Meet Our Board

President

Bryan is director of Corporate Strategy at Hormel Foods Corporation and a Hopkins parent. "I joined because I believe in the importance of a strong public education system. I am dedicated to helping improve our community and support the Foundation's mission. Additionally, as a parent of a student in our schools, I am personally invested in the success of our educational programs."

Vice President

Travis is also senior vice president at the University of Minnesota Foundation and a Hopkins parent. "I joined HEF as a way to make a deeper connection with the Hopkins School District and the administration, teachers, staff, and families who make it special. As the father of a Hopkins student since the 3rd grade, I saw first hand how private support benefits the teachers and students in profound ways. I wanted to be a part of growing that support and impact."

Co-Secretary

Betsy is communications director at the Perpich Center for Arts Education, a Hopkins grad, and a Hopkins parent. "I’m so proud of the work that HEF does and the people involved with the organization. I'm honored to serve the mission of HEF and give back to the community that has given so much to me and my family."

Co-Secretary

Pam is vice president of Human Resources & Administration at the Heart of America Foundation and a Hopkins parent. "I believe in the transformative power of education and believe that every one of us has the ability to make a difference in the lives of learners in Hopkins schools, whether its through serving on the HEF board, volunteering in the classroom, reading to a child, supporting teachers and staff, or attending a fundraiser. It all matters!"

Treasurer

Luke is a vice president at BMO Bank and a Hopkins parent. He serves on the Hopkins schools Citizens Fincancial Advisory Committee (CFAC) and supports my wife’s business, Tonkadale Greenhouse.

Kelly is senior vice president of business enablement at U.S. Bank and a Hopkins parent. "I love the Hopkins community! My husband and I have been very involved in the community." She is also vice president of Hopkins Football Boosters and a member of Hopkins Hockey Boosters.

Mara is a retiree and Hopkins parent who joined the board so as "to be able to continue helping students and staff after I had finished my term as president of the PTO at Tanglen."

Kristin is a community volunteer and Hopkins parent. She is active on several boards and commissions, and volunteers in support of strengthening our broader community.

Clare is a Hopkins parent whose experience as chief marketing officer helped HEF launch a rebrand in 2024 and grow our reach. "My daughter is a student in the district, and I wanted to support the students and teachers in a deeper way."

Steve is a retired IT executive and parent of Hopkins grads. He served for 6 years on the Minnetonka Planning Commission and 12 years on the Hopkins School Board "My wife was a 45-year employee of the Hopkins district and introduced me to her committed colleagues, many of whom are still friends today. Our relationship with HEF goes back to its founding. We are supportive of HEF's mission of supporting the Hopkins School District."

Jim is general manager of BLVD Kitchen and Bar, and a Hopkins parent. "I like helping out and being a part of the community."

Reena is an attorney at Nichols Kaster, PLLP and a Hopkins parent.

Marlene is a former nurse and is currently an attorney at Marlene S Garvis, LLC. She is also a parent of three Hopkins grads. "I was interested in joining the HEF Board because I am passionate about the Hopkins School District and the education it offers to its students."

Sarah is a freelance writer and Hopkins parent. "I've seen firsthand the difference that HEF makes in our schools and was inspired to get involved."

Ashley is philanthropic advisor at The Minneapolis Foundation and has been fundraising for nonprofits for 15 years. "My kids attend Hopkins schools, and I want to support our amazing Hopkins staff and educators!"

Marina is a system clinical nurse Educator at Ridgeview and a Hopkins parent.

Malvin is vice president of social responsibility at UnitedHealth Group and a Hopkins parent. "I am a big believer in education and the value and priority public schools should play in shaping communities. And I think every child should have the same opportunities as my children do and will. I hope to utilize this experience and this perspective to continue to ensure that all the children in this school district have a rich educational experience."

Arron is a financial advisor with Edward Jones and a Hopkins parent. “ We have two daughters, so supporting the school district is important to their development and strengthening our community!”

Sharae is director of finance at the Minneapolis Downtown Council and Downtown Improvement District. Her children, nieces, and nephews are all enrolled in the District.

Harold is administrative manager at the high school. He is also on the board of the MN Urology Foundation

Gene is associate principal at Hopkins High School. "As a new educator in Hopkins I wanted to learn more about ways our school partners with our families and community members to ensure every scholar has a phenomenal educational experience within Hopkins Public Schools. My life passion is to serve my community and ensure that every scholar is able to leave our schools with the tools needed to change our world."

Karen is research and development director at General Mills. She has supported HEF since 2015 and served on the board since 2020. "I'm proud to have had the opportunity to have a more direct impact on how HEF contributes to our school district and community."

Kim is managing partner at Wolson Properties. She is an alumni of HHS and has kids at the high school.

Emeritus

Jelan is a retired offerings manager at IBM and parent of Hopkins alumni. "Our three children got a great education at Hopkins schools and have go on to successful careers. I joined the Board to pay it forward for the next generation of Hopkins kids."

Superintendant

Rhoda has served in public education for over two decades, first as a social studies teacher at Highland Park Junior High in Saint Paul, later as an assistant principal at her alma mater Bloomington Kennedy, and then as a high school principal for five years at Champlin Park in the Anoka-Hennepin School District. She is the first woman and the first person of color to serve as a Hopkins superintendent. She is a Hopkins parent and her vision is to bring Hopkins Public Schools from great to world class so that all Hopkins scholars reach their full potential. 

Assistant Superintendant

Board Liaison

Jaleeza is assistant director of youth programs with Hopkins Community Education. "HEF has a great mission to serve students of Hopkins School District that greatly aligns with my role and passion for serving children and their community."