Meet Our Board of Directors

Mike McCann (Board Chair and Vice President, U.S. Sales, Xerox, North American Resellers) “I hope to use my sales and marketing skills to significantly increase the financial stability of Listening House through ongoing development and execution of a strategic plan that includes a regular cadence of fund development and community awareness activities.  I envision a future where ample resources are available for Listening House employee development and guest services, and the core mission is protected and able to deliver for as long as there are homeless, disadvantaged and lonely people in our community.”

Mike Jorgensen (Treasurer and Former CEO of Claims and Benefits, Inc.) “I was attracted to Listening House because of their great mission and how much they accomplish on a limited budget.  I plan to focus on the financial stability of the organization.”

Alice Lee (Secretary and Supervisor for Ramsey County Intake) I hope to educate the broader community about homelessness, spread the good word about Listening House, and assist where and how I can to help Listening House prosper.”

Bret Byfield (Case Manager with the Police Homeless Outreach Project) “I want to help Listening House achieve strong economic stability while working to enhance our services and life skills curriculum offered to guests.”

Terry Griep (Freelance Writer) “I aim to raise awareness in the St. Paul community, in particular in those members of the community who have power and/or financial resources, of the plight of our city’s street people. Recognizing these concerns cannot be remedied in the short-term, I hope to provide a safe, pleasant and socially comfortable place where street people can rely on getting help for their immediate needs, where their legitimate questions and concerns can be addressed with respect, and where they will be approached with the dignity they deserve.”

Patrick McCann (Sr. Vice-President, Johnson McCann) “I want to continue the great work of Listening House and hope that my life experiences in business and personally can be of value to the organization. Mostly, I want to preserve what the people who came before me at Listening House have established.”

Mary Cay Carsello (Strategic Marketing Consultant) “I hope to build a broadened base of ongoing financial support for the invaluable services that Listening House provides.  I also want to expand community awareness and understanding of Listening House’s unique service model as a means of enriching support and leveraging the unique capabilities of guests, supporters and the community as a whole.”

Tom Hubler (Hubler Family Business Consultants) “I hope to collaborate with other members of the board to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the board of directors, so as to more clearly benefit the guests of Listening House and homeless people in general.”

Kent Wheelock (Vice President, U.S. Bank) “Upon my first visit to Listening House, one thing became immediately clear: that giving back can be something as simple as shaking someone's hand, welcoming them inside, chatting with them about their day or pouring them a cup of coffee.  By becoming a board member, I'd like to think that my contributions will ensure that Listening House will continue to operate effectively and be available for years to come for all walks, especially for those not blessed with family or loved ones to offer assistance or warmth.”

Tim Lambrecht (CEO, InCompass IT) “It has always been my passion to help the St. Paul and Minneapolis communities through non-profit organizations.  Being on the board of Listening House is and honor and true blessing.”

Dave Burns (Attorney) “There is strength in simplicity.  Listening is a simple gift.  I am encouraged and enthused by the approach Listening House takes to remind the most vulnerable of our community that they are human; to listen to them.  I am pleased to join this talented group of directors to ensure the long term survival of this simple gift and build awareness of what possibilities listening can bring.”

Tom Zander (Ecolab, Vice-President Sales/Service) "I work downtown St. Paul and really like what Listening House offers the community. I can either stay on the 'sidelines,' walk past homeless people and do nothing, or become involved and try to help. I would like to do more with the blessings I've been given, and think Listening House offers me that chance."

Corey Tansom (CEO, Imaging Path)