Board of Directors

Susan began her professional career working as an EMT and later as a paramedic. She has worked in large and small EMS agencies in both metro and out state Minnesota.

Susan went on to complete her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and her Master's degree in Leadership. In addition to her paramedic roles, Susan has been an educator throughout her career.

Today, Susan is the Vice President of Operations for Allina Health EMS, one of the largest EMS agencies in the upper Midwