Board of Directors
Community for the Commons is guided by a Board of Directors, comprised of area residents and liaisons to Excelsior’s city governance. The Directors serve staggered terms and also participate on operating committees that report to the Board.
Voting Directors
Sheila McMillan - Chair. Sheila has lived in the Excelsior area for over 20 years. She and her husband Brian raised their children here, both of whom are graduates of Minnetonka High School. Sheila has a healthcare and financial background and has worked for both nonprofit and profit health plans and delivery systems on both a national and local level. She has also served on various other community non profit boards including the Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation and the ICA Food Shelf. Sheila's passion for the Excelsior Commons runs deep, as she favors abundant public green space made available for all.
Tia Black. Tia and her husband Lance live in Excelsior and have raised their children in the Lake Minnetonka area. Tia has served on the board of Stevens Square Foundation and the Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation. Tia leads the "C4C Ambassadors", a group of local residents who reach out to area residents, businesses and park visitors with information about our mission and our progress .
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Dave Nelson. Dave and wife Maureen have lived in Chanhassen for the past 18 years. They have three children and ten grandchildren (all Minnetonka Skippers!). Dave recently retired from Minnetonka High School where he taught Physical Education and coached Football. Dave continues to serve as the Minnetonka School District's "Tonkadome" Manager. Dave leads the Commons Adoption Program and is excited to be a part of "C4C"!
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Caitlyn Pulitzer. Caitlyn is a Lake Minnetonka area native, Minnetonka Skipper Class of ’03, and Excelsior resident along with her husband, Philip, daughter Lydia and dog, Wilson. Caitlyn serves as board member and Communications Chair. When she’s not spending time with her family in Excelsior Commons, she is working as a marketing professional.
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Bentley Graves - Vice Chair. Bentley and his family live in Shorewood, and he and his wife enjoy raising their four kids in the Excelsior area. The Graves are huge fans of The Commons and love spending time in the park as a family and with friends. Bentley advocates on behalf of Minnesota's business community at the state capitol in St. Paul, and he enjoys serving as an advocate for the Commons here in our community.
Kate Wilinski. Kate is a Minnetonka alumni with fond memories of The Commons, which she now enjoys with her husband and three sons. She has worked in fundraising and communications for local non-profit organizations including Opportunity Partners, ICA Food Shelf, and Hennepin Theatre Trust. Kate has served on boards including Excelsior Rotary, Scenic Heights PTA, the Como Community Council, and has a passion for community building and the outdoors.
Kate Holste - Secretary. Kate lives in Excelsior with her husband, Heath and dog, Cedar. She's been active in the community since working on the charter boats during summer breaks in college, is serving a second term on the city's Planning Commission, and volunteers with the VANTAGE program at Minnetonka HS. When not traveling for work in international sales, she enjoys the area by foot, bike, and various types of watercraft. Lance Madson - Treasurer. Lance has lived in the Minnetonka area for most of his life, and currently resides in Shorewood with his wife Anne, and their twin boys who recently graduated from college. He grew up in Minnetonka, and as a 1986 grad from Minnetonka High School, has great memories playing pick-up football and frisbee with high school friends in the Commons. Lance is a former member of the Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation Board, and currently serves as the Treasurer of the Hobey Baker Memorial Award Foundation. Working as Partner at a local accounting firm, Lance helps individuals and small business owners reach their financial goals through strategic tax planning, accounting and consulting services. Lori Zenk. Lori has lived in the Minnetonka area for most of her life and is an alumni of Minnetonka HS. She and her husband Ron raised their family in Shorewood--so Excelsior and The Commons are near and dear to their hearts. Lori’s background is in Advertising and Design. She Co-Chairs the “C4C Ambassadors” along with Tia Black. The Ambassadors are a local group who reach out to area residents, businesses and park visitors with information about our mission, progress and fundraising efforts.
Jeff Thomas. Jeff and his wife Tricia have lived in the Minnetonka community for nearly 30 Years. Their 3 children graduated from Minnetonka Schools, and they have enjoyed many activities in the Commons including triathlons, baptisms, concerts and yoga. Jeff is particularly interested in the health and care of the trees in the commons. Jeff has managed a wealth management practice downtown Minneapolis for the past 25 years. Kevin Menk |
Past Directors
Cate Fossing
Matt Allman
Eric Snyder
Paul Johnson
Deb Rogers
Rick Rogers
Dan Johnson
Linda Murrell
Todd Carlson
Lynn Johnson
Community for The Commons’ Board is always looking for additional volunteer help as we expand our presence in the community. If you are interested in getting involved, please let us know!
Cate Fossing
Matt Allman
Eric Snyder
Paul Johnson
Deb Rogers
Rick Rogers
Dan Johnson
Linda Murrell
Todd Carlson
Lynn Johnson
Community for The Commons’ Board is always looking for additional volunteer help as we expand our presence in the community. If you are interested in getting involved, please let us know!