About
Staff
Sarah Alfaham
Fiscal Sponsorship Manager
salfaham@propelnonprofits.org
612-249-6748
Starting out in the journalism world, I switched gears when I realized that I not only wanted to write about the story, but wanted to be a part of the story.
I love working with organizations to achieve their outcomes. My passion includes integrating best practices and concepts such as safe third spaces, transformational leadership, teamwork, and change management. It is wonderful to see an organization grow and develop into a productive organization that truly helps their community.
My educational background includes a B.A. in History and Communications from the University of Toledo and a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan, within Management of Human Services: Children Youth and Families. My experience in nonprofit management began in D.C. and includes fieldwork in Southwest Detroit and across Southeast Michigan. I began consulting in my hometown of Toledo, Ohio and I’m excited to be applying these skills in Minnesota now!
I enjoy baking, reading, movies, soccer, boxing, and always searching for the best donuts in the area.
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Keven Ambrus
CFO & Vice President, Finance
kambrus@propelnonprofits.org
612-249-6664
I like to think everyone has a little financial analyst in themselves. I’ve spent much of my career helping organizations develop financial plans, understand costs, and implement change. I really enjoy the inquisitive nature of learning something new and solving problems. Although most of my professional career has been in the for-profit community, I’ve appreciated the opportunity to contribute to and learn from the nonprofit community over the past few years. I find working within the nonprofit community to be fulfilling and connected to who I am. I received my MBA from Embry-Riddle University and am on the boards of COMPAS, Inc., a nonprofit putting creativity into the hands of Minnesotans, and First Universalist Church of Minneapolis.
When I am not working, you can find me with a golf club in my hand or doing some type of sports activity.
Elizabeth Appel
Training Manager
eappel@propelnonprofits.org
612-249-6829
I come to Propel Nonprofits with 10 years of training, technical assistance, and program development experience in service-learning, curriculum development, youth leadership, and asset-based community development. I believe in the power of a well-framed question, that all participants have something to learn and something to offer at every training, and that (almost) any problem can be solved with flip charts and sticky notes.
I have a B.A. in political science and economics from Luther College. In my free time, you’ll find me listening to podcasts about politics and reality television, refining my recipe for the perfect roast chicken, and drinking the best cup of coffee I can find (often all at the same time).
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Kate Barr
President & CEO
kbarr@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6696
I’ve been making meaning out of financial information and strategies for decades, with stints as an arts administrator, a bank executive, Executive Director of Nonprofits Assistance Fund and now President & CEO for Propel Nonprofits. Whether it’s from a conference podium, a classroom whiteboard, or sitting at a board meeting, my goal is to help people connect the dots between mission and business model.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me at arts events or diving into policy issues. I live in an old St. Paul house with my husband and have two brilliant adult children. I’m proud to have been in all 50 US states (and working towards all 87 Minnesota counties). I also drink a lot of coffee.
Darrell Beauford
Accounting & Finance Consultant
dbeauford@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6683
I recently returned to the Twin Cities from Austin, Texas. I bring significant accounting experience to the Propel accounting and finance team from my prior work with the Neighborhood Development Center in Minneapolis.
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Monzong Cha
Loan Fund Program Associate
mcha@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6701
My name is Monzong and it means “good luck” in Hmong. I join Propel Nonprofits with years of research work in sociology, anthropology, politics, and marketing. As the loan fund program associate, I help the lending team with maintaining records and assist with ongoing management of loan security. I gain a lot of inspiration from working with people from different backgrounds and passions. I am happy to be part of this compassionate team who cares about propelling nonprofits that benefit diverse communities.
I studied biochemistry and sociology at St. Olaf College, while sparking conversations on environmental sustainability.
I live in Andover where I craft organic vegan soaps that rebalances the skin and soothes the soul. I love long evening walks in nature, biking, painting, playing the piano, food art, mentoring youth, and traveling internationally to submerge myself in different cultures and to learn more about healing the body, mind & soul. Please do not hesitate to connect with me to discuss topics on finances, health, networking and more!
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Amanda Duhon
Strategic Services Associate
aduhon@propelnonprofits.org
612-249-6686
My career in nonprofits began at the Institute for Practical Idealism, and that value has stayed with me ever since. Nonprofits are key to turning an idealistic vision into a practical reality. In my three years as an AmeriCorps member, I built capacity in nonprofits and community organizations across the Twin Cities. Through the last five years of working in youth development and partnership development, I learned the value of meaningful input and leadership development from within the community.
Outside of work, you’ll find me on a series of quests across the country: Quest to have the largest dogs (check), quest to go to all the breweries in Minnesota (check), quest to go to all the counties in Minnesota (almost), and quest to go to all the national parks (part-way).
