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

Emily Bingham is VEAP’s Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator VISTA and started her one-year tenure with our team in January of 2021. Emily focuses on building capacity for VEAP by expanding and diversifying our volunteer corps and implementing trainings to support inclusivity and deepening community partnerships.  She recently graduated from Wartburg College with a degree in International Relations and German Studies with minors in Intercultural Studies and History. While at school, Emily worked with students from a variety of backgrounds as a tutor in the writing lab, and also enjoyed recruitment and outreach work both as a student ambassador for her college and as the vice-president of the German club. Emily won a Fulbright Scholarship for 2020-21 school year to teach in Germany and work in a refugee services organization however COVID-19 derailed this opportunity, which led her to AmeriCorps. She is eager to learn more about the communities that VEAP serves and to study and understand how the organization can grow and serve these communities even better with a more diversified volunteer base. In her free time, she enjoys socializing with family and friends (pre-COVID), reading, being outside, spending time with animals (especially cats!), playing the trombone, and singing.

If Emily had access to just one unlimited food item on a desert island, she says: “I would probably pick pizza (with lots of veggies and green olives).”

emilyb@veap.org  • she/her • 952.955.8301

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.”

katieb@veap.org  • she/her • 952.388.6422

Shari DeBlieck works as VEAP’s Operations Director. She volunteered for VEAP in many roles for two years before officially joining as staff in 2000. Shari has also served in many staff roles since that time, and now directs the administrative operations of VEAP, overseeing all aspects of our facility and IT, 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 has seen lots of change), wants 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!

If Shari were stuck on a desert island with access to just one food item: “That’s easy for me – WATERMELON!”

sharid@veap.org  • she/her • 952.955.8304

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 and supports initial screening, interviewing, scheduling and placement of volunteers in addition to greeting and orienting new volunteers and supporting volunteer staffing needs throughout the organization. Prior to this role, she did a year of service as an AmeriCorps VISTA in our Volunteer Department where she focused on expanding and diversifying our volunteer corps, developing and implementing trainings that promote inclusion, and deepening partnerships with multicultural communities. She continues to be passionate about equity and inclusion work and incorporates both practices in her daily work here at VEAP. Ree obtained her B.A. from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. She loves reading, writing, and spending time with family — she visits her grandparents nearly 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 • she/her/ella • 952.388.6412

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 all activities in the commercial kitchen. He also directs off-site programming such as the VEAP Mobile Food program, the home grocery delivery service and other transportation services for pantry shoppers. The Food & Basic Needs team is comprised of the Food Operations & Sourcing Manager, the Distribution Manager, the Mobile Food Services Manager, the Warehouse Specialist, 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, running, or cooking at home, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends above all else.

Paul’s biggest comfort food: “While I love to prepare and enjoy delicious foods – chips and salsa is definitely one of my guilty pleasures.

paulj@veap.org  •  he/him • 952.955.8307

Lesley Kraft joined VEAP’s team in August of 2021 as our Advancement Associate/Raiser’s Edge Administrator. In her role, she is responsible for the administration of VEAP’s donor database, data/gift entry and acknowledgement, managing and maintaining the integrity and accuracy of private donor information, and processing donations. Lesley is a graduate of St. Olaf College where she majored in English and psychology with a concentration in women’s and gender studies. Following college, she moved to New York City to focus on women’s rights and worked for Hearts of Gold, a nonprofit for homeless mothers and their children, and the Center for Reproductive Rights. She has previously volunteered with Ms. Foundation for Women, Planned Parenthood NYC, NOW-NYC, and recently started volunteering as a counselor for the Trevor Project. Lesley is inspired by the work that VEAP does and enjoys supporting an organization that helps fulfill people’s basic needs so that they can take time to actually enjoy their lives. In her personal time, Lesley loves to read (she aims for 60 books a year!), write, knit, paint and play with her dog, Nymeria.

Lesley’s desert island pick? “Chocolate!”

lesleyk@veap.org  •  she/her • 952.955.8319

Liz Lee is VEAP’s Accounting Administrative Assistant and joined VEAP in February of 2021. In her role, she supports our Social Services team in effectively processing requests for financial assistance and serves as bridge with our finance department. Liz recently graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a B.A. in Global Studies and Economics. During her undergraduate career, she had the opportunity to conduct research and wrote her thesis on Los Angeles’ homeless encampments and their equitable access to community resources. Her research inspired her to pursue a career in social work and the empowerment of people and communities. Liz has experience at a range of non-profits including Civicspark through AmeriCorps and MN-based College Possible—she even counted ballots for the 2020 General Election. Liz spent time as a VEAP volunteer before joining our team and was impressed by our volunteers’ commitment and positive energy. When not at work, Liz enjoys the outdoors and looks forward to canoeing in the Boundary Waters whenever she can. She’s also a huge 60s and 70s music fan!

