Deena Anders (MPA ’04)

Deena Anders is the director of planning and evaluation for the Domestic Abuse Project where her responsibilities range from grant writing and program development to research and outcome evaluation. She is also the project coordinator for the Hennepin Domestic Fatality Review Team, a collaboration of private, public and non-profit organizations charged with developing recommendations for improvements to policy and practice that enhance identification, intervention and prevention efforts. She provides volunteer fundraising and communications assistance to a number of local non-profit organizations and is a grants peer reviewer for the federal Office of Violence Against Women and the Minnesota Office of Justice Programs.

Deena holds a master’s degree in public affairs with a concentration in human rights from the Humphrey School and a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Minnesota.

Eric Anderson (MA ’85)

Eric Anderson is a director of real estate development with Ryan Companies US, Inc. which is headquartered in Minneapolis.  He works on a variety of development types including office, industrial, mixed-use, hospitality, senior housing and student housing.  His responsibilities include site selection, acquisition, entitlements, financing, lease/sale negotiation and design/construction coordination.  Eric gets involved in complicated developments that typically require multiple sources of funding including the use of state, federal and local incentives.

Prior to joining Ryan Companies, Eric worked at the City of Edina for 20 years serving his last eight years as deputy city manager.  During his time at Edina, he was very involved in many of the City’s significant development projects including Edinborough and Centennial Lakes, Grandview Square and 50th & France.

Eric holds a bachelor of arts from Hamline University in economics and political science in addition to the master of arts from the Humphrey School in management and policy analysis. He’s a member of the Edina Morningside Rotary Club, the International City Manager’s Association and NAIOP a commercial real estate association.

Deborah Bednarz (MA ’87)

Deb Bednarz is the budget and statistics manager for the U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota, a position she has held since 2002.  Prior to that, Deb served as an executive budget officer for the Minnesota Department of Finance where she worked with state agencies and the governor’s office in preparing operating and capital budgets.  She has worked with youth programs at the Minnesota Department of Economic Security and was a senior project manager for a nonprofit agency where she developed affordable housing.

Deb spent two years in the Peace Corps as a credit union advisor in Lesotho, Africa. 

Her community work has included serving on the supervisory committee of Affinity Plus Credit Union, the Board of Directors of Community Involvement Programs, and the Board of Directors of Women’s Community Housing.  She is a volunteer reading tutor and a member of the Citizens League.

Deb earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in public affairs from the Humphrey School. A transplant to Minnesota, Deb lives in St. Paul with her husband David.

Jasna Burza (MPP ’04)

Jasna Burza is a regional sales director for Social Solutions, creators of Efforts To Outcomes (ETO) software: a performance management tool that helps nonprofit leaders effectively measure and demonstrate measurable outcomes, as well as social impact an agency might have. In this unprecedented time of change for the world of nonprofits, Jasna is happy to be part of the change that will help our communities even more through increased accountability. Prior to Social Solutions, Jasna worked for Project for Pride in Living as a financial coach, empowering working families to take control of their financial and career lives.    

Jasna received her bachelor’s degree in peace studies from College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University, and a master’s degree in public policy from the Humphrey School. Jasna herself was involved with the Humphrey School mentor program as a student and knows the importance of connecting students with someone in the field. Jasna is also a yoga instructor and is incredibly happy to be living in Minneapolis with her husband – the best place to live on planet earth (and she’s been to many placesJ)

Keith Butcher (MS ’98)

Mr. Keith R. Butcher is an energy services representative with the Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA). Mr. Butcher is responsible for overseeing and implementing the energy efficiency efforts for six SMMPA members. In his role, Mr. Butcher is involved in various energy efficiency efforts including audits, technology evaluations, rebate approval, program design, and marketing efforts. Mr. Butcher is well versed in various technologies including lighting, motors, drives, air-conditioning, refrigeration, and other industrial applications.

