Board Members
Promoting strong, viable communities for all Minnesotans
Jill A. Keppers, MPH
President
Executive Director, Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Duluth
Allison Streich
Senior Vice President
Executive Director, Carver County CDA
Jennifer Jacobson
Treasurer/ Secretary
Housing Director, Red Wing HRA
Lisa Hohenstein
Vice President for Professional Development
Director of Housing Assistance, Dakota County
Dana Hiltunen
Vice President for Housing
Executive Director, Virginia HRA & Eveleth HRA
Buffy Beranek
Vice President for Community Revitalization & Development
Executive Director, SEMMCHRA
Dara Lee
Immediate Past President
Executive Director, Clay County HRA
Jill Bengtson
Member at Large
Executive Director, Kandiyohi County HRA
Charity Brault
Member at Large
Executive Director, NW MN Multi-County HRA
Taggert Medgaarden
Member at Large
Executive Director, Austin HRA
Teresa Smude
Member at Large
Executive Director, Aitkin County HRA
Melissa Taphorn
Member at Large
Executive Director, Washington County CDA
Minnesota NAHRO Board of Directors 2025 Elections
In September 2025, Minnesota NAHRO members will elect its Board of Directors for two year term beginning October 2025. In addition to the nomination of candidates provided below, the current BOD has recommended an update to the bylaws. The recommendation expands the role of the VP of Commissioners to include Small Agencies. Use the button below to view the memo with both the slate of candidates as well as the bylaws change.
Minnesota NAHRO is thankful for the leadership and dedication of our volunteer board members. Their support and commitment to Minnesota NAHRO make it possible for our small organizations to achieve so much.
President
Allison Streich
Executive Director, Carver County CDA
Years with current agency: 18.5
Years in housing industry: 24
Agency Responsibilities: As Executive Director of the Carver County Community Development Agency, I lead strategic operations across housing, development, and community initiatives. I oversee agency staff, financial planning, and program implementation, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. I serve as the primary liaison to the CDA Board and public stakeholders, driving innovation in affordable housing, community development, and public engagement throughout Carver County.
Why are you running for this position on the Board?
I’m running for this position on the NAHRO Board to actively support fellow members and member organizations across Minnesota. I’m passionate about fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge among agencies, and I see this role as an opportunity to broaden my understanding of the innovative work happening throughout the state. By serving on the Board, I hope to contribute to the growth and success of our housing and community development efforts, while also learning from the diverse experiences and strategies of my peers.
Senior Vice President
Taggert Medgaarden
Years with current agency: Began in June 2019
Years in housing industry: Over 20 years, including 15+ years as a private landlord prior to joining the HRA
What are some of your responsibilities at your agency?
I have the privilege of leading a dedicated team at the Austin Housing and Redevelopment Authority. Our agency manages over 520 units between public housing and market-rate housing, administers 195 Section 8 vouchers, oversees transitional housing programs, and operates the CHIP (Community Home Improvement Project), a revolving loan fund that supports local homeowners. We are also actively involved in a range of community redevelopment initiatives throughout Austin.
Why are you running for this position on the Board?
This is an easy one—I like to be involved! I bring a unique perspective from greater Minnesota, where my community is home to a Fortune 500 company and is rich in both cultural and economic diversity. While every community is different, many of the housing challenges we face are shared across the state.
Before stepping into the HRA role in 2019, I spent over 15 years as a private landlord, giving me firsthand experience in both the public and private housing sectors. MN NAHRO played a key role in my education and growth in this field. Though the learning never stops, I believe my experience, collaborative approach, and passion for housing make me a strong candidate to serve on the Board.
Treasure/Secretary
Jennifer Jacobson
Housing Director, Red Wing HIRA
Years with current agency:
I started at the Red Wing HRA in 2009 as a contract employee in the Social Service department. After working in this position for 3 ½ years, I applied to work in the HRA office as the Property Manger Assistant. Through the following 13 years, I have been the Property Manager, Program Management Assistant and currently the Housing Director.
Years in housing industry: 16.5 years total
Agency Responsibilities
Supervise Housing, Voucher and Social Service staff, procurement for capital improvements and services, policy updates to programs, HUD and MHFA reporting requirements for all programs, Capital Fund Program, EIV Coordinator, 504 Coordinator, secure other funding sources, etc.