Mary Ann Ehlshlager
Accounting & Finance Program Director
mehlshlager@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6774
My decades of experience in nonprofit leadership have shown me that excellence in financial management is critical not just to the stewardship of balance sheets, but to empowering nonprofits to achieve the greatest mission impact. Collaborative by nature, I enjoy de-mystifying financial leadership for volunteers and staff throughout an organization.
I am originally from Virginia but my work as an executive director in nonprofit theatres has allowed me to serve the nonprofit sectors in New York, Delaware, and Washington. I am thrilled to be back in Minnesota where, earlier in my career, I served as the Project Manager for the new Guthrie Theatre.
My hobbies include public history, reparative genealogy, and riding my motorcycle.
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Dan Frankenfeld
Data Associate
dfrankenfeld@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6694
I’m passionate about mission-driven work and the capacity-growth philosophy informing our loan process, training, technical assistance, and other programs delivered by Propel Nonprofits. I support the lending team and nonprofits throughout the loan process and work on special projects.
Before Propel Nonprofits, I held several jobs and internships across sectors and disciplines, most recently serving as a New Sector Alliance RISE Fellow placed at Rebuilding Together Twin Cities. I graduated from St. Olaf College (2015) and am invigorated by conversation (and reading!) about vocation, analytics, mission metrics, or anything related to strategy, leadership, and philosophy.
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Lu Hang
Loan Officer & Financial Specialist
lhang@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6676
I am a former Thai/Chinese restaurant owner turned banker turned Loan Officer and Financial Specialist at Propel Nonprofits. Over the last 19 years, I’ve used my financial savvy to help entrepreneurs and nonprofits achieve their goals. I’m passionate about helping nonprofits improve quality of life, particularly in underserved communities. I have been with Propel Nonprofits for over four years and as a “not-so-silent” nonprofit partner, I love providing financial advice and technical assistance in accessible and easy-to-understand terms. I serve on the Board of Regents for Concordia University St. Paul, Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul and Hmong Nationalities Organization.
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Phil Hatlie
Senior Loan Officer & Financial Specialist
phatlie@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6673
I’ve spent most of my career in the Minnesota nonprofit sector. Although my degree is in liberal arts, I spent 15 years directing the finances at nonprofits including the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches, TC Habitat for Humanity, and HECUA. I’ve been with Propel Nonprofits for more than 10 years as a financial trainer and lender, working with nonprofits in areas ranging from education and social services to the arts to chemical dependency and community health. I treasure the relationships I’ve been able to form with these nonprofits, and am proud of the work we’ve been able to accomplish together.
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Mario Hernandez
Strategic Services Director
mhernandez@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6688
I’m a firm believer of nonprofits’ ability to build and sustain a more just society. I’ve been in the sector for nearly 20 years and have served in numerous executive leadership and board roles—executive director, vice president and chief operating office, board chair, board vice chair, and board treasurer. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned leading organizations with other current and emerging nonprofit leaders. I enjoy talking strategy, methodical operation plans and marketing campaigns, collective impact through collaboration, inclusive leadership development, and paying for it all through sustainable business models.
St. Paul is my home. I cross the river daily. Family and connection to community matter to me.
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Sarah B. Jackson
Loan Officer & Financial Specialist
sjackson@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6668
I’ve been working with or for nonprofit organizations in Minnesota for more than a decade in various roles including as executive director of the Minnesota News Council and program director for the Minnesota Newspaper Association. Knowledge of nonprofit finance once eluded me, but now I love helping nonprofit leaders decipher and understand the often exclusionary language of finance. As a lender, trainer and partner, I work closely with nonprofits in the upper Midwest supporting their important mission-driven work.
I earned degrees in Journalism and Philosophy from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. I love books, newspapers, travel, cooking, sports, and Lake Superior.
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Koa Mirai
Loan Officer & Financial Specialist
kmirai@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6682
I am a cultural anthropologist-turned-lender and financial specialist. I enjoy partnering with fantastic nonprofit clients to build capacities around capital management and financial sustainability while simultaneously learning much about money myself. As a researcher, educator, and nonprofit consultant, I’ve worked closely with folks directing social change in widely diverse settings, both here in the Twin Cities and back home in India. Like them, I’m committed to tackling structural inequalities that organize our world(s), and a redistribution of capital and financial knowledge aligns powerfully with this vision. Most importantly, I value relationships with the people I work with and believe truly generative insights come out of attentiveness, curiosity, and deep personal engagement.
Other recent life highlights: performing with Aniccha Arts in a parking lot, serving on (the super rad) Family Tree Clinic’s board, driving solo through the Black Hills, and revisiting New Taiwanese cinema.
