Zachary Brunnert: Zach lives at 4th and Park
Please describe your experience with nonprofit organizations and/or boards, plus list any previous experience volunteering with the DMNA. I previously served on the North Loop Neighborhood Association Board after my husband and I relocated to Minnesota in March of 2020. I served on the board until we moved to the Mill District the following year. As a transplant, moving at the onset of the pandemic, it was very meaningful to engage with the community I lived in. I currently serve on the Minnesota Ambulatory Surgery Center Association Board. Here I help manage their public policy advocacy and administer their PAC. I’ve been on the board for two years. Further, I am engaged with the Radiology Business Management Association and help direct the organization’s state-level public policy.
Why do you want to join the DMNA Board? Downtown Minneapolis, while has its issues, has gifted my family such great opportunity and I want to be a part of an organization that works to ensure others have that same experience.
Julia Laden: Julia works for Hennepin County
Please describe your experience with nonprofit organizations and/or boards, plus list any previous experience volunteering with the DMNA. Over the years and in various cities I’ve worked with many neighborhood associations and local community organizations in my capacity as an elections administrator. As Deputy City Clerk of Minnetonka I worked with their local Rotary Club and farmers market, as an Elections Specialist in both Minneapolis and St. Louis Park I worked with the cities’ community outreach departments and neighborhood organizations, and now I do so again as the Elections Operations Manager for Hennepin County. National Night Out, Open Streets (or similar events), and National Voter Registration Day have been annual highlights that I look forward to every year; they’re an opportunity to talk with voters but also to work with local organizations to “train the trainer” and empower organizations to disseminate accurate election information. In college when studying political science and social justice I had five “service learning” internships, these were with various nonprofits such as OutFront MN, CTUL, Neighborhoods Organizing for Change, and MPIRG. I have limited experience with DMNA – but I’ve happily volunteered to serve food at DMNA’s 2024 NNO, and have attended one board meeting and one DMNA Safety and Security Committee meeting.
Why do you want to join the DMNA Board? That’s simple, I want to join the board to be more involved with my community! I have loved living and working downtown, I think we have something really special in this neighborhood and I want to celebrate that and lend a hand in any way that I can. After living and working in various parts of the city over the past 10 years, I’ve never felt quite as at home as I do downtown.
Matt Monroe: Matt is the owner of EaTo and Chloe by Vincent
Please describe your experience with nonprofit organizations and/or boards, plus list any previous experience volunteering with the DMNA. I’m the Vice President of the ETBP and been on the board for two years. I’ve worked with Christie Hantge, as a result. I haven’t directly volunteered with the DMNA but I’ve worked with the board on getting approvals for liquor licenses and patios. Additionally, I’ve been active with the Mill District Neighborhood coalition where I’ve become friendly with Dianne Walsh!
Why do you want to join the DMNA Board? I am a huge believer in Downtown and working with the neighbors of my businesses. There’s a misperception of Minneapolis by people in the suburbs that I’d love to actively work to change!