Why are you running for this position on the Board?
MN NAHRO has been a great source of education and networking for me in my career. I look forward to continuing this experience for all members and continue to connect with other agencies in Minnesota.
Vice President for Professional Development
Nicole Randall
Housing Assistance Administrator, Housing Authority of the City of St. Louis Park
Years with current agency: 9 ½
Years in housing industry: 19
Agency Responsibilities
I oversee all of the agency’s tenant based rental assistance programs. We have an ACC for 360 Housing Choice Vouchers and 46 Project Based Vouchers; we administer our Stable Home program, a partnership with Hennepin County funded by HOME funds, and our city funded Kids in the Park Program. I also monitor compliance for the 16 properties participating in our Inclusionary Housing Program. And finally, other duties as assigned.
Why are you running for this position on the Board?
I have been involved in MN NAHRO since 2017 on the Professional Development committee. I am grateful to be able to give back to an organization that has given me so much in terms of learning and professional growth in addition to the networking and advocacy opportunities. I look forward to working with the PD committee in a different capacity and continuing to deliver quality professional development opportunities to our members and member agencies across the state.
Vice President for Housing
Emajean Hanson Ford
Executive Director, Douglas County HRA
Years with current agency: 18 years
Years in housing industry: 20 years
Agency Responsibilities:
As Executive Director, I lead strategic planning and oversee daily operations to ensure our mission to “provide safe, affordable housing, economic opportunity, and a discrimination-free living environment” continues to positively impact Douglas County and surrounding areas. My core responsibilities include recruiting and retaining qualified staff, fostering a culture of learning and collaboration as well as high performance, and managing financial, operational, and programmatic functions. I also drive new program development, represent the HRA at public events and with peer organizations, engage with government partners, advocate for agency support, and work closely with the Board to promote organizational stability and growth.
Why are you running for this position on the Board?
I am seeking a position on the board to help sustain the organization’s growth, promote transparency, and contribute a forward-thinking vision. I am committed to using my skills and experience to serve the organization and its members, upholding its mission and making decisions that support the growth, training and networking goals for agencies of all sizes.
Vice President for Community Revitalization & Development
Buffy Beranek
Executive Director, Southeastern Minnesota Multi-County Housing & Redevelopment Authority (SEMMCHRA)
Buffy Beranek is the Executive Director providing planning, direction, and legislative input for SEMMCHRA. For the past 17 years, she has served the housing industry at SEMMCHRA and served on MN NAHRO board and as the legislative co-chair. She is also an executive member of the Minnesota Housing Partnership Board and serves as treasurer.
Her former experiences include Senior Operational Analyst in Planning Services for Mayo Clinic Foundation. She was Contract Operations Administrator for Mayo Foundation Managed Care Contracting in Rochester, Minnesota where she successfully led and managed daily operations of a $600 million contract portfolio at one of the nation’s premier healthcare organizations. Early in her career she worked for ConAgra, a Fortune 500 company, in Michigan.
During Beranek’s career and personal experiences she has fought for access and funding for basic social needs – health, education and now housing. Her focus and purpose for serving on boards is to bring new ideas forward, work collaboratively across the State of Minnesota and fight to reduce unnecessary regulations while promoting locally driven housing initiatives.
Beranek has over 30 years of senior administrative experience with expertise in strategic planning, complex problem solving, negotiating, and change management in health care and government. She also holds a national financing certification for housing development. Beranek earned her Bachelor’s in accounting from Michigan State University, her Minnesota CPA license, and her master’s in business administration from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee.
Vice President of Small Agencies & Commissioners
Joseph Hiller
Executive Director, HRA of Chisholm, MN
Years with current agency: 1 ½ years
Years in housing industry: 4 ½ years
Agency Responsibilities:
I currently oversee the day-to-day operations of 107 public housing units and 46 market-rate units. I am fortunate to have an amazing board that fully supports our mission, along with three dedicated employees who help drive the direction we want to see the Chisholm HRA move toward.
