Virginia Community Foundation Board & Staff

The Virginia Community Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Members are actively involved in achieving the Foundation’s mission. Living or working in the Virginia area, Directors are knowledgeable about our community and work hard to ensure that the spirit and intent of each gift is honored.

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  Laura Bachschneider, Chair St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services On the board since 2013 View Bio

  Laura Bachschneider, Chair

  Laura (Summers) Bachschneider is proud to have been born and raised in Virginia and to be a graduate of Virginia High School. Laura received her Bachelors Degree at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Child Development and Family Life and Education. Upon completion of college, Laura accepted a temporary, “fill in” position as a social worker for St. Louis County and continues her career as a social worker for St. Louis County 30 years later. Laura is quite crafty and creative. She is the past co-owner of County Roads in Angora and is also the owner/operator of “Crafty B”, which she operates out of her home.
  
  Laura has served on the Board since 2013 and has served as Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary. Laura is active in the community, and has served on the Virginia Hospital Foundation Board, Festival of Trees, PTA, Virginia Volleyball Boosters, and volunteers her time in other endeavors. Laura has been blessed with wonderful family and friends and is thankful for the opportunity to raise her children in the same hometown she grew up in.
  
  Laura continues to live in Virginia with her husband, Paul, who, sadly did not get to grow up in Virginia, but who is now a converted true-blue Virginia lover. Laura and Paul share two adult daughters, Holly and Annie, who are also born and raised Virginia girls who continue to live and work in Virginia. ×
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  Greg Gilness, Vice Chair Retired, Community Volunteer On the board since 2020 View Bio

  Greg Gilness, Vice Chair

  Greg was born in 1950 and graduated from Virginia High School. He played football and hockey in high school; attended Mesabi Community College, and graduated from UMD with a BBA. Greg met his wife Jane while attending UMD and married in 1974. They have two children.
  
  Greg worked at LTV corporation for 28 years years. Fifteen years in Payroll and Human Resources, thirteen years in Asset Management and Acquisition. Following the collapse of LTV, he worked for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Minnesota as a supervisor and manager for 10 years, retiring in 2012.
  
  Greg volunteered as a youth hockey coach and referee for many years. He has been a member and president of the Virginia Parks and Recreation Commission from 2005 to 2021. During this time, he initiated the project to restore the fountain in Olcott Park resulting in its re-commissioning in 2019. He is currently a member of the design committee for the Miners Event and Convention Center. ×
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  Anthony (Tony) Harkonen, Treasurer Retired, Community Volunteer On the board since 2017 View Bio

  Anthony (Tony) Harkonen, Treasurer

  Tony grew up in Angora and is a graduate of Cook High School. Following graduation, he attended Mesabi Community College and the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Mining Engineering. Tony worked at the former Erie Mining Company as an Engineer for 5 years before attending UMD where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Applied Mathematics with a teaching certification. Tony started his teaching career in Cook in 1985 and also taught in Cotton, at Mesabi Community College, and ended 32 years of teaching at Hibbing High School. Tony retired in June 2017.
  
  Tony was a certified basketball official for over 30 years and also officiated with football and baseball.
  
  Tony and his wife, Robin have lived in the Midway neighborhood for over 29 years. They have one daughter, Dr. Brittany (Nate) Ortler and two beautiful granddaughters. Robin is the Executive Director of the East Range DAC in Eveleth and Brittany is an Advanced Practice Clinician for Essentia Health in Duluth. Nate works at United Taconite.
  
  Tony looks forward to working with all the other Board members and staff at the Virginia Community Foundation and serving the business owners and citizens of Virginia. It has been a challenging and rewarding experience so far. ×
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  Leah Ryan, Secretary Community Volunteer On the board since 2017 View Bio

  Leah Ryan, Secretary

  Leah is relatively new to the area and looking for ways to become involved in our community, make friendships and set a good example for others - especially youth.
  
  As a foster parent, she wants to help raise responsibly engaged world citizens and the best way to teach is by living a good example and encouraging curiosity in her choices.
  
