BOARD SPOTLIGHT
SERVING THE MISSION by Blaine Stephens, Hammer Residences and Northeast Residence Board President
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n 2018, after a rewarding corporate career, I wanted to contribute my skills to give back to my community. Through my connections as a past Board member of the White Bear Lake Chamber of Commerce, Northeast Residence’s (NER) Board President, Joan Purrington, invited me to consider a Board of Directors opportunity at Northeast Residence. I was so impressed with the people I met at NER during the vetting process that I said yes to joining the Board. Fast forward to 2022, and I am immersed in this great community of committed and caring individuals. I am proud to serve as the President of the Hammer and the NER Board of Directors as of January 1, 2022. So much has happened over these past four years. I have served as the Treasurer and the Vice President of the NER Board. After leadership changes at NER, we were at a crossroads: Should we continue to go it alone or should we join with another organization that would allow us to have a broader impact in the community? Working with consultants, Board members, senior staff, and the interim director of NER, we began conversations with other providers. As we got to know Hammer Residences, it became clear that we were twins separated at birth. The values of both organizations, the philosophies of support, and the way we approach the work so closely align. It has been a delight to be part of this merger of two quality organizations.
Throughout my career, I have learned to listen and ask good questions. I believe that is how you get the best information. I view my role on the Board as supporter and facilitator. CEO John Estrem has the vision to make remarkable things happen for both organizations. He is such a compassionate person, so experienced, and kind. Working with John has been inspiring and educational. I look forward to our future together, meeting more people (in person!), seeing the smiles of the people we serve, and the staff enjoying the vital roles they play. When I spend time at Hammer and NER, it is like a big extended family with everyone supporting everyone. I am pleased to play a small part in serving such a wonderful mission.
We are stronger together and accomplish more as one organization than we could working alone. We have streamlined processes and adopted new internal management systems. The renewed focus on fundraising at NER has allowed us to bring in a full-time nurse to our staff. Most importantly, we use fundraised dollars to bring joy into the lives of the people we support.
“CEO John Estrem has the vision to make remarkable things happen for both organizations. He is such a compassionate person, so experienced and kind.” — Blaine Stephens
2022-2023 NORTHEAST RESIDENCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Blaine Stephens President Perforce
*Michelle Olson Secretary Retired RN
Michael Drazan Board Treasurer Retired Executive, Toro
*Greg Hanson Sales and Marketing
*Robert (Bob) Lockwood Retired Executive, Cardinal
*Laurie Moga Mahtomedi School District
* Family member served by Northeast Residence
Kevin Walli Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick
Discoveries |
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