While this has been the most challenging position I’ve held, it has also been the most rewarding. In just a year and a half, we’ve made significant progress, and it’s been gratifying to see how far we’ve come. There is still plenty of work ahead, but I’m motivated and ready to take on the challenge.
Why are you running for this position on the Board?
MN NAHRO has played an important role in my development as a housing leader. It has provided valuable opportunities to network with others who face many of the same challenges.
I believe small agencies don’t always receive the recognition they deserve, yet they play a critical role in their communities. With the experiences I’ve gained, I feel I can bring a different perspective and contribute to highlighting the strengths and value of smaller agencies.
Immediate Past President
Position is unelected
Jill Keppers, MPH
Executive Director, Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Duluth
Years with current agency: 10
Years in housing industry: Ten years in housing and redevelopment, but previously over 20 years in home and community based services as well as extensive experience in state association service and advocacy.
Agency Responsibilities: I am responsible for the management and administration of a politically independent Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) in the City of Duluth, MN with over 1,200 units of owned housing (public housing, multi-family project based rental assistance, mixed income unsubsidized housing, tax credit, market, and project based voucher units) and over 2,100 rent subsidy vouchers through federal, state, and local programs. I also oversee new housing development initiatives, and a robust rehabilitation and real estate department.
I manage a budget of approximately $30 Million per year with sources from HUD, MN Housing, CDBG, HOME, Conduit Bond Fees, TIF and other sources, and I propose a property tax levy that is approved by the city council for the purpose of supporting HRA activities. I have led the Duluth HRA through four successful RAD conversions and a Section 18 conversion. In addition to the required financial and policy responsibilities for a Housing Authority, I work with community stakeholders on affordable housing initiatives, funding priorities, and legislative issues; educate policy makers and stakeholders on the role and function of the HRA in the city; and work with the state and national association of housing and redevelopment officials on legislative advocacy.
Why are you running for this position on the Board?
Peter Drucker says that over every boardroom there should be an inscription in big letters that says, “Membership on this board is not power; it is responsibility.” I believe being on a state association board means just that. It means responsibility not only to the board itself, but also to the mission of our association, and most importantly responsibility to its members.
Since starting at the Duluth HRA, I have been involved with the legislative committee at MN NAHRO. I have attended the Day at the Capital each year (meeting with our local delegation) as well as the National NAHRO Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. where we met with our Senators and Representatives (or their aides). I have brought forward ideas about increased participation in our state lobbying activities, and I hope to move the board to more accountability with regard to being present at these important events.
I believe that as a board member it is important to remember that you are not there representing your individual organization. You are there to move housing and redevelopment issues forward in the manner that serves the greater good. Sometimes the votes you cast won’t necessarily benefit the agency you work for; but that is what board service is all about – what is good for the industry.
It has been an honor to serve our members these past eight years on the MN-NAHRO Board of Directors. I look forward to mentoring new leaders and continuing to be a resource as we move forward with advocacy both at the state and federal level.
Board Experience:
MN-NAHRO Board of Directors, 2017-present
President, 2023-2025
Senior Vice President, 2021-2023
At-Large Director, 2017-2021
Scholarship Committee Chair, 2018-2021
Nomination Committee Chair, 2019 and 2025
Legislative Committee, 2015-present
Northeast Regional Directors Association, 2015-present
HRA Facilities Engineering Degree Workgroup, 2017
NAHRO – North Central Regional Council Board of Directors, 2023-present
Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors, 2020-present
UW-Superior Alumni Association Board of Directors, 2011-2017
Minnesota Home Care Association (MHCA), 2000-2015 Board of Directors – 2012-2015
Legislative Team, 2010-2015; Chairperson, 2013-2015
MA/Managed Care Team, 2010-2015; Chairperson, 2011-2013
Education Team, 2013-2014; Secretary, 2013-2014
PCA Work Group, 2012; Chairperson, 2012
MHCA Rep. to Minnesota Department of Human Services CFSS Implementation Council, 2012-2015
North Dakota Public Health Association, 1997-1999
Wisconsin Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, 1994-1996
Chair of Research, 1995
Member At Large
Jill Bengtson
Years with current agency: 22
Years in housing industry: 34
Agency Responsibilities:
- Provide information, policies, new proposed activities/programs and annual budgets to the HRA Boards and carry out their decisions.
