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The Food Allergy Support Group of Minnesota is run entirely by volunteers, and governed by the Board of Directors. The directors are key volunteers who contribute greatly to the success of the organization, as they are part of a working board. In addition, FASGMN has Group Coordinators, another group of important volunteers. Chairperson - Jenny Bender
Contact Jenny: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Learn more about our by-laws and nonprofit status. Future Board of Director Meeting DatesAll board meetings are open to the public. *For meeting location, contact the board secretary listed above
Archives of Board Meeting MinutesBoard minutes are posted after they are officially approved by the board.
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Jenny Bender is the current FASGMN Board of Directors Chairperson. She has served on the Board since February of 2010. Jenny became interested in organization in 2008 when her son (now 3 ½) was diagnosed with peanut and tree nut allergies. She has an 18 month old who is yet to be diagnosed. After personal advocate experiences with restaurants, service providers, and her daycare, she decided to join the Board of Directors to continue to educate and drive change within the community. She believes that FASGMN has the opportunity to lead support, education, and awareness efforts to increase understanding and provide a safe environment for people with allergies. Jenny works for Target Corporation in merchandising and project management.
Heather Kainz has been a member of FASGMN since 2007 when her oldest daughter was first diagnosed with food allergies as an infant. She has a younger daughter, who has not yet been diagnosed with any food allergies. Heather was elected to the Board of Directors in 2010 and currently holds the role of Secretary. She has volunteered for various events through the years. Heather has experienced the support and education provided by FASGMN and wants to help give that to other families who are dealing with the struggles of dealing with and managing food allergies. Heather is employed by a large health insurance company as an FSA/HRA Installation Analyst. She also enjoys photography and other artistic outlets in her free time.
Sara Lord is the current FASGMN Board of Directors Treasurer and has served on the board since 2010. Sara joined FASGMN in 2005 after learning that her oldest son, Matthew, had multiple food allergies and asthma. She has two younger children with no known food allergies. Sara has volunteered with FASMGN in many capacities prior to joining the Board. Sara is a CPA with Boulay, Heutmaker, Zibell in Eden Prairie.
Chris Newell became a member of FASGMN in 2006 after her oldest son was diagnosed with multiple food allergies when he was 4 months old. She also has another son with no known food allergies. Chris was elected to the board in January of 2008 and is currently serving her second term. She decided to join the board to give back to an organization that provided much needed support for her family as they learned to deal with severe food allergies. She believes in FASGMN’s mission and thinks that this organization plays a key role in keeping our communities safe through education and awareness. Chris is a CPA and a corporate tax consultant for a Big 4 public accounting firm.
Jennifer Jones was elected to the FASGMN Board of Directors in 2010. She started attending FASGMN meetings and events in 2005 seeking support in addressing her son’s numerous food allergies. After working through meeting with pediatric dieticians, changing daycares, transitioning to school and family travel -- Jennifer realized there are still continual daily challenges from special events at school to birthday parties that need constant attention renewing her desire to share her professional strengths and join the FASGMN board. Jennifer and her family live in Edina. She works as a director of community relations for a Fortune 300 company and has 20 years of experience in public relations, corporate communications and philanthropy.
Liz's interest in food allergies began when her daughter, at the age of 1, was diagnosed with multiple life-threatening food allergies. She became a member of FASGM shortly after the diagnosis and feels the support and knowledge she gained from becoming involved has helped in her family's adjustment to caring for a child with food allergies. She is employed as a Registered Nurse and is interested in increasing food allergy advocacy and education within her community. She also has experience as a current board member and committee chair within a University of Minnesota Alumni Society.
Wendy Wessel is the founder and executive director of FASGMN. Years after being diagnosed with food allergies as an adult, she had a child who was allergic to milk, eggs, peanuts, and tree nuts. In 2003, Wendy and her husband began searching for other parents raising kids with food allergies, and the Food Allergy Support Group of Minnesota was formed. Wendy is a former teacher and enjoys creating educational support services that connect families and that give them guidance throughout their food allergy journey.
2010_Board_Minutes_4-26-10.pdf 