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Mary Nehring
Administrative Manager
mnehring@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6678
I oversee the human resources functions at Propel, including benefits and payroll, employee onboarding, and keeping our facility operating well. I also work directly with the President and CEO, helping with statistical information documentation, corporate record keeping, and special projects for Propel Nonprofits. i help support the Development Director with grant tracking and correspondence. I also work with the board of directors and committees with meeting correspondence and meeting logistics.
Outside of Propel Nonprofits, you will find me active at my church as a Confirmation teacher and Music Team vocalist, helping to lead worship services, along with being the chair of the Turkey Task Force that plans and runs a Community Thanksgiving Dinner each year. I have also been involved in community theater as an actor and assistant director. I enjoy spending time with my family, especially working on puzzles and playing board games.
Sara Nevison
Accountant
snevison@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6687
I began my career in nonprofits as an AmeriCorps VISTA member, building the capacity of local education-focused organizations to improve and expand programming. I immediately loved the power of the nonprofit sector to not just believe in the possibility of a better world, but to actively work toward it through creative problem solving, innovation, and partnership building. After AmeriCorps, I managed high-quality tutoring programs in public schools with Reading & Math, Inc. As the Fiscal Sponsorship Specialist for Propel Nonprofits, I am thrilled to support high-potential, emerging organizations as they innovate to solve unmet needs in the region.
Outside of work you will find me hiking the area’s parks with my beloved basset hound, reading fiction, or cooking for my friends and family.
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Glyn Northington
Senior Program Director
gnorthington@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6672
I’ve spent my career fostering relationships while working either for or with nonprofit organizations. I began as a marketing college professor at two liberal arts colleges in Iowa and Missouri before moving to the Twin Cities. Here I got to feed my passion for performing arts by marketing the Guthrie Theater and the Minnesota Opera, and then marketed Target’s support of nonprofits across the country before managing Target’s Foundation and its national arts and food philanthropic portfolios.
Becoming part of the Propel Nonprofits team has allowed me to combine my passions in nonprofits, relationship development, and teaching/training into one position as I partner with nonprofit organizations as they add such incredible vitality to our communities.
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Janet Ogden-Brackett
Vice President and Chief Program Officer
jogden-brackett@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6677
I oversee Propel Nonprofits’ programs. I also deliver training workshops and provide technical assistance on financial management topics to nonprofits throughout Minnesota. I’ve collaborated on 10 cohorts for nonprofits exploring the launch of a social enterprise. I love the idea of nonprofits having autonomy with their money and think that social enterprise is a good option on how that can be achieved.
Prior to joining Propel Nonprofits, I was Director of Operations and Financial Manager at Minnesota Environmental Initiative. I have a B.A. in Business Management from the University of St. Thomas. A graduate of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Leadership Institute, I serve on the board of directors for Family Tree Clinic, Danish American Center (Minnesota), and Twin Cities Film Festival.
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Luciano Patiño
Information Technology & Data Manager
lpatino@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6690
I moved to Minneapolis from Miami over 17 years ago to study at the University of Minnesota, thinking it would be a short stay. After nearly two decades, the Twin Cities is home. As a nonprofit infrastructure geek, I’ve been involved in many organizations as a volunteer, board member and employee. I’ve chaired the Queer Student Cultural Center at the U, been on the board at PFund Foundation, and served as a database expert at the Minnesota Council on Foundations. I love making nonprofits stronger through the smart use of technology.
Outside of work, I follow (too many) sports and cooking shows, I help people get fit as a Crossfit coach, and I spend lots of time on the couch with my Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Leila.
Kathi Rogers
Management Associate
krogers@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6681
With over 40 years of experience in accounting, finance, mergers and acquisitions, leadership and management in the banking industry, I’m now retired and volunteering at Propel Nonprofits. I hope that my work background and experiences can help this great team to move forward with their mission in supporting the nonprofit sector. I enjoy working with a team of individuals who are so dedicated and passionate about what they do.
Kallie Rollenhagen
Marketing Manager
krollenhagen@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6685
As Propel Nonprofits’ marketing manager, I get to lift up the great work of amazing nonprofits in Minnesota and beyond. Before joining the team at Propel, I worked at a range of community and economic development-focused nonprofits in Chicago, Baltimore, and Greater Minnesota.
I’m a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where I studied architecture and psychology – both which help as a communicator, in-house creative, and question-asker. I’m a big supporter of Greater Minnesota and rural exploration; in my free time, you’ll find me on gravel roads either biking, running, or taking photos.
John Skillings
Accounting & Finance Consultant
jskillings@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6715
I’m a seasoned professional who enjoys helping nonprofit organizations with their finance and accounting needs. Like other Propel Nonprofits accounting consultants, I understand the relationship between good finance/accounting systems and practices and mission success.
