New Board Members!

At the February meeting, the board elected three new members; Erika Bailey-Johnson, David Harrington, and Jerry Williams. We are so pleased to have them join the Ober Foundation!

Ericka has served as the Sustainability Director at Bemidji State University for 15 years, is the People and the Environment Coordinator on campus, and the Director of the Niizhoo-gwayakochigewin academic program. She lives in Bemidji. Erika has been a big supporter and recruiter for our Stewards of the Wilderness Program, and was responsible for recruiting Teghan, our newest caretaker! Ericka is an enrolled member of the Red Lake Band of Ojibwe. She will be serving on our Program Committee.

David is a semi-retired judge on the State District Court bench in the 9th District, and serves as a part time judge for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, the Red Lake Band of Ojibwe, and does some work as a Court of Appeals Justice for the White Earth Band of Ojibwe. He lives in Bemidji. He comes with much nonprofit board experience. David is also a member of both the Koochiching County and Beltrami County Historical Societies and has an interest the historic aspect of our living museum. He loves recreating in the outdoors, is an active photographer, and skis. He skied over to Mallard a few times this winter to check on things, and took a few photos. He will be serving on the Facilities Committee.

Jerry told us that in the ’60s when he was working at the paper mill, he enjoyed a few pancake breakfasts on Sundays with Ober on Mallard! Jerry lives in Rochester, but spends a good portion of the summer on Rainy Lake. His son and son’s wife own and operate Camp Idlewood, an old family resort up the lake from Mallard. Jerry is retired and is the former Superintendent of the Rochester Public Schools. He has extensive nonprofit board experience. He will serve on the Finance Committee.

Welcome to our newest Ober Foundation Board members!