  I look forward to helping the Quad Cities area evolve and grow into the future. ×
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  Tim Riordan, Past Chair Community Volunteer On the board since 2015 View Bio

  Tim Riordan, Past Chair

  Tim Riordan is excited to a member of the Virginia Community Foundation. He is passionate about the city where he has lived most of his life. Tim has been actively involved in the community through the Virginia Lions Club, the School Board, school booster clubs and his church, and is always willing to lend a hand to support community projects.
  
  Tim is passionate about children, families and schools. He believes in investing in the future of the city and finding ways to promote Virginia through the Foundation.
  
  In his free time, Tim enjoys golfing, bowling, and tending to his raspberry garden. He and his wife, Kathy, love traveling and spending time with their children and six grandchildren. ×
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  Kerry Waschke Collie Ken Waschke Auto Plaza On the board since 2013 View Bio

  Kerry Waschke Collie

  Kerry is a 1992 VHS graduate, and earned two degrees in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the University of St. Thomas.
  
  Kerry returned to the area in 1996, to help in the Family Business (Ken Waschke Auto Plaza), after her brother was seriously injured in a car accident.  After a tragic accident, you re-prioritize your values.  Family and community being critically important, she chose to stay and make a life in Virginia.  She remains committed to both.  “I love life in Virginia, but envision an even better future.  I’m proud to serve on the the Virginia Community Foundation board, where my contributions will positively impact the Virginia community. ”
  
  Kerry, proudly carries on the tradition her parents, Ken and Mary, began 32 years ago and confidently steps into the future of the Retail automotive industry, as Second Generation Dealer. 
  
  Having participated in many of the Foundation’s events for year, Kerry joined the Foundation Board in 2013.  She serves on the Fund Development committee of the Virginia Community Foundation.  She strongly believes that the growth of our Endowment will allow us to do more, with a far greater impact on the community.  
  
  Kerry Waschke Collie resides in Virginia with husband, Jeff Collie and children Mason and Kendall. Life is good!   They are a very active family that enjoys all the area has to offer.  ×
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  Erik Wedge DSGW Architects On the board since 2013 View Bio

  Erik Wedge

  Erik C. Wedge, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP - With 25 years of architectural experience is a principal at DSGW Architects, a 1990 Graduate of Virginia High School, and a 1996 Graduate of NDSU with dual degrees B.A. in Environmental Design and a B.A. in Architecture. Erik joined DSGW after graduation. Notable projects Erik has worked on in Virginia include: Komatsu Service Center, Lake Country Power Service Center, Olcott Park Fountain Restoration, and the recently competed Iron Trail Motors Event Center. "Good Architecture isn't always about a big, innovative idea. It can simply be listening to a client's need, releasing a well-organized design satisfying project parameters on time and on budget."
  
  Erik has also served as the past President for the Northern Chapter of American Institute of Architects (AIA), past Planning & Zoning Administrator for the City of Gilbert, past Virginia Educational Fund Advisory Member, past executive assistant for the Gethsemane Lutheran Church Parish Planning Council, past youth hockey coach, and past Mesabi Range Community Technical College Carpentry Advisory Board Member.
  
  In 2006, he was awarded the AIA Minnesota Presidential Citation for serving as the Northern Minnesota President on the AIA Minnesota Board and for representing the Northern members well. He is a 2010 Blandin Community Leadership Graduate. Erik joined the Foundation Board in 2012. He serves on the Blue Pride Committee.
  
  Erik has three Boys; Jacob, a Hamline Graduate and Staff Sargent in the Minnesota National Guard; Andrew, a senior at Virginia High school and enjoys golf and motocross; Eli an 8th grader who enjoys skiing and waterparks. In the winter Erik enjoys skiing and snowboarding with his boys at Giants Ridge and watching the Minnesota Wild. In the summer he enjoys golf, fishing, and camping at the motocross track with them as well. His falls are spent partridge hunting with his springer Bella and duck or deer hunting every opportunity he gets!   ×
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  Tucker Nelson Hometown Focus-Editor On the board since 2020 View Bio

  Tucker Nelson

  Tucker grew up in Eveleth, graduated from Virginia High School and has lived in the Queen City since early 2020. He studied history at the University of Minnesota Duluth and was previously the museum director for the Virginia Area Historical Society.
  
