Say hello to our new 2021 board members

The Camp Fire Board of Directors has five new faces going into 2021. 

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We’re so grateful for our talented Board of Directors—they bring their individual skills and passion for our mission to the table each day. From attending bimonthly meetings to working on strategic initiatives, they lend their personal time to Camp Fire to ensure youth have a place to foster new friendships, grow as leaders, and retreat into nature. We are honored and inspired to work with each member to create brighter, greener futures for Minnesota youth.

Say hello to our newest members—Tara, Tom, Nicolle, Brian, and Silvia! We can’t wait to see what 2021 brings with these five onboard.

Name: Tara Florek
Title: Global Education and Development Leader, Health Care Business Group
Company: 3M

What it is that you feel most connected to or inspired by in Camp Fire Minnesota’s mission that led you to join the board?

Nature has so many superpowers for the mind, body, and soul. Giving all youth no matter their gender, race, ethnicity, or ability a place to truly be themselves and discover their spark is such important work and I am honored to be part of it.

What is your favorite way to enjoy nature?

My favorite way to enjoy nature is with family, especially with my husband and two children. I love the peace it brings to our soul, the conversations and creativity it sparks. Some of our best memories happen while hiking, swimming, camping or around a bonfire.

 

Name: Tom Becker
Title: President & CEO
Company: Opus Design Build, L.L.C., The Opus Group

What it is that you feel most connected to or inspired by in Camp Fire Minnesota’s mission that led you to join the board?

When I learned about Camp Fire and its mission, it made me realize how I take for granted access to nature and the types of opportunities I have had. When coupled with my interest in supporting inclusive opportunities for youth, I immediately wanted to support the organization any way I could!

What is your favorite way to enjoy nature?

My favorite way to enjoy nature is to be in a boat on the water, doing anything. I find peace in that. My most common way is to just enjoy a walk outside.

 

Name: Nicolle Nacey
Title: Operations and Continuous Improvement Manager
Company: Eaton Hydraulics

What it is that you feel most connected to or inspired by in Camp Fire Minnesota’s mission that led you to join the board?

I first became connected with Camp Fire Minnesota while leading Eaton’s United Way campaign. I was drawn to Camp Fire as our agency partner based on the focus of loving nature and fostering that early within the next generation. I truly believe that the more we love nature, the better we can love ourselves and others. I’ve continued to see that resonate with everyone I have met so far within the organization. I’m excited to have joined the board and make a dedicated commitment to supporting this great mission.

What is your favorite way to enjoy nature?

I love being outside doing just about anything. I always look forward to my annual trip in the Boundary Waters and cross country skiing in the winter months.

 

Name: Brian Kalinoski
Title: VP, Human Resources | Motorcycles
Company: Polaris Industries Inc.

What it is that you feel most connected to or inspired by in Camp Fire Minnesota’s mission that led you to join the board?

I see tremendous value in youth being exposed to nature and what the outdoors have to offer early in life. Adults play a critical role in enabling access and exposure. Exposure leads to interest and eventually passion and I enjoy being a part of that story.

What is your favorite way to enjoy nature?

My favorite way to enjoy nature is by introducing others to the outdoors whether that be as simple as a walk in the woods or as advanced as a hunting, fishing or camping trip.

 

Name: Silvia Pasqualini
Title: Global Manufacturing Technology, Consumer Business Group
Company: 3M

What it is that you feel most connected to or inspired by in Camp Fire Minnesota’s mission that led you to join the board?

I decided to joined the board of Camp Fire Minnesota due to the amazing grounds and mission statement. I believe that STEM education should be more broadly available to students of all backgrounds. STEM and nature become more relevant with hands-on experience and certainly not just textbooks and classrooms.

What is your favorite way to enjoy nature?

I have been an avid downhill skier up to this winter starting cross country skiing on Lake Harriet and Hyland. Moreover, growing up in France, I have always been amazed with the National Parks and learning about them in school—we have visited a few and my favorite is still hiking the Grand Canyon and Sedona.

 

Thank you to all our current and former board members, as well the Minnesota Camp Fire Foundation Board of Trustees. Meet all the current members here!