Meet Our Leadership

Meet Our Leadership

The League of Women Voters of Minneapolis is a member-driven, grassroots organization supported by dedicated leaders, volunteers, and community members. Our leadership structure ensures that our mission to empower voters and defend democracy is carried out through thoughtful planning, community engagement, and meaningful action.

Our Board of Directors, staff, committee and Unit leaders, and volunteers contribute their time, expertise, and passion to advance civic education, voter participation, and advocacy across Minneapolis.

Board of Directors

The Board plays a central role in guiding the League’s priorities and ensuring alignment with its mission to support informed and active participation in government.

Judy Zaunbrecher | President

I have been a member of the League of Women Voters since 2015, first in Massachusetts and now in Minneapolis. Before that, I spent 40 years working in the consumer and food products industry, focusing on technical product design.

As a relatively new resident, I have found LWV Minneapolis to be a wonderful way to learn more about local government and different neighborhoods, meet new people, and give back to the community through our work.

Outside of the League, I learned to sail on Bde Maka Ska in 2021 and now enjoy both day sailing and longer sailing trips.

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Katherine Schweikart | Treasurer

I have served as Treasurer for LWV Minneapolis for the past four years. Before that, I spent most of my career in a variety of finance roles at General Mills.

I first became interested in the League out of curiosity because my mother had been very involved. Since joining, I have developed a deeper appreciation for the role LWV plays in encouraging voter participation and educating our community.

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Lisa Norling | Secretary

I am retired from an academic career where, among other things, I taught women’s history. Joining the League of Women Voters feels like a meaningful way to carry on the legacy of the heroic women who led the charge for women’s rights.

After about 35 years in Minneapolis, I am finally beginning to feel authentically Minnesotan. I enjoy kayaking and canoeing, and there is no better place for both than Minnesota.

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Jane Lansing | Director: Reimagining Public Safety

I am an engineer who retired as an executive after a 40-year career in global technology, business, and marketing. After retiring from a global role, I wanted to learn more about my local community and how I could make an impact here in Minneapolis.

I lived in Holland for four years, which helped deepen my love of biking, travel, and exploring new places. These days, I also enjoy gardening and staying connected to the community around me.

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Monica Murphy | Unit Representative

One of my passions is defending democracy and helping educate the public about the importance of participating in it in every way possible.

The League of Women Voters provides both the structure and the grassroots energy to strengthen our democracy and encourage civic participation. I am proud to be part of that work.

A fun fact about me: I set a state swimming record when I was in junior high.

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Lisa Mills | Director: Program

I have been a member of the League for more than 20 years. I joined the Board as my career in software development was winding down and my children were becoming young adults.

What I enjoy most is learning about public policy from and with an amazing group of women, then turning that knowledge into advocacy.

Sue Peirce | Director: Voter Services

I first got involved with the League by helping register new citizens to vote at naturalization ceremonies. It was a meaningful way to support civic participation and welcome new voters into the democratic process.

Outside of my work with the League, I love to read, knit, and sing with the Twin Cities Women’s Choir.

Sue Woulfe | Director: MPS K-12 Education

I worked primarily in cardiac health care until I retired in 2017. Along the way, my husband and I raised three daughters, which has been one of the most meaningful parts of my life.

I went to high school in Minneapolis, married and started my family here, and later returned after retirement. With both my extended family and my husband’s extended family in the area, Minneapolis has always felt like home.

One of my favorite surprises came later in life, when I discovered at age 62 that I loved long-distance running—mostly 5Ks, with a half marathon at age 64. It was a real life change, and I still try to do a run or two every year.

Emily Rydell | Youth Representative

As Youth Representative, my name is Emily Rydell. I am going into my third year at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, where I am majoring in political science. I am passionate about advocacy and helping people understand their right to vote and why it matters.

Originally from New York, I moved to Minnesota in 2024 the day after I graduated from high school—which gives you an idea of how much I love it here.

I chose the League of Women Voters Minneapolis after a friend introduced me to the organization. The more I learned, the more I realized how many opportunities the League offers to explore the issues I care about most. It is also a wonderful way to meet people who share similar interests but come from many different walks of life.

Anne McLaughlin | Diversity Equity & Inclusion

I joined the League in 2018 after being invited to become involved. At the time, I thought it would be a good way to learn more about the city and its politics—and it turned out to be exactly that. Since joining, I have served on the League’s board for two years and co-chaired Program Planning.

Outside of my community work, I enjoy knitting, riding my bike, and walking around Lake Harriet.

Rebecca Thoman | Past President

My name is Rebecca Thoman, and I am a past president of LWV Minneapolis. I am retired after 25 years working in public health policy, grassroots organizing, and government relations.

I believe Minneapolis is ground zero for defending democracy, and I am proud to carry on the League’s legacy of protecting women’s rights.

Outside of the League, I love dancing, drumming, and visiting my grandchildren.

