Board of Directors

Novak is founder of Anchor and Ascent LLC, consulting mission-driven organizations with a focus on strategy, alignment, and impactful real estate initiatives. Previously she served as senior VP for strategic integration at YMCA of the North.

As executive director of community development at the Met Council, Barajas has worked as a regional planning expert for over a decade. Barajas earned her bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and geography at Gustavus Adolphus College.

Tyra-Lukens is the former mayor of Eden Prairie, a role she served in 2002–2006 and 2011–2018, after serving on the city council 1994–2001. Tyra-Lukens earned a master’s degree in nutritional biochemistry from the University of Michigan.

Donaldson is senior vice president of program services and mission advancement at Volunteers of America - Minnesota and Wisconsin. Prior to that, she served as director of advancement at Pillsbury United Communities in Minneapolis.

Garry serves as senior attorney at The Nature Conservancy. Previously he was an attorney at Best & Flanagan, working in the areas of real estate, civil litigation, and environmental law. Tom earned his Master of Laws degree in environmental law.

Loyd serves as economic development director of the City of Saint Paul, leading community lending and other programs to advance prosperity of residents. He served previously as community economic development director at Pillsbury United Communities.