If Liz were stuck on a desert island with just one food of her choice, she says: “It would be mashed potatoes because I don’t think I could live without them!”

lizl@veap.org  • she/her • 952.955.830.

Amy Lon is VEAP’s Human Resources Manager and joined our team in July of 2021. In her role, she is responsible for managing recruitment processes, employee relations, regulatory compliance, and training and development for employee retention. Amy has previously worked in various industries, including manufacturing, logistics, social services, aerospace, and janitorial services, among others. She has always enjoyed HR, especially helping employees develop and organizations grow. Furthering and strengthening VEAP’s mission by retaining and supporting top talent is central to her work. Amy received her Bachelor’s in Human Resource Development and a Masters’ in Human Resource Management. At home, she loves to cook and bake for friends and family—as well as hula hoop!

If stuck on a desert island with access to just one food, Amy picks: “Salt, to season my food.”

amyl@veap.org  • she/her •  952.388.6411

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 speaks Spanish and Portuguese, and enjoys working within and for the Latinx community. She obtained her B.A. from Macalester College. She loves reading, yoga, and running after her furry pet family of three.

Biggest comfort food: “Dried, unsweetened mango. Yum.”

caleyl@veap.org  • she/her •  952-955-8322

Melissa Maurer joined VEAP in August of 2021 and is in charge of providing leadership and training for organizational usage of our central participant database, ClientTrack, to staff and volunteers. Melissa ensures data integrity through regular audits, and coordinates with others to improve our ability to capture and report accurate, relevant and meaningful data about our impact. Melissa has worked at non-profits her entire career, including the Alliance of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Science Societies (ACSESS), the U of M Foundation (UMF), Water Resources Center (WRC) and the Onsite Sewage Treatment Program (OSTP). She is very well-versed in picking up acronyms! As a self-proclaimed data nerd, Melissa loves learning all of the nooks and crannies of databases; she also delights in a complex spreadsheet. When not working, she enjoys refining her amateur winemaking skills, kayaking on our state’s many rivers, and spending time with her two cats.

If Melissa were stuck on a desert island with access to just one food item, she picks: “My Dad’s homemade stroganoff!”

melissam@veap.org  • she/her •  952.388.6418

James McCants Jr., LSW is a Social Worker at VEAP and joined our team in March of 2021. In his role, he provides targeted case management to program participants, and builds connections with outside resources to holistically support community members in crisis. James previously worked as a Child Protection Social Worker with Ramsey County, and also has experience as an Associate Pastor before pursuing a social work career. He enjoys serving individuals in a direct way and using his public speaking and communication skills to skillfully serve as an advocate. James is a nature lover, likes exercising when he can, and reading books. A native of Providence, Rhode Island, he graduated from The University of Rhode Island and moved to Minnesota in 2004.

If stuck on an island with just one food of his choice, James says: “I think I could live on purple grapes!”

jamesm@veap.org  •  952.955.8318

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  • he/him • 952.955.8312

Kial Nelson joined VEAP in 2016 as part of our Advancement team and now serves as an Advancement Database Coordinator. 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   •  952.388.6410

Dave Rannow is VEAP’s Distribution Manager 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 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 supports all areas of our team to show VEAP’s impact in the community, and updates and maintains department procedure and training manuals in accordance with organization policies. When not at work, 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

Gabriela Sicard is VEAP’s Bi-lingual Participant Services Coordinator and joined our Social Services team in August of 2021. In her role, she supports people as they visit the food pantry and helps to coordinate volunteers working in the pantry. A native of Mexico City, Gabriela lived in California for many years before moving to Minnesota in the early 2000s. She holds many different types of certifications and has worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for various elder care communities, as well as a medical interpreter and pharmacy technician. In Mexico, Gabriela worked in tourism administration and also studied law while in college. She enjoys using her communication skills at VEAP with participants and volunteers. When not at work, Gabriela loves walking in nature and hanging out with her 13-year old son.

If stuck on desert island with access to just one food, Gabriela picks: “Enchiladas de mole.”

gabrielas@veap.org   •  she/her • 952.388.6414

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. He also is integral to our home food delivery program, supports our volunteer drivers and serves as back-up to our food 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.

Desert island pick? Sean says: “Thai food.”

seant@veap.org   •  he/him • 952.955.8306