Consumer Sector
Kevin Adee, 1st Vice Chair*
Jeff Kletscher, Chair*
Romit Jha
Cathy Zelinski*
Les Northrup*
Victoria Thorsen
Nathan Thompson
Crystal Royer
Dana Hiltunen
Board of Directors
As a Community Agency Action, AEOA has a unique Board of Directors. We are required by federal law to have equal parts representation from three sectors:
- Low-income Individuals (consumer)
- Public Officials
- Private Community Organizations
AEOA Board Members live and work in the counties served by the Agency, are committed to serving the best interests of the community, and provide core leadership and strategic direction for AEOA. Our Board provides diverse leadership, oversight, and guidance to ensure our Agency fulfills its mission.
Board Members
* Executive Committee Members
Public Sector
Paul McDonald
Jason Sjoblom
Dan Reed
Keith Nelson
Casey Venema*
Derrick Goutermont
Michael Kearney*
Michael Jugovich
Debra White
Private Sector
Laura Perry, 2nd Vice Chair*
Steve Estey
Ben Denucci
Robert Hietala*
Heather Seppala
Cherie Averill Manner, Secretary*
Tina Koecher
Gail Goff
OPEN
Board Meeting Information
Meeting Dates
January 21, 2026 – Executive Committee
February 18, 2026 – Board of Directors
March 18, 2026 – Executive Committee
April 15, 2026 – Board of Directors
May 20, 2026 – Executive Committee
June 17, 2026 – Board of Directors
July 15, 2026 – Executive Committee
August 19, 2026 – Board of Directors
September 16, 2026 – Executive Committee
October 21, 2026 – Board of Directors
November 18, 2026 – Executive Committee
December 16, 2026 – Board of Directors
Meeting Times
Board of Directors @ 1:00 p.m.
Executive Committee @ 10:00 a.m.
Meeting Location
AEOA 702 3rd Ave S, Virginia, MN 55792
*Virtual attendance is an option
Please note: Any changes to meeting locations will be communicated at least one week before the meeting, unless an emergency occurs.
Interested in Serving on Our Board?
We are looking for passionate, community‑minded individuals to serve on our Board of Directors for a five‑year term. Your lived experience, voice, and commitment can help guide the future of AEOA and strengthen the support we provide across our communities.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Attend bimonthly meetings (February, April, June, August, October, and December)
- Approve major actions of the agency; expenditures, policies, programs and service changes
- Hire, supervise, and evaluate the Executive Director
- Monitor finances and ensure reports properly reflect the financial condition of the Agency
- Review compliance with relevant laws affecting the Agency
- Approve appropriate compensation and benefit policies/practices
You may be a great fit if you:
- Care deeply about improving the well‑being of your community
- Have personally faced financial challenges, or know someone who has
- Want to speak up about issues like poverty, homelessness, housing, and unemployment
- Are ready to help create meaningful change for yourself, your family, and your neighbors
If any of this resonates with you, we’d love to meet you.
How to Apply
To apply, please complete the form below, and we will contact you.
Meet the dedicated leaders guiding our organization
Behind AEOA is a dedicated team driving daily operations and coordinating efforts through Central Services and six service departments that deliver vital programs throughout our service area.
Mark Page
Executive Director
Cathy Pazzelli
Director of Human Resources/ Assistant Executive Director
Emily Celley
Chief Financial Officer
Emily Simonson
Director of Planning
Jesse Tweten
Director of Information Systems
Brandon Nurmi
Director of Arrowhead Transit
Marilyn Ocepek
Director of Senior and Nutrition Services
Gabriel Johnson
Director of Head Start
Angela Neal
Director of Housing Resources
Dave Johnson
Director of Housing Services
Jan Francisco
Director of Employment and Training
The Structure Behind Our Mission
Our Central Services team provides the foundation that keeps AEOA strong, unified, and mission‑driven. The team maximizes resources, ensures accountability, and supports every area of the organization. Central Services includes:
- Administration
- Fiscal Services
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- Planning
Together, these teams ensure the organization operates efficiently and strategically.
AEOA’s mission comes to life through six service departments, each delivering programs that meet the unique needs of our community and create pathways to stability and opportunity. Our service departments and their missions are:
- Employment and Training – The mission of Employment and Training is to enhance the employability and skills of individuals so that they may achieve their life goals.
- Head Start – The mission of Arrowhead Head Start is to work with young children and families on healthy pre-natal and early childhood development, school readiness, and supporting their success in life.
- Housing Resources – To empower communities by connecting people to programs that help them achieve their basic living needs, affordable housing, and improve their quality of life.
- Housing Services – To build communities by helping people meet their needs, have affordable, quality housing, and improve their quality of living.
- Senior and Nutrition Services – The mission of Senior and Nutrition Services is to help individuals meet the demands of daily living, improve the quality of their lives, and gain access to nutritious food.
- Arrowhead Transit – The mission of Arrowhead Transit is to provide affordable, safe, accessible public transportation in support of independent living and self-reliance.
These departments work together with the community to provide essential services, enhance quality of life, and support long‑term success.
Certified Community Action Professionals
The Certified Community Action Professional credential recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and application of the core competencies required to effectively carry out the vision, mission, purpose, and values of the Community Action movement.
Emily Simonson (2024)
Director of Planning
Seanna Holappa (2025)
Accountant/Auditor
Kayla Everson (2025)
Planner
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