility codes and meets food safety standards. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and earned his degree in Business Administration. Outside of work, Nathan’s faith in God brings him much joy, and he also enjoys making memories with his family and friends, reading, and watching a good movie.

Nathan’s desert island food pick: “I love all things breakfast… eggs, sausage, bacon, etc.  So an omelet would be great.”

nathanr@veap.org   •  952-955-8305

Nicole Rust serves as VEAP’s Program & Data Support Coordinator and joined us in 2008. In her role, Nicole is responsible for setting up schedules and other program info for volunteers on the phones, computer projects for volunteers in data entry, and providing support for those volunteers throughout the day. She also gathers statistics to show VEAP’s impact in the community, and updates and maintains department procedure and training manuals in accordance with organization policies. When not crunching numbers, Nicole loves to spend time with her family. She also volunteers at a local nursing home and enjoys forming relationships with the residents.

If stuck on an island with one food of her choice, Nicole would pick chicken fried rice.

nicoler@veap.org   •  952-955-8308

Miles Sandbo is VEAP’s Warehouse Specialist and joined our team originally as an AmeriCorps VISTA COVID-19 Emergency Responder in the summer of 2020, before becoming a full-time staff member in December of 2020. Miles is a recent graduate of the University of Saint Thomas with a degree in history and worked as a store representative for a moulding company in various home improvement stores across the Twin Cities before joining our staff. At VEAP, he supports daily operations in our Food Pantry, ensuring food distribution in our drive-up runs smoothly. Miles enjoys working for an organization whose mission he is in confident in supporting and is proud to be part of a dynamic, ever-responding team. While in college, Miles played in the euphonium in the school bands and alongside music, he enjoys drinking lots of coffee and reading books.

Miles’ go-to desert island food: “a good deep-dish pizza.”

miless@veap.org   •  he/him • 952-955-8320

Kari Thompson joined VEAP in early 2019 as our Advancement Director. Prior to VEAP, Kari worked at the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities as the Vice President of Development and Communications. She has over 25 years of experience working in non-profit/philanthropic communities in Minnesota. At VEAP, she is responsible for directing all aspects of our advancement plan including individual, congregation and business giving, corporate and foundation grants, special events, community fundraising, planned giving, and marketing/information management. Kari provides leadership to our cross-functional team to implement resource development strategies and special campaigns to achieve revenue goals. Kari earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Mankato State University in Industrial Organizational Psychology.

Kari’s comfort food of choice: “Chai tea.”

karit@veap.org  •  she/her • 952-955-8310

Sean is VEAP’s Mobile Food Services Manager and has a long history in non-profit transportation programs prior to joining VEAP in February 2016. He worked for 13 years at Lifeworks, a nonprofit that assists adults with disabilities in the workforce. During his time at Lifeworks he was a driver supervisor and coordinated transportation for the clients. Sean also worked at Smartlink, a Metro Mobility provider in Scott and Carver counties. Sean has been instrumental in the launch and growth of VEAP’s Mobile Food program and currently oversees its day-to-day operations. Outside of work, he loves spending time with his family and traveling when they can. Sean also enjoys photography, listening to music and cheering on the Minnesota Timberwolves.

If stuck on a remote island with just one unlimited food, Sean says: “An island consisting of cheeseburgers sounds like paradise… Wait, that sounds like a terrible song.”

seant@veap.org   •  he/him • 952-955-8306