ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The new fiscal year officially kicked off on July 1, and with the turning of the calendar comes a handful of changes to the board of directors and the advisory council at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota.
Debbie Clausen and Vicky Welty officially wrapped up their terms on the board on June 30. Welty joined the board in 2012 and served as secretary, president, and past president during her 12-year tenure. Clausen joined the board in 2015, and served for nine years before wrapping up her time on June 30. Both helped the agency with fundraising events, establishing new programs like the Holdingford school-based program, and working through the COVID19 pandemic. They were also a part of the board that was named the 2021 Board of the Year at the BBBSA national conference in 2022.
To replace Clausen and Welty, two new members were approved by the current board. Preston Kopel and Jake Krippner both started their board terms on July 1. Kopel is employed at Piper Sandler, and Krippner works with the Wheelock Investment Group at RBC Wealth Management. Both Kopel and Krippner have been or are currently Bigs with the agency.
“A hardworking board that maintains a level of trust with employees and the community is so important for agencies like ours, and our board is one of the best,” BBBS of Central Minnesota Executive Director Jackie Johnson said. “Our board knows how important our mission is, and they work hard every day to make sure we are able to continue to serve kids across Central Minnesota.”
Along with approving new board members, a familiar name added to the advisory council on June 30. After completing her term on the board, Welty transitioned to the agency’s advisory council starting July 1.