Meet Our Board
Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen – Chair
Bill Ingebrigtsen was born and raised in Karlstad, Minnesota — a small community in Kittson County. Bill has been married to his wife, Marilyn, for over 50 years, and they currently reside in Alexandria. Bill is a 34-year veteran of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, including 16 years as the Douglas County Sheriff.
Bill served five terms in the Minnesota State Legislature. He proudly served Senate District 8, which includes communities across Douglas and Otter Tail counties. He served as the Chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee, Vice Chair of Finance and also served on the Judiciary and Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee.
Greg Johnson – Treasurer
Greg Johnson combines a vast network of political and government contacts with a small-town, commonsense approach to people and relationships. Clients often comment that Greg’s working understanding of principles such as “trust,” “community,” and “friendship” makes him an invaluable player in Public Affairs. His background, coupled with his close personal service to a number of Minnesota’s current political figures, puts Greg on a very short list of people with rare insight into the politics and processes of government.
Teri Hovanec – Board Member
Therese (Teri) Hovanec grew up in Winona, Minnesota as the daughter of a college professor and at home mom. She moved to the Twin Cities in 1978 to attend the University of Minnesota where she earned a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the University of Minnesota. She has worked in the engineering field for more than 30 years and most recently as the CEO/Owner of LJM Group, Inc. (established in 1998). She is also a member of the Board of Directors for Reverse Rett Minnesota and serves on the City of Edina Energy and Environment Commission. She has been happily married to Jeff Hovanec for more than 30 years and lives in Edina, Minnesota. She is the proud parent of four adult children and has recently welcomed her first grandchild. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and biking.
Ray VinZant – Board Member
Raymond P. VinZant has spent his life as a successful serial entrepreneur, a dedicated father and husband, military veteran, philanthropist and teacher, author and, political operative. Born in East Los Angeles, Ray began his honorable service to his country on the USS Ranger CVA 61 Aircraft Carrier. Upon returning to civilian life, Ray launched several successful plumbing businesses before turning to his passion for teaching his skills to young adults in the Twin Cities area. As a published author and tenured professor, Ray became a sought-after expert on television shows such as Home Time and Bath Crashers. Drawing from his Hispanic heritage, Ray utilized his fluency in Spanish by serving as a translator and donated his time and talent to orphanages in Central America and Africa. From his military experience, Ray has lent his security experience to Presidents, Senators, and Governors.
Al DeKruif – Board Member
Al DeKruif is the owner of DeKruif Enterprises, Inc, since 1990, which provides logistics services to government agencies at the state and local level to gain permission to safely and legally transport goods across the U.S., some grossing in excess of 1 million pounds. Al and his family have also owned and operated Sakatah trail resort, a campground located in Southern Minnesota since 1995. He also served in the Minnesota Senate representing all of LeSueur county and parts of Rice, Scott and Sibley counties.
Al currently lives in Madison Lake, MN with his wife of 44 years, Carol DeKruif, and enjoys spending time with family, traveling to Arizona during the winter months, and fishing with his grandchildren.
Jerry Papenfuss – Board Member
Jerry has served on many committees and task forces. He has been an active Republican since 1962 and served at the local, district, state and national level. Jerry served on the Boschwitz Kitchen Cabinet for 14 years.
Here is a synopsis of some of Jerry’s volunteer involvement and accomplishments over the years:
· Past President Winona JCs
· Past President Hiawatha Valley Toastmasters
· Past Exalted Ruler Winona Elks Lodge 327
· Past Chairman City of Winona Planning Commission
· Past Frosty Winona Winter Carnival
· Past President Winona Area Industrial Development Association
· Past President MN Broadcasters Association
· Past Member Board of Directors National Association of Broadcasters
· Past member of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
· Past Member St. Anne of Winona Foundation Board of Directors
· Honorary Ambassador Winona Area Chamber of Commerce
· Past Grand Marshall Steamboat Days Parade
· Past Member Board of Directors Fortress Bank Winona & Houston
· Current Member Winona Community Foundation Board of Directors
· Co-Developer Knopp Valley
· Co-Developer AmericInn of Winona
Jennifer Miller Guiterrez – Board Member
Jennifer Miller Gutierrez currently serves as a Global General Manager at RTPCompany, a family-owned composite manufacturing company. She was born and raised in Winona, Minnesota where she witnessed first-hand how strong local leadership can produce significant positive change in a community. Jennifer graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois with degrees in Economics and Chinese Language. Jennifer began working for her family company after graduation, spending time in Singapore and Fort Worth, Texas. Jennifer’s work takes her around the world, but her travels have only reinforced her gratitude for growing up in a small town, raised by parents who instilled in her community-focused values. Jennifer currently resides in Winona with her husband, Jonathan, and their three dogs. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys turning off her cell phone to spend time with family, exploring new golf courses, and traveling.