STAFF
Chris has been a dedicated leader in Minneapolis' neighborhood development, serving as the Executive Director of the Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association (MHNA), the Southeast Como Improvement Association (SECIA) and the Nicollet Island-East Bank Neighborhood Association (NIEBNA) before the formation of the East Bank Neighborhoods Partnership in November 2024. With a passion for fostering vibrant, inclusive communities, Chris has played a pivotal role in driving neighborhood initiatives, supporting local residents, and building partnerships that strengthen the city's East Bank neighborhoods.
Throughout his tenure, Chris has been instrumental in guiding strategic planning, advocating for neighborhood priorities, and enhancing collaboration among stakeholders. His leadership has set the foundation for the newly merged East Bank Neighborhoods Partnership, ensuring it is well-positioned to serve the diverse needs of its communities and promote sustainable growth for years to come.
A long-time Minneapolis resident, Chris has lived in South Minneapolis since 2006 with his wife and three children. He has served as President of his neighborhood association and contributed his expertise to several community advisory committees with the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board. Academically, Chris earned a Bachelor of Science in Geography and a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies & Comparative Literature at the University of Minnesota, as well as a Master's Degree in Visual & Cultural Studies from the University of Rochester in New York.
Annika (they/them) comes to us after receiving their master’s in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs. While in school, Annika focused their studies on people-first city planning. They have a passion for working with the community for the community (for which they thank the UMN leadership minor). Their love of public speaking and quick wit help make those boring meetings about sidewalks a bit more… worth the trip!
Annika grew up in Minneapolis and doesn’t plan to leave any time soon. They currently reside in North Minneapolis and use transit to move around the city as they please. In their free time, Annika works and plays with Stonewall Sports Twin Cities, a local LGBTQIA+ sports and rec nonprofit. You can find them on Sunday mornings on the dodgeball court or on the kickball field, typically donning a cowboy hat.
After living at The Bridges, in SE Como, and surviving a 4th-floor dorm in pre-remodeled Pioneer Hall, Annika is excited to be back on campus and doing their part to make participating in city planning initiatives exciting again (or maybe exciting for the first time).