Organizational Structure of the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota
The Preservation Alliance of Minnesota was formed in 1981 as a grassroots organization led by a group of dedicated volunteers. Our mission-driven services continue to be governed and managed by a volunteer Board of Directors, committees, and task forces.
PAM is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors whose membership can range from 7 to 21 directors according to the Bylaws. To maximize the impact of our service delivery, and ensure efficient administration, much of the organization’s work is conducted by volunteer committees. Organizational committees meet on a consistent basis to manage a continuing Alliance program based on an annual work plan developed by the committees and staff. Task forces meet as needed to shepherd a specific initiative or program and dissolve upon the completion of the task. Descriptions of the roles and responsibilities of each committee and task force in the organization follows along with a chart showing the organizational structure.
Committees List
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Board Development Committee
Finance Committee
Human Resources Task Force
Minnesota Main Street Steering Committee
Outreach & Advocacy Committee
Tax Credit Task Force
Ten Most Endangered Task Force
Communications Committee
Real Estate Committee
Resource Development Committee
Special Events Committee
Board of Directors
PAM is governed by a 7-21 member Board of Directors whose skills represent the governing needs for a successful preservation nonprofit organization. Board members represent the field of nonprofit management, finance, accounting, law, real estate, architecture, archaeology, advocacy, education, and development. The role of the Board of Directors is to govern the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota. Its duties include developing organizational policy, providing fiduciary oversight, ensuring the organization is compliant with all legal requirements, engaging in short- and long-range planning to direct activities, and ensuring accountability for organizational management. The Board of Directors meets bimonthly.
Amy Douma, Chair
Bonnie McDonald, Staff
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee acts on behalf of the full Board of Directors between regular board meetings. It is composed of Board officers and two appointed at-large members. The Executive Committee meets bimonthly in the months that the full board does not meet and reports their activities to the Board of Directors.
Amy Douma, Chair
Bonnie McDonald, Staff
Board Development Committee
The Board Development Committee assumes the primary responsibility for the recruitment, nomination, orientation, continued training, and evaluation of board members. The Committee is comprised of the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, one additional at-large board member, past board chairs, and other advisors who may not be sitting board members. The Board Development Committee meets as needed and reports to the Board of Directors.
Amy Douma, Chair
Bonnie McDonald, Staff
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee oversees development of the budget and insures accurate tracking, monitoring, and accountability for funds. It ensures adequate financial controls and is chaired by the Treasurer. The Committee is comprised of the Chair, Treasurer, and one additional at-large board member. The Finance Committee meets as needed and reports to the Board of Directors.
Donna Stevermer, CPA, Chair
Bonnie McDonald, Staff
Human Resources Task Force
The Human Resources Task Force meets as needed to make recommendations on employee policy, address employee concerns, and complete the annual performance review of the Executive Director. The Task Force meets as needed and is comprised of the Chair and two additional board officers. The Task Force reports to the Board of Directors.
Amy Douma, Chair
Minnesota Main Street Steering Committee
The Minnesota Main Street Steering Committee oversees the Minnesota Main Street Program of the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota. The Steering Committee has 15-18 members with seats being reserved for the Minnesota Main Street Advisory Committee Chair and the Chairs of each of the four Main Street Program Teams. The Steering Committee reports to the Board of Directors.
Tim Griffin, Chair
Emily Northey, Staff
Outreach & Advocacy Committee
The Outreach & Advocacy Committee exists to influence public policy regarding historic preservation issues in Minnesota and the United States and to oversee the organization’s strategic advocacy response across the state on general or specific preservation issues. The Committee identified emerging policy issues that impact historic places and develops an advocacy response based on the tools needed to address the issue and our organizational capacity. It also reviews requests for PAM to enter into preservation litigation and makes a recommendation to the Board of Directors. The Committee reports to the Board of Directors. Examples of the Outreach & Advocacy Committee’s contribution to the organization include overseeing the Field Representative’s advocacy response, managing the state rehabilitation tax credit advocacy effort, and overseeing the 10 Most Endangered program.
Kimberly Hanna, Chair
Erin Hanafin Berg, Staff
Tax Credit Task Force
The Tax Credit Task Force exists to coordinate PAM’s advocacy campaign to pass the Minnesota State Rehabilitation Tax Credit. The Task Force meets separately, as needed, and will dissolve upon the passage of the legislation until further action is needed. The Chair reports back to the Advocacy Committee.
Roger Brooks and David Kelliher, Co-Chairs
Bonnie McDonald, Staff
10Most Endangered Task Force
The 10 Most Endangered Task Force exists to coordinate the nomination, selection, and publicizing of the annual 10 Most Endangered Historic Places List. The Task Force reestablishes itself in the winter, meets separately from the Advocacy Committee, and dissolves upon the announcement of the annual List the first Thursday in May. The Chair reports back to the Advocacy Committee.
Heather Goodson, Chair
Erin Hanafin Berg, Staff
Communications Committee
The Communications Committee exists to recommend policy on public communications for the Preservation Alliance and to disseminate information about the organization’s activities. An example of the Communications Committee’s work includes the publication of our quarterly magazine, The Minnesota Preservationist, distribution of our monthly e-newsletter, managing our website, and the creation of publicity pieces for the 10 Most Endangered Historic Places and Minnesota Preservation Awards programs.
Kate Scott, Chair
Will O’Keefe, Staff
Real Estate Committee
The Real Estate Committee exists to oversee and expand the incentives provided to impact historic real property reuse. Already in place is PAM’s preservation easement program, a tool that encompasses a legal agreement to protect significant historic features of a building facade, structure, or site in perpetuity. Additional tools are in development, which may include accepting gifts of real estate, purchase options, and/or a revolving loan fund.
Gar Hargens, Chair
Bonnie McDonald, Real Estate Program Staff
Erin Hanafin Berg, Easements Program Staff
Resource Development Committee
The Resource Development Committee exists to identify and solicit funds to provide for PAM’s operations according to the fundraising plan developed by the Committee. Fund development includes membership, individual giving, grants, and corporate sponsorships.
JeriLynn Young, Chair
Bonnie McDonald, Staff
Special Events Committee
The Special Events Committee exists to initiate and coordinate PAM’s special events and programs including the (Anti)Wrecking Ball, Annual Fundraiser and Historic Pub Crawls.
Melissa Ekman, Chair
Will O’Keefe, Staff