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Eric Stoebner, CPA (inactive)
Controller
estoebner@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6670
I am passionate about and truly enjoying the opportunity to apply my wealth of nonprofit financial experiences and skills to the internal financial operations of a respected, mission-driven nonprofit organization. Over the course of my professional career, I have provided accounting and financial management services to a diverse range of Twin Cities nonprofit organizations in a wide variety of roles, including Controller, Finance/Business Manager, Senior Accountant, Consultant, Contractor, and Auditor. This is my professional calling—to work with and for nonprofit organizations and to provide accurate, timely, and informative financial reporting and analysis.
I have a B.A. in Accounting from the University of Northern Iowa and I hold professional memberships with the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Nonprofit Financial Group of the Twin Cities.
Allison Moen Wagstrom
Portfolio Director & Financial Specialist
awagstrom@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6695
I believe in the fundamental power of financial understanding to transform individuals and nonprofits. Financial language, too often, is rarified and exclusionary. I seek to make it accessible to everyone and provide scaffolding to leaders as they increase their knowledge. My professional background is in community and political organizing, nonprofit management, and nonprofit financial leadership.
My perfect conversation is about financially healthy nonprofits and 1990’s British Rock bands. I love Minneapolis, First Avenue, Doctor Who, astronomy, anthropology, and cats.
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Sara Wessling
Training Manager
swessling@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6675
I have a passion for nonprofits and enjoy developing training to help organizations grow and thrive. My nonprofit career started at a young age as a volunteer in my rural Iowa home town. Since then I have worked as a program manager for a national child care association, a state support organization for Habitat for Humanity, and an association of leaders of volunteers. Over the past 15 years I’ve had the opportunity to work with nonprofit organizations across the state of Minnesota delivering training, technical assistance and consulting support in areas ranging from volunteer engagement to program evaluation.
Most recently I managed Minnesota’s Service Enterprise Initiative certifying more than 40 Minnesota organizations in three years. I have a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management from Hamline University and an undergraduate degree in psychology and sociology. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my young son and husband, trying new restaurants, reading, and exploring Minnesota’s natural wonders and roadside attractions.
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Acacia Willey
Senior Accounting & Finance Consultant
awilley@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6758
I’ve been working in the nonprofit sector for over 18 years. I have experience in a variety of roles: technology support, program management, financial management, human resources, and fundraising. Prior to joining Propel Nonprofits, I was a senior accountant at a public accounting firm. I have since determined I am a nonprofit lifer! With a passion for helping others and a natural gift for problem solving and analyzing numbers, there’s no better way to support nonprofits carrying out their missions than to coach, train, and teach nonprofit organizations and accounting professionals.
My husband and three young and energetic sons make up a family of “good eaters,” so I’m always looking for a new recipe to try! My pursuit is a healthy, well-balanced, and active lifestyle.
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Kabo Yang
Strategic Services Consultant
kyang@propelnonprofits.org
612-249-6698
I have spent my career working and consulting in the nonprofit sector in the Twin Cities. I began as a Paralegal at Southern MN Regional Legal Services, then Foundation Relations Manager at Greater Twin Cities United Way, and most recently, the Executive Director at Minnesota Women’s Consortium. My consulting practice focused on identity-driven leadership, culturally-affirming nonprofit management and inclusion initiatives, and prioritized people of color-led organizations including Mu Performing Arts, Centro Tyrone Guzman, Hmong Cultural Center, The Power of People Leadership Institute, and Hnub Tshiab: Hmong Women Achieving Together.
I’ve served on nonprofit boards for over ten years and am currently serving on Streets Stops and Mountain Tops and Southeast Asian Resource Action Center. I’m also an adjunct instructor in the Organizational Leadership graduate program at St. Catherine University. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration; Masters’ Degrees in Organizational Leadership and in Human and Organizational Systems; and am pursuing my Ph.D. in Organizational Development and Change. I am a former refugee, single parent to two young adults, and enjoy movies, traveling, and reading.
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Amanda Ziebell Mawanda
Strategic Services Consultant
aziebell@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6693
I believe in the power of relationship and the ability of our communities to solve the most pressing challenges we face. I have over a decade of experience consulting with nonprofits, faith-based groups, schools, and governmental agencies around organizational leadership and health, strategy, and network development. I enjoy working with clients who are committed to making a difference in their communities and am passionate about building common vision, igniting creativity, and unleashing energy for positive change. As a doctoral candidate, my research focuses on transformational leadership practices and learning communities.
I live in the Corcoran neighborhood of Minneapolis, where I grow and preserve food from our community garden plot, read poetry, cook delicious meals for those I love, and create beautiful pieces of origami.
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