- Oversee the implementation of all programs, developments and services.
- Write grants and seek new funding sources.
- Oversee all human resource functions.
- Develop networks within and outside our service area to improve housing services for our residents.
Why are you running for this position on the Board?
MN NAHRO has been instrumental to me during my career and I have seen how important this agency is to the training, organizational development and legislative needs of housing authorities. I would like to give back to our membership by listening to their needs and continue to help MN NAHRO develop tools and advocacy that addresses those needs to ultimately sustain and improve housing services statewide and keep Minnesota a housing leader in the nation.
Member At Large
Charity Brault
Executive Director, NW MN Multi-County HRA
Years with current agency: 8
Years in housing industry: 8
What are some of your responsibilities at your agency?
Overseeing development, coordination, leadership and administration of all HRA programs and staff.
Why are you running for this position on the Board?
I am running for this position on the Board because I believe in the potential of rural Greater Minnesota. With over 9,000 square miles and less than 200,000 residents, our communities have unique challenges and opportunities. MN NAHRO has been an invaluable catalyst for my professional growth, providing me with opportunities for learning, networking, and staying abreast of the ever-evolving landscape of housing authorities. I have witnessed firsthand the role MN NAHRO plays in fostering training, organizational development, and addressing legislative imperatives. By expanding my network and learning from the best in housing, I can ensure that our services reach all 60 communities and make a positive impact on the lives of our residents.
Member At Large
Dana Hiltunen
Executive Director, Virginia & Eveleth HRAs
Years with current agency: 13
Years in housing industry: 28
Agency Responsibilities
I am the Executive Director of the Virginia and Eveleth HRAs. Both agencies are located in northern St. Louis County, a rural area facing many obstacles to quality affordable housing. I work with a great team of 30-35 employees (depending on the time of year) to operate 476 public
housing, senior market rate and student housing units. In addition, our agency administers approximately 500 Section 8 vouchers and is looking forward to administering the Bring It Home Program as well.
Why are you running for this position on the Board?
I have been on the MN NAHRO board since 2017 and believe MN NAHRO is important to the success of housing authorities and providers across the state. I believe in the services our agencies provide for those facing housing barriers and know that MN NAHRO has been and can continue to be a great resource for agencies across Minnesota. I have years of experience advocating for social service and housing programs. I am asking for your support to allow me to represent you on the MN NAHRO board where I will continue to advocate for those we serve and work to provide services to strengthen our agencies and statewide collaboration.
Member At Large
Teresa Smude
Executive Director, Aitkin County HRA
Years with current agency: 6.5
Years in housing industry: 24
Agency Responsibilities:
I serve as Executive Director of a small public housing agency where I am proud to lead an amazing small staff to provide safe, affordable housing and opportunities that support our residents and communities.
Why are you running for this position on the Board?
I believe that my experience in affordable housing makes me an excellent candidate to continue in an At-Large position on the Minnesota NAHRO Board. I believe that small agencies in rural Minnesota need to continue to be represented on the Board as there are unique needs and challenges presented to housing authorities in non-metro areas of Minnesota.
Member At Large
Mikel Olson
Executive Director, Fergus Falls HRA
Agency Responsibilities
I began my career at the HRA in 2014 as a Rehab Specialist and advanced in 2018 to the role of Executive Director. My prior experience in housing includes nearly 10 years in education, working with high school students building homes at a vocational center.
Why are you running for this position on the Board?
I was nominated for a Board position by a colleague who I respect and admire. If given the opportunity to serve, I’ll be a voice for MN NAHRO’s rural membership
Member At Large
Tammy Manderscheid
Executive Director, Pipestone HRA
Years with current agency: 19 years
Years in housing industry: 19 years
Agency Responsibilities:
I oversee the operations and management of the agency. I have 2 wonderful employees that help with operating and taking care of our 84 unit hi-rise along with 20 scattered site family units. In addition, our agency administers 53 Section 8 vouchers.
Why are you running for this position on the Board?
I would like to see more representation of SW MN and have the ability to help support other NAHRO members and member organizations.
MN NAHRO has been a great source of education and networking for me in my career.