Prior to joining SMMPA, Mr. Butcher was the manager of external affairs at the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), a nonpartisan, technically focused nonprofit organization based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. While at CEE, he worked with a diverse group of organizations including Minnesota's electric and natural gas utilities, government agencies, elected officials, private firms, and other nonprofits primarily focused on energy and environmental issues. Mr. Butcher played a key role in such efforts as: advocacy on energy policy legislation, biomass energy research, energy efficiency program design and development, regulatory oversight, lighting retrofits, recommissioning, multifamily projects, financing initiatives, and more.

Mr. Butcher is a graduate of the University of Minnesota holding a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering with an emphasis in power and propulsion and a minor in political science. His graduate degree is a masters of science in science and technology policy focusing specifically on the energy industry. He is an ongoing mentor to graduate students interested in energy and environmental issues.

Gwendolyn Freed (MPA ’05) President-elect

Gwendolyn Freed has been vice president for college relations at Gustavus Adolphus College since 2006. Prior to that, she enjoyed a journalism career that included four and a half years as a Star Tribune reporter, several years as editor-in-chief of a national arts magazine and the opportunity to contribute freelance articles to such outlets as Wall Street Journal, New York Newsday and MSNBC.com. Her nonprofit-related work has featured major gifts fundraising at the Minnesota Orchestra and grants management for the Best Buy Children's Foundation. Gwen served the Oberlin College Alumni Association for nine years, including three years on its executive board. She is also a longtime volunteer for the Minneapolis mental health agency Crisis Connection. Gwen holds master's degrees from the Humphrey School and the Juilliard School as well as a bachelor's degree from Oberlin College. She is now working toward a doctorate in education policy and administration at the University of Minnesota.

Todd Graham (MP ’94)

Todd Graham is principal forecaster at Metropolitan Council, providing project leadership in forecasting, demography, and development monitoring work at the Council. He and colleagues are in the early stages of implementing new modeling tools for the Council’s 2040 socioeconomic and land use forecasts. From 1997 to 2004, Mr. Graham was a regional analyst and regional analysis manager for Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Todd Graham and Jennifer Larson Graham (MP ’94) both earned master of planning degrees at University of Minnesota. They have two daughters and live in Saint Paul.

Misty Heggeness (MPP ’00) President

Misty Heggeness currently is pursuing a Ph.D. in applied economics from the University of Minnesota, where her research focuses on gender, poverty, and economic development. Prior to returning to graduate school, she worked as a principal planning analyst in the Hennepin County Office of Planning and Development, where she managed projects and conducted research relating to community indicators and vulnerable populations. She has worked as a volunteer coordinator and children's advocate for a local Latina battered women's shelter; a family service worker for Migrant Headstart in southern Minnesota; and a youth worker for the Minneapolis YMCA. She has interned with the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and with the Venezuelan child welfare system.

Misty earned a master of public policy and a master of social work (MPP/MSW) from the University of Minnesota in 2002 and a bachelor of science in family social science and Spanish in 1999.

Jim Jernberg (MA ’57)

James E. Jernberg, professor emeritus of public affairs and planning, is interested in policy implementation and management, especially budgeting, intergovernmental relations and legislative policy making. He has served as a research associate with the Brookings Institution and the National Academy of Sciences. He was also part of a Humphrey School study team assessing the future of the state legislature. Before coming to the University of Minnesota, Jernberg taught at the University of North Carolina and the University of Wisconsin at Madison. He also served as a budget officer and assistant to the mayor of Madison.

Jernberg is the recipient of the 2008 University of Minnesota Alumni Service Award, and a fixture at the annual Humphrey School commencement ceremony, a tradition he helped create, where he announces the Jernberg Award for outstanding contribution to student life.

Jernberg holds a master's degree in public affairs from the University of Minnesota and a doctorate in political science from the University of Wisconsin.

