About
Staff
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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Ashley Caradine
Program Associate
acaradine@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6665
I coordinate the preparation and delivery of Propel Nonprofits’ training to individuals and organizations in Minnesota and the surrounding area by preparing training materials and providing event and administrative support. After receiving a B.A. from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, I served a wide variety of nonprofits, including Heifer International. I love working on projects and enjoy being extremely organized. In my free time I explore as much adventure as possible, try new foods and restaurants, and travel.
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Mary Ann Ehlshlager
Accounting & Finance Program Director
mehlshlager@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6774
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Dan Frankenfeld
Loan Fund 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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Danielle Gangelhoff
Fiscal Sponsorship Director
dgangelhoff@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6671
I started my nonprofit career as a “utility player,” learning and working in everything from event planning to finance, operations, business development, and program management. Currently, I manage the fiscal sponsorship program, which I developed and launched in 2014. Every day I support high-potential, emerging organizations advancing purpose-driven work in the region. I collaborate with exceptional leaders who are transforming the sector through new and imaginative strategies. Being able to support these organizations is both exciting and rewarding.
Outside of work I am a foodie—I spend time sampling new cuisines. I’m an unapologetic dog-lover, focusing on my pup, Turbo. I enjoy spending time in the outdoors. I love to travel and aspire to explore new destinations.
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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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Nicole Hill
Accounting & Operations Associate
nhill@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6748
I am part of Propel Nonprofits’ internal accounting team. I have an undergrad degree in Management Information Systems from Augsburg College. I also hold a Master of Business Administration from Augsburg and am currently working towards my second master’s in leadership.
I bring strong financial and administrative experience to the Propel team, along with a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit.
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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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Jenny Kramm
Strategic Services Consultant
jkramm@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6686
Form following function, finding a niche in an ecosystem, leveraging existing research before developing a hypothesis: the biological concepts I studied as a biology major at St. Olaf College have proven to be extremely applicable as a nonprofit management consultant. Whether it’s a board governance, strategic planning or merger facilitation project, I enjoy facilitating conversations of substance that help an organization evolve to the next stage of its development as a Strategic Services Consultant at Propel Nonprofits. In these engagements I draw on my experience as a grantmaker at the InFaith Community Foundation and social enterprise work at Thrivent Financial.
My core values are innovation, equity and inclusion, and spirituality. I am a tree hugger.
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Ian D. Law
Strategic Services Associate
ilaw@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6698
I am the proud father of twins! I love Timberwolves basketball, video games, pretty much all things nerdy, but most of all my family. At Propel Nonprofits I work with nonprofits on strategy, business modelling, governance, and infrastructure.
The combination of my study in nonprofit management and entrepreneurship, my time as a nonprofit contractor, and now my time with Propel Nonprofits has equipped me with a holistic view of nonprofits that I hope to bring to every project I work on. Nonprofits are constantly working to build our communities, and I’m honored to support them wherever I can.
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Koa Mirai
Loan Officer & Financial Specialist
kmirai@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6682
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Mary Nehring
Assistant to the President
mnehring@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6678
I work directly with the President and CEO, helping with fundraising proposals and grant tracking, statistical information documentation, and special projects for Propel Nonprofits. I work with the board of directors with meeting correspondence and meeting logistics. I also oversee the human resources functions and onboarding new employees.
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 an annual 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
Fiscal Sponsorship Associate
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 Associate 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 of Lending
jogden-brackett@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6677
I direct the nonprofit loan program. As a loan officer, I assist individual nonprofits during the loan application, review process, and throughout the lifecycle of the loan. 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.
Jacqueline Polio
Accounting Associate
jpolio@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6777
I am excited to join Propel Nonprofits as the first Accounting Associate. For the last three years I have worked as a bookkeeper/accountant for a small Latino-owned construction company; it was there I saw a need for bilingual accountants. Since then, I have been learning QuickBooks and growing my knowledge in other accounting principles. I’ve worn many hats from accounts payable, accounts receivables, human resources, and audit preparation.
I graduated from St. Catherine University in 2014 with a B.S. in Business. In my free time I like to crochet, paint, cook, and try new restaurants.
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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.
Chris Vanecek
Accounting & Finance Consultant
cvanecek@propelnonprofits.org
612.249.6829
I’ve been working in nonprofits in various capacities since moving to the Twin Cities in 2007, including everything from wielding chainsaws to crawling around in attics to being an interim controller. I’ve been doing nonprofit accounting and finance since graduating with an MBA in Sustainable Business from Presidio University in 2013.
Currently I enjoy helping nonprofits connect sound accounting practices with larger questions about finance and strategy. I believe that having solid accounting footing gives organizations the ability to plan for their future. In my non-work time I volunteer on the board of the Social Enterprise Alliance, enjoy biking around the Twin Cities, cooking and baking.
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Allison 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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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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