ANNA POLLOCK, Executive Director

Anna graduated Cum Laude from McNally Smith College of Music with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Business and a minor in Songwriting and Composition. She previously directed theater at the Waseca Drama Department and served as the Deputy Director with Lead For Minnesota.

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PAM TRUMBULL, ProgramS DIRECTOR

Pam has worked for Prairie Lakes for over 15 years. Pam has an A.A.S. degree in Graphic Art. She sings in her church choir, plays trumpet in her church band, and plays the piano. Pam is married and has two children. 

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ABBY MELBYE, COMMUNITY OUTREACH MANAGER

Abby is an arts lover with an M.F.A. in Screenwriting from Brooklyn College and a B.A. in Spanish from Minnesota State University, Moorhead. Prior to joining PLRAC, she worked in the entertainment industry in New York, and in the nonprofit sector in Laramie, Wyoming.

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Blue Earth County — Open

DAVE WAHL, Springfield

Representing Brown County

Dave is a Navy Veteran, accomplished DIY'er, and jack of all trades whose many talents include singer, actor, and former musician. He is currently the Maintenance Manager at Sanborn Manufacturing in Springfield and an EMT with the Springfield Ambulance Service. Dave was extensively involved in theatre and music throughout high school and returned to the stage over ten years ago. He has been a board member of the Springfield Community Theatre since 2012 and has shifted his focus from acting to working behind the scenes in set construction and stage crew for the last several SCT productions.

Paula Kabe, Blue Earth

Representing Faribault County

Paula Kabe is a Blue Earth native and experienced nonprofit professional with a background in C-suite and board support. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Winona State University and was later honored by the university as a Distinguished Young Alumni. Paula currently serves at United Hospital District in Blue Earth, where she supports the leadership team and board of directors. A lifelong performer, she has sung with symphony chorales in Rochester (MN), Brooklyn and Staten Island (NY), and was a member of an early music vocal ensemble in New York. Paula also enjoys musical theater and has most recently been performing with Fairmont Area Community Theater at the Fairmont Opera House. She has also appeared in many productions with Blue Earth Town & Country Players and served on its board. Her community board experience has also included the Blue Earth Area Chamber of Commerce and Trinity Lutheran Church Council in Blue Earth. Paula credits music and the arts with helping build meaningful connections throughout her life and is grateful for the opportunity to combine her love of the arts with her nonprofit experience in support of vibrant arts communities in rural Minnesota.

helen bednar, Cleveland

Representing Le Sueur County

Helen Bednar is a creative digital strategist, graphic designer, and communications leader dedicated to strengthening communities through storytelling. She earned an A.A.S. in Commercial Art from South Central College, a B.F.A. in Graphic Design with a minor in Illustration, and an M.S. in Educational Technology from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Helen currently serves as Creative Director at APX Construction Group. A 2026 Woman of Distinction, award-winning educator, and recipient of the South Central College Engagement Award, Helen is passionate about education, the arts, and community leadership. She serves on the boards of the Mankato Symphony Orchestra, Visit Mankato, and MYPlace, and is the Marketing and Communications Director for the Old Town Day of the Dead Celebration. She also volunteers her web design and digital marketing expertise with the Flamboyant Flamingo Flock, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women facing breast and ovarian cancer. A first-generation college graduate, Helen believes everyone should have access to the arts and that storytelling has the power to strengthen communities.

KERRY NAGEL-ALLEN, fairmont

Representing Martin County

Kerry is currently a guardian and/or conservatorship for individuals with mental health, developmental disabilities and the elderly.  She has been involved in the developmental and mental health fields in many different roles for the past 40 years. Kerry is a past president of the Fairmont Chamber of Commerce.  She is a past president of the Fairmont Opera House.  She has been a volunteer at the Opera House for many years.

MARK WAMMA, St. Peter 

Representing Nicollet County

Mark has a BA in Honors Music Performance. He is the Music Director and Operations Director for Mankato Area Youth Symphony Orchestra. He teaches violin and viola privately, at the New Ulm Suzuki School of Music, and as an adjunct instructor for these organizations: MN State University, Mankato, Martin Luther College, New Ulm, and Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato.  He performs as a soloist and an orchestral musician. He is a founding member of the Two Rivers Community Orchestra and River Valley String Quartet serving as the coordinator and violinist for the latter. 

MICHAEL LOOFT, Winthrop

Representing Sibley County

Michael is a dedicated public servant and advocate for the arts, known for his multifaceted contributions to his community. Currently serving as the City Administrator for Winthrop, he brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the local government. His tenure has been marked by a commitment to effective governance and community development. Beyond his professional role, Michael is an integral part of the annual Bavarian Blast music festival held in New Ulm, where he lends his support and expertise. With a passion for the arts, he has consistently championed diversity in artistic expression, recognizing the importance of inclusion and representation within the creative realm. In his personal life, Michael is an avid enthusiast of Clydesdale Horses. Alongside his partner, he spends his free time showcasing these majestic animals at various events and exhibitions throughout the Midwest. His dedication to both his civic responsibilities and personal interests underscores his well-rounded character and commitment to making a positive impact on the community and beyond.

