Five Join Initiative Foundation Board of Trustees

The Initiative Foundation is pleased to announce that Tracy Bertram, Hara Charlier, Larry Dietz, Hudda Ibrahim, and Justin Jahnz have been appointed to its board of trustees.

“It is exciting to welcome these five individuals to our distinguished board of trustees,” said Brian Voerding, Initiative Foundation president. “They are new to the board but not new to our work. All have been connected personally or professionally to the Foundation. We look forward to involving them more deeply in our work to strengthen the economy, community and generosity of Central Minnesota.”

Tracy Bertram

Bertram grew up in Paynesville and makes her home in Becker with her husband and children. She works for UnitedHealthcare and recently wrapped up her term as mayor. Bertram accepted the invitation to join the board after working closely with the Foundation in Becker—most recently the effort to minimize the economic impact of Xcel Energy’s long-running plans to transition from coal as a primary source of power generation at its Sherburne County plants.

“I wanted to be a part of an organization with these values. I’m a naturally curious person,” she said, “and love to hear how an idea or solution has been found and learn how I can assist in its success.”

Bertram looks forward to making an impact in the areas of housing and childcare, which directly benefit the workforce and economy.

Hara Charlier

Charlier grew up in upstate New York and has lived in Nisswa with her husband for about eight years. She is president at Central Lakes College (CLC) and has appreciated the long-time partnership between the Initiative Foundation and the college.

“I am inspired by the Foundation’s deep commitment to community building through an equity lens and look forward to serving and learning alongside the board,” Charlier said.

Charlier appreciates how rural Minnesotans value relationships with one another. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outside, on the lake, camping, and hanging with the family’s dogs.

Larry Dietz

Dietz is interim president of St. Cloud State University. Prior to the role, he served as president at Illinois State University from 2014 until his retirement in 2021.

Dietz is a longtime champion and builder of higher education and community partnerships and is passionate about serving organizations like the Foundation that work collaboratively and regionally to address critical challenges and opportunities.

He has spent his career in higher education and has a doctorate in higher education administration and a master’s in college student personnel from Iowa State University. He received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Hudda Ibrahim

Ibrahim was born in Somali and grew up in Ethiopia and Kenya before coming to the United States at age 19. She lives in St. Cloud with her husband and was a member of the first Initiators Fellowship cohort in 2017-2018.

“I accepted the invitation to serve on the Board of Trustees because I have seen firsthand the positive impact the organization has had on people in the region,” she said. “From creating economic opportunities to supporting local businesses and organizations and fostering community development, the Foundation’s work is meaningful and effective.”

Ibrahim owns Filsan Talent Partners, which she started during her time in the Fellowship. She was recently appointed to fill a vacant seat on the St. Cloud City Council and is the founder of One Community Alliance, a nonprofit serving immigrants and refugees. Ibrahim was inspired to serve on the Board of Trustees to give back to the Foundation and to use her experience to help Central Minnesotans prosper.

Justin Jahnz

Jahnz grew up in Pine City where he makes his home with his wife and four children. He is the president and CEO of East Central Energy, a longtime partner of the Initiative Foundation, and said he’s honored to contribute to the Foundation’s work.

“Everyone wants to make a difference in the world—not everyone gets a chance to do it,” Jahnz said. “I’m fortunate to be in a position to have a voice, and I intend to use it to make life better for those struggling to change their future.”

Jahnz looks forward to supporting first-generation post-secondary education and improving awareness of career opportunities for Central Minnesota youth.

Mission-drive Partnerships

The five began their three-year volunteer terms on Jan. 1 and are eligible to serve up to three terms. Bertram, Charlier, Dietz, Ibrahim and Jahnz join 11 regional leaders who help shape, guide, and inform the Initiative Foundation in its regional mission to empower people throughout Central Minnesota to build a thriving economy, vibrant communities and a lasting culture of generosity.

“Living in Central Minnesota, all five of these leaders understand the work ahead,” said Voerding. “Their expertise will be invaluable as they work alongside our other valued trustees.”

As the Initiative Foundation welcomes these new board members, it also is saying goodbye to four longtime and committed community partners who have served in trustee roles:

• Kim Ellingson of Brainerd served three terms and was the 2022-2023 board chair. She will continue to serve on the Finance and Investment Committee.
• David Monroy of Elk River served three terms and was the 2024 board chair. He will continue to serve on the Business Finance Committee.
• Julie Nelson of Staples served two terms.
• Robbyn Wacker, who preceded Dietz in the leadership role at St. Cloud State University, served two terms.