  Tucker now combines his love of writing with his love for the Iron Range as Editor of the Hometown Focus, a community newspaper. He is also the council secretary for Our Savior's Lutheran Church and previously volunteered for the Eveleth Heritage Society. His hobbies include violin, theater, and collecting antiques.
  
  Tucker lives in Virginia with his wife, Ashley, stepson, Charlie; and cat, Pugsley. Tucker is glad he and his family live in a community with a vibrant past and a promising future. ×
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  Mark Kovacich Suez Water Technologies & Solutions-Project Manager On the board since 2020 View Bio

  Mark Kovacich

  Mark is the acting chair of the Mesabi College Foundation and is involved in the Quad Cities Rotary.
  He is an active VAHA coach and Virginia Baseball Mini coach.
  
  Mark's hobbies include hunting, fishing, hiking, golf, snowmobiling and family time.
  
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  Bill Culbert Retired - Culbert Realty On the board since 2021 View Bio

  Bill Culbert

  Bill is retired business owner of Culbert Realty. He has lived in Virginia for seventy-four years. He has a love for this community, the people who live and work in it and wants to see it thrive.
  
  Bill is involved in Jaycees, Rotary and the Fabiola Club.
  
  Bill enjoys spending time with his grandkids and family.
  
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  Marieta Johnson Retired Executive, MN Judicial Branch On the board since 2021 View Bio

  Marieta Johnson

  Marieta was born in Spokane, Washington and grew up as a military dependent. She attended 11 schools in as far away places as the Philippines. Marieta received her Masters Degree in Judicial Administration from the University of Denver Law School. She moved to Virginia in 1982.
  
  Marieta is a founding member of the Virginia Community Foundation. She has served on the Northland Foundation Board of Directors and was recognized as a KBJR Woman in Leadership. Marieta was a National Center for State Courts Leadership Trainer and currently sits on the Alworth Scholarship Board.
  
  Marieta has strong ties to the Virginia Foundation. As a board member, she hopes to bring the skills she acquired during her more than thirty years in judicial management and customer service. Marieta's goal is to help ensure a long-lasting understanding of the history and mission of the Foundation.
  
  Marieta's interests include community leadership, philanthropy, and family activities. Marieta says, “I was born to be a Grandma.” Thankfully, she is blessed with five grandchildren.
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  Eleanor Anshus Retired - Orr General Store On the board since 2021 View Bio

  Eleanor Anshus

  Eleanor was born in Duluth, grew up and graduated from High School in Virginia. After graduation, Eleanor accepted a job at Virginia Coop Credit Union and worked there for twelve years and thirteen years at Queen City Federal Bank.
  
  Eleanor and her husband, Phil purchased a building in Orr and started the Orr General Store. They owned and operated it successfully for fifteen years. Eleanor also sold real estate for Culbert Realty. After selling the store, Eleanor was employed by the American Bank in Cook. Due to Phil's failing health, they sold their home on Pelican Lake and moved back to Virginia.
  
  Since her retirement, Eleanor has done volunteer work at Essentia Health, the Olcott Park Fountain restoration project, the Olcott Park Brewfest Committee, and the Land of the Loon Committee, East Range Choral, and the Mission Endowment Committee at Gethsemane Lutheran Church.
  
  Eleanor's hobbies include her flower garden, quilting and volunteering. She has three children, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. ×
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  Carol Sundquist Retired On the board since 2021 View Bio

  Carol Sundquist

  Carol has a long history with the Virginia Foundation, serving as its first executive director, and as board member. She is committed to staying connected to past donors, involving community members and school alumni in the work of the Foundation. Carol believes when people are encouraged to be involved - they take ownership and give not only of their finances, but also of their time. "Once you have a volunteer, that volunteer reaches out to her family and friends, widening the support our Community Foundation. With strong community support, the Foundation becomes an important resource for community projects that are no longer supported through county, state and federal dollars."
  
