Our Leadership
Board of Directors
Jeffrey Wertz
(Chair)
Senior Vice President – Equipment Finance, TCF National Bank
Judy Pennington
(Vice-Chair)
Managing Director, Deloitte Consulting – Retired
Michael O’Keefe
(Secretary)
Vice President for Advancement, DeLaSalle High School
Susan Haffield
(Treasurer)
Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Kyle
Didier
President, Tyme Holdings LLC
Stanley Jackson
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Heidi
Thorson, MD
Minnesota Perinatal Physicians
Mike
Wilczynski
Assistant Vice President, Tax and EMEA, General Tax Counsel, Cargill, Inc.
Carol
Frey Wolfe
Vice President/Program Manager, Frey Foundation
Staff and Leadership
High School & College Staff – Program Assistants
Banyan high school and college youth, many of whom have long-term relationships with Banyan, serve as staff working part-time to assist with program activities in our after school and summer programs. Our staff participate in ongoing professional mentoring and leadership development opportunities and meet regularly with supervising staff for direction and feedback regarding their performance, and participate in regular staff trainings to help develop skills in the best practices of youth development. Youth staff quickly earn the trust and respect of elementary youth at Banyan because they have grown up Banyan and serve as positive role models in the next generation of Banyan youth.
“I love how Banyan supports families and kids. My kids really enjoy coming here and the educators do a great job.”
“I am so grateful for Banyan. I trust Banyan and the staff here with my children, which is very important to me.”
“Sometimes I think of moving to the suburbs due to the drug and homeless issues but, then I think of Banyan and my neighbors, friends and family and I say – I CAN NEVER LEAVE PHILLIPS.”
“I’m glad I came to Banyan this summer or else I would just be at home bored watching TV instead of doing fun things like crafts.”
“I’m thankful that we have had Banyan to guide us through this college process. We have never done this before, and don’t know anything about college or financial aid. It was good to know that our son had Banyan to help him understand things and explain the steps.”
“Banyan teaches you to stand up for what you know is right, to handle the situation in a respectful manner.”
“I give to Banyan because I know that my gift will go a long way both in impact with the community as well as effectiveness with a well-run organization.”