Sida Ly-Xiong (MS-STEP ’01)

Sida Ly-Xiong is the associate director of evaluation and research at the Women's Foundation of Minnesota.  She brings energy and experience in nonprofit capacity building to the foundation and its grantees.  She has served on the Hmong American Partnership (HAP) Board of Directors since 2004.  Sida is the current vice chair and also leads the development committee.  Her career has included consulting with local and national nonprofits; creating leadership programs for refugee communities in Wisconsin; researching community development and environmental management initiatives in Botswana; and mediating dispute resolutions for the State of Minnesota at the Attorney General’s Office. 

She has a bachelors degree from Macalester College and a master’s of science in science, technology and environment policy from the Humphrey School.

Paula Mazzacano (MA ’80)

Paula Mazzacano graduated from Humphrey in 1982 with concentrations in environmental policy and public administration. She has worked in Minneapolis in the area of development finance for 25 years. Currently, Paula administers grants awarded to the City of Minneapolis/ Community Planning and Economic Development by other governmental units, most of which deal with remediation of polluted property and innovation in development. In 2001, she took a break from city employment and had the opportunity to work for a nonprofit developer/owner of affordable and supportive housing. Paula worked on property tax policy related to affordable housing, commercial leasing, and developed spreadsheet tools to assess asset performance. She has actively been involved with her union and was part of a group of working mothers who successfully advocated for "family-friendly" workplace policies and benefits. Paula has been a member of the Humphrey School's alumni board and several committees, and a commissioner in her community. The focus of Paula’s current volunteer work is fundraising and advocacy for international baccalaureate and performing arts programs in her school district—and thanks to her kids, the local all-ages music scene.

Paula previously served on the alumni board from 1992 to 1999.

Molly McCartney (MURP '01)

Molly McCartney worked for the City of Minneapolis, Community Planning and Economic Development Department as a planner from 2004 to 2009. She specialized in historic preservation and development services, and a bit of long-range planning, too. Prior to with the City of Minneapolis, Molly worked in a nonprofit organization called 1000 Friends of Minnesota. In grad school, she worked at the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA). Molly’s concentrations at Humphrey School were land use and transportation. She also received a certificate in transportation studies from the Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Minnesota.

She is a certified member of AICP and the American Planning Association and is very interested in sustainable design and the LEED accreditation process. Molly constantly seeks a better live/work balance and volunteers with her kids' schools.

Scott McMahon (MPP ’03) Past-president

Upon the completion of graduate studies at the Institute, Scott McMahon served as special assistant to Dean Atwood, working on strategic planning, accreditation, and redesign of the organizational structure and the budgeting for the Institute. He then served for two years as the research director at the National Institute of Health Policy. He is director of government and community affairs for Minnesota Private College Council.

Scott’s involvement with the Humphrey School alumni board goes back to its reorganization upon Dean Atwood’s arrival at the Institute. When the alumni board was going through its redevelopment phase, Scott was president of the Public Affairs Students Association (PASA) and worked with the dean, Michelle Potter, and board at the time to create greater opportunities for student representation on the board.

In addition to his public policy degree from the Humphrey School, Scott holds a master of science in administration from the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Saint John’s University.

Brad Moore (MA ’83)

Brad Moore is a senior advisor for public affairs at Barr Engineering. At Barr, Brad assists clients in the areas of government relations and public affairs, and helps clients navigate regulatory and public consultation processes. Brad joined Barr Engineering after serving as commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). During his two and ½ years heading the agency, he led successful efforts to negotiate a cleanup plan for industrial chemicals in the Twin Cities area, to develop a permit system for Great Lakes ships carrying ballast water, and to expand pollutant testing for state waters. Brad also served as assistant commissioner and field operations manager at the state’s Department of Natural Resources. He has extensive experience representing state agencies at the Minnesota legislature on budget, policy, and natural resource operational issues. He has also served as a key spokesperson on key natural resource issues at public meetings and stakeholder forums, and in the media.

Brad previously served on the alumni board from 1991 to 1993.