DEVON LAWRENCE, Waseca 

Representing Waseca County

Devon graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire in 2018 with a Music Education degree. There, he was a member of the Marching Band, Wind Symphony, Symphony Band, Orchestra, and various other small ensembles. Now in year five of teaching, he directs the 9th-12th grade Concert Bands at Waseca Jr. Sr. High School in addition to the Pep Band, Marching Band, Pit Orchestra, and various other small ensembles. Other involvement from him includes serving River City Rhythm Drum and Bugle Corps (Anoka, MN) in varying capacities, first as a member in the 2015 and 2016 seasons, then on the admin team (Assistant Corps Director and Corps Director) from 2017-2021 and is now the Program Coordinator for that organization. This group serves young musicians from all across the world, giving them an opportunity to participate in the Marching Arts on a professional scale. Lastly, Devon is a part of multiple performing groups in the area including Little Chicago (New Prague, MN) and Southern Minnesota's Real Big Band.

SANDY SUNDE, St. James 

Representing Watonwan County

Sandy has a BA in English and MA in Education.  She is a retired Language Arts educator at St. James High School. Sandy was the co-editor of and contributor to “Your Story, My Story, Our Story” a published collection of immigrant stories. Sandy currently is a member of Uniting Cultures, Community Theater Board, multi-cultural fiesta planning committee, CAPP-Comprehensive Arts Planning Program, and council member and chair of Worship, Music, Arts Board First Lutheran Church. She previously was the director of 25 high school musical theater productions, 6 community theater musical productions, artistic director of St. James Trust Company, director of adult, youth and children’s choirs.

MONI HARPER, fairmont

Representing the City of Fairmont

Moni is a lifelong resident of Martin County and a graduate of Mankato (now Minnesota) State University with a BS in Business Administration Marketing and Management. She retired as MRCI Fairmont Brand Manager in 2019. Moni has participated in the Fairmont City band for 46 years and the Trimont Centennial Band for 20+ years. She is the bugler for Fairmont VFW and Legion Honor Guard. She was also a former chairman of the Martin County Area Foundation and past president of the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce. She has served on the Fairmont Opera House and Civic Summer Theatre boards.

EMILY HEINIS, Mankato

representing the City of Mankato

Emily is a writer, communications professional, and former teacher. She has a BST in English Language Arts, an MA in Communication Studies, and an MFA in Creative Writing, all from Minnesota State Mankato. While in education, Emily taught across the ELA curriculum, with experience in theater, film, performance, and publishing. She won the Prentice Hall Developing Leadership Award from the MN Council of Teachers of English. She has served as Poetry and Visual Arts Editor for Blue Earth Review. Emily has also twice appeared in the national speaking series Listen to Your Mother. Her board experience includes Co-Chair of the ISD196 Early Childhood Advisory Council, Chair of the Reconciling in Christ Task Force in two congregations, and Emergency Shelter Council in Dakota County. When not working, Emily is reading, painting, doing yoga, or traveling with her spouse and two kids.

City of New Ulm — open

Lissa Torres, North Mankato

Representing the city of North Mankato

Lissa is an essayist and poet with an MFA in Creative Writing from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She was an Assistant Professor of English at Bethany Lutheran College. She continues to teach creative writing there and at MNSU as an adjunct. As a volunteer, she’s mentored with the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop and has offered various community readings and workshops in Mankato.

Heather Gordon, St. Peter

Representing the City of St. PEter

Heather Gordon is a U.S. Navy veteran, artist, and photojournalist whose work bridges creative expression and service to others. She currently serves as Brand Ambassador for the Bravo Zulu House, where she leads fundraising and advocacy efforts to advance the future 2027 Women's House, created to support women veterans with PTSD and reduce veteran suicide. Heather earned her A.A.S. from the University of Maryland, Asian Division, and her B.F.A. from the College of Visual Arts in St. Paul, MN, and is now pursuing a master's degree in Licensed Clinical Counseling-Art Therapy at Lesley University in Boston, MA. She is currently completing her second practicum as a clinical therapist-in-training at the Greater Minnesota Trauma Center in St. Peter. Heather extends her care for community as a member of the Zonta Club of Mankato, where she works to empower and educate women, advance gender equality, and end violence against women. She offers art classes through Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership and within the local recovery community. A native of St. Peter, MN, Heather is the proud mother of three amazing young adults.