  Carol's community involvement includes Bland Community Leadership Program, AAUW branch president, AAUW State Membership Chair, Trustee National Narcolepsy Board, Northland Foundation Board, Ironworld Advisory Board, and Land of the Loon Festival Committee.
  
  Carol's interests and hobbies include "Carol's Wooly Bowls," (A small business adventure making and selling wool felted bowls). Training and testing dogs in the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association Events, community volunteer and Grand-parenting. ×
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  Polly Podpeskar On the board since 2021 View Bio

  Polly Podpeskar

  Polly serves as the Director of Student Nutrition Services for the Grand Rapids Public Schools and is the owner of Innovative Nutrition for the Arrowhead Communities. INAC, Inc. has been providing professional food service management for 35 years.
  
  Polly is a past member of the Queen City Federal Bank Board of directors. She has served on the Minnesota School Nutrition Association Executive Board, Virginia Parks and Recreation Board and is a Founding member of the Education Fund for Virginia schools. Polly’s success in building positive relationships is an asset to the Foundation as connections are made with old and new donors.
  
  Not surprisingly, Polly loves to cook. She and her husband Jimmy, maintain a productive garden. Her favorite activities include hosting family gatherings and traveling.
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  Dominick Olivanti On the board since 2021 View Bio

  Dominick Olivanti

  Dominick is a powerhouse of creativity and public relations. A graduate of Virginia High School, Dominick went on to St. Cloud State University and received a degree in Planning and Community Development. He currently works for Range Center Inc., serving “exclusively,” people with disabilities.
  
  Dominick’s love of Northeastern Minnesota is infectious. He originated a podpast dedicated to the Iron Range and all good things that happen in the area. Dominick believes in giving back to the community that offered him so much. He is quick to describe all the unique qualifies of our region, and has a vision to make a differfence.
  
  Dominick’s enthusiasm for leadership opportunities led him to the Foundation. The Foundation benefits from his interests in photography, grant writing, historical research, and events management. Dominick is very enthusiastic about improving the community. He will use his talents on behalf of the Foundation to strengthen human connections through up-to-date social media communications. Dominick is a change agent to watch. ×

Staff Members

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  Holly Lundgren Interim Executive Director Email Holly Lundgren View Bio

  Holly Lundgren

  Holly graduated from Nashwauk-Keewatin High School; has an Associate of Applied Science degree in Accounting from Itasca Community College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from the College of St. Scholastica.

  Holly has volunteered in various organizations while she was a stay-at-home Mom (Parkview and Roosevelt PTAs, Virginia Little League Softball, VRMC Festival of Trees, Co-Chair of the Sand Lake Shuffle, Education Chair, Staff/Parish Chair and Treasurer of Peace United Methodist Church). She previously served on the Virginia Foundation Board of Directors.  In 2019 she joined the “family business”, Lundgren Motors in Eveleth.

  Holly and her husband Bruce returned to the Virginia area in 1996. They have three children (Hayley, Olin and Anneka) all graduates of Virginia High School.

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  Maija Biondich Administrative Assistant Email Maija Biondich View Bio

  Maija Biondich

  Maija was raised in Mt Iron and worked in the flower business for 40 years. For 23 of those years, she owned Silver Lake Floral in the 300 block of Chestnut Street in downtown Virginia. Maija is a member of The Ladies of Kaleva, East Range Choral, MN Emerging Entrepreneur Board, and Friends of Public Safety. She currently sits on the Virginia City Council.

  A devoted Grandma, Maija enjoys the time she spends with Reagan, Logan, Michael, and her sweet baby, Tillie. She enjoys reading, gardening, biking, attending different racing venues, and walking. Maija often joins her sister to silently volunteer to beautify where she can, most recently decorating the Bob Baldrica Bandstand in Olcott Part over the 2021 Holiday.

   

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