Policy Fellows Community
Acceptance into the Policy Fellows program immediately connects you to a national network of influential leaders across the public and private sectors.
Humphrey School Policy Fellows Board
Board Members 2026-2027
- Chair: Sarah Weiss, 2022-23, Minnesota Department of Human Rights
- Vice Chair: Lisa Linnell, 2024-25, Target
- Staff: Sara Benzkofer
- Megan Boldt Murphy, 2017-18, Excel Energy
- Abdi Daisane, 2023-24, Blooming Kids Child Care Center
- Alyssa Green, 2022-23, Minnesota Department of Health
- Biiftuu Ibrahim Adam, 2020-21, Ramsey County
- Zach Johnson, 2024-25, Minnesota Department of Human Services Transitions, Tribal and Transformation Division
- Sara Marino, 2024-25, The Zones of Regulation
- Sarahi Morales Silva, 2023-24, Minnesota Consulting Group LLC
- Priya Narula, 2024-25, Keyhubs
- Jessica Nyaribo, 2023-24, Hennepin County
- Nance Purcell, 2012-13, Stillwater Area Schools
- Joshua Sande, 2024-25, Minnesota House of Representatives
- Macarre Traynham, 2024-25, Minnesota Department of Education
Alumni Board
The mission of the alumni board is to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive community of Policy Fellows alumni who are committed to deepening connections with each other and building on the values of the program in our communities.
Apply to be on the Policy Fellows Alumni Board
The application period for the 2026-2027 Policy Fellows Alumni Board is now closed and will reopen in June 2027. In the meantime, please review the materials below for more information about board service.
Board members should support the Policy Fellows program by attending meetings, fundraising for scholarships, recruiting applicants, and planning or attending events. Board members are ambassadors for the program and it’s expected that they engage their own cohorts to be more involved in the program.
While board members do not have fiduciary responsibilities, this is a working board, and members are expected to engage with alumni beyond meetings to foster meaningful connections.
Before applying, please review the board charter, and frequently asked questions below to better understand the roles, responsibilities, and time commitments.Board members must be alumni of the Policy Fellows program.
The goal is to build a diverse board, representing a wide range of racial, ethnic, cultural, geographic, professional, and political backgrounds to reflect the rich fabric of Minnesota.
Applicants will be informed of their status by the end of August. There will be a new member orientation in September at the Humphrey School and the first board meeting will be in October. Once all board members are chosen, we'll survey the group to find a recurring meeting time.
For additional inspiration, check out our video celebrating the 30th and 35th anniversary of the Policy Fellows program, showcasing its history and lasting impact on Minnesota’s civic culture.
Questions? Reach out to [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the expectations of board service?
Please refer to the board charter for more detailed information about the expectations of board service.
Can I apply if I’m a Policy Fellows alum but live in a different state?
No. It’s important that board members live in Minnesota since the primary responsibilities of board service include attending monthly board meetings (some in person) and planning and attending events. Board members are also asked to encourage Minnesota-based colleagues and friends to apply to the program or attend Policy Fellows sessions as guest speakers.
Who appoints members of the board?
Current board members appoint new board members.
What days/times do board members meet?
New board members are surveyed to find a recurring monthly meeting time that accommodates everyone. There will be a new member orientation in September and the first board meeting will be in October.
How long are the monthly meetings?
Typically, meetings last 1.5 hours.
Where do board members meet?
New board members will explore a combination of virtual and in-person options to ensure equitable access to meetings, both in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota.
Do board members choose the next cohort of Policy Fellows?
No. A separate selection committee of Policy Fellows alumni chooses the next cohort.