Sarah Stevens | Chair, Membership

I grew up in South Minneapolis before moving to Europe for college. I ended up staying for many years, raising a family and building a career in artist management, representing opera singers and conductors.

In 2008, after finally completing my master’s degree 25 years later, I moved to New York City to expand my business. Then, in 2021, I returned to Minneapolis and fell in love with the city all over again. It has been a joy to rediscover its neighborhoods, parks, lakes, and vibrant arts community.

I joined the League of Women Voters Minneapolis after attending a well-organized candidate forum and being impressed by both the quality of the event and the dedicated people behind it. Since then, the League has helped me reconnect with the city, learn more about the issues shaping our community, and meet so many smart, engaged, and inspiring women.

And if you spot a bright red cargo bike cruising around the lakes or along Minneapolis’s fantastic bike trails, there is a good chance it is me. The biking is one of the many reasons I love living here.

Kim McCoy | Director at Large

I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and moved to Minnesota to attend Macalester College. Since then, I have lived in Minneapolis for most of the past 30 years. I have a master’s degree in public health and currently work part time in health care quality improvement.

I joined LWV Minneapolis after George Floyd was murdered because I wanted to help activate voters in a nonpartisan way. I have also always loved the Voter Guide and appreciate the League’s role in helping people participate more fully in our democracy.

Outside of work and the League, I love to garden—perennials, not vegetables—and spend time with my 9-year-old dog, Noche, who came from a rescue in Isla Mujeres, Mexico.

Open Board of Director Positions:

  • Action and Advocacy

  • Communications

  • Development

  • Program Planning

Committees and Leads

Operational:

Communications: Open

Development: Open

Finance: Kathy Schweikart

Membership: Sarah Stephens and Monica Murphy

Program Planning: Open

  • Civic Buzz: Lisa Mills

Voter Services: Marilyn Cantisano and Sheila O’Dougherty

  • Candidate Forum Coordinators: Kim McCoy and Anne Norris

  • Community Engagement: Alina Muller and Nancy Pearson

  • Democracy Series Articles: Kathy Cramer

  • Election Night Project: Janet Midtbo and Rosemary Lawrence

  • Neighborhood Elections Service: Marilyn Cantisano

  • Voter Registration and GOTV: Teena Keiser, Audrey Boyle, and Molly Snuggerud

  • Youth Engagement: Meg Walters (High School) and Leslie Koepke (Post Secondary)

Advocacy:

Advocacy and Action: Open

Climate Committee: Susan Hellstrom

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee: Anne McLaughlin and Lisa Norling

Minneapolis Public Schools K-12 Education: Sue Woulfe

Reimaging Public Safety: Jane Lansing

Women Defending Democracy: Sarah Stephens and Monica Murphy

Neighborhood Units:

Unit 111: Thea Reilkoff and Pam Telleen

Unit25/29: Susan Anderson and Katie Fournier

Unit 48: Meg Walters and Rosemary Lawrence

Unit 53: Marki Anderson

Staff:

Ann Erickson office@lwvmpls.org

Leah Sweet vote@lwvmpls.org

Voice Mail: 651-808-3297

Interested in learning more or getting in touch with a LWVMpls lead or member?

Contact staff or complete the contact form.

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How Leadership Works

The League of Women Voters of Minneapolis operates with a working board model. This means that board members are actively involved in planning and carrying out programs, events, and initiatives that support the organization’s mission.

Members and leaders collaborate to:

  • Educate the community on elections and public policy

  • Host candidate forums and civic discussions

  • Engage with elected officials and departments at all levels of city government

  • Support voter participation and democratic processes

  • Raise funds

This structure ensures that leadership remains closely connected to the community and responsive to local needs.

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A group of twelve women standing together for a photo in front of a presentation screen, with some women holding or near a gavel symbol and the words 'Pass the Gavel & Direction to the Board' displayed.

Join the League of Women Voters of Minneapolis

Behind every program, forum, and initiative is a network of committed members who make this work possible.

When you join, you can:

  • Support voter education and civic engagement in Minneapolis

  • Collaborate with League leaders and committees

  • Contribute your skills to meaningful community work

  • Help shape the future of local democracy

Join today and become part of a leadership community dedicated to informed participation and lasting impact.

Join Today
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A crowd of people wearing winter clothing gathered on a city street with tall buildings and colorful murals in the background.

Common Questions

  • The League is led by a Board of Directors, along with committee chairs, unit leaders, and volunteers who support programs and initiatives across Minneapolis.

  • A working board means that board members are actively involved in planning and carrying out the League’s work, not just overseeing it.

  • Members can join committees, participate in local units, or take on leadership roles based on their interests and availability.

  • No experience is required. The League welcomes members at all levels and provides opportunities to learn and contribute.

  • Committees focus on areas such as voter services, public safety, advocacy, education, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement.

  • Yes. Members play a key role in organizing candidate forums, voter registration efforts, and civic engagement programs.