Kiyoshi Nakasaka (MA ’89)

Kiyoshi Nakasaka is president & CEO of a business and public policy consulting firm, Washington CORE, L.L.C. Kiyoshi advises top business/government/trade association executives on strategic business & policy issues. He has played a key role in establishing numerous successful alliances/collaborations across the Pacific.
He is a member of the Radio Club of America, a wireless communications professional society, and is selected as a member of the International Who's Who of Information Technology in 1998.

Prior to starting his consulting firm, Kiyoshi worked as a public policy and government affairs analyst in the Washington, D.C., and also worked for CBS News in Tokyo, Japan.

Kiyoshi earned a master's degree in public affairs from the University of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs, and a B.A. from Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan.

Alexander Oftelie (MPP ’03)

Alexander Oftelie is a Senior Analyst in the DonorCast practice, people-driven analytics by Bentz Whaley Flessner. His areas of specialty include data mining, metrics for nonprofit fundraising, predictive modeling, and constituent relationship management. Prior to joining the Bentz Whaley Flessner, Alexander worked as an economist in the Health Economics Program at the State of Minnesota. He holds a bachelor of arts degree from St. Olaf College, and a master of public policy degree from the University of Minnesota.

Alexander currently serves on a variety of nonprofit boards in the Twin Cities community including Guild Incorporated, and United Way Emerging Leaders.

Mary Orr (MA ’82)

Mary Orr serves as director of the Community Partnerships Division for the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). She is responsible for a variety of anti-poverty and self-sufficiency programs serving low-income Minnesotans including income supports for adults who are aged, blind or have disabilities; social services, cash assistance and employment services to refugee families; as well as services that promote children's development and learning by improving the quality of child care.

Mary has spent most of her career with DHS working on programs and policies that support low-income families. She also served as a fiscal analyst for the Minnesota Senateand as a management analyst for Blue Earth County Human Services.

In addition to her public affairs degree from the Humphrey School, she received a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Minnesota, Morris.

Anissa Rogness (MPP ’99)

Anissa Rogness is the vice president of Van Heuvelen Strategies, LLC in Washington, D.C. She advises clients on a wide variety of legislative and political issues being considered in Washington, D.C. – on Capitol Hill, as well as in Executive Branch offices. Previously she was director of economic development for United States Senator Kent Conrad (D-ND) where she worked on projects and legislation on a variety of issues ranging from energy to transportation, small business development, and homeland security. Prior to working on Capitol Hill, much of Anissa’s work was in the nonprofit sector. She served as a campaign director in fundraising and community development for the Greater Twin Cities United Way from 1996 to 2001. She also has corporate and private sector experience in management, sales, and marketing.

Anissa holds a master’s degree in public policy with a concentration in economic and community development from the Humphrey School. She earned her bachelor’s degree with a major in economics from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Anissa is excited to serve on the alumni board as a way to stay connected to Minnesota and the Humphrey School.

Mary Vidas (MPA ’03)

Mary Vidas is director for the Ramsey County Tamarack Nature Center. Previously she was the public policy program manager for the University of Minnesota’s Landscape Arboretum working closely with diverse stakeholders regarding issues of land-use and design, ecology, preservation of natural resources, low impact development and sustainability. Mary is also a consultant to the University of Minnesota’s Business and Community Economic Development Center assisting locally owned businesses and public/private partnerships, as well as, non-profit organizations looking to strengthen their capacity and outreach.

Mary was the recipient of the 2005 Arthur Naftalin Award for her public service and community governance work. She received a 2004 television Emmy while working as a project partner with the U.S. Attorney General’s Office. She is a former human rights commissioner and recognized leader for her work in education, media and public engagement. Mary earned a B.A. in communications from Metropolitan University, is a trained mediator certified in community development, and completed a MPA with concentrations in public leadership, nonprofit management, and social policy from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. She is now enrolled in a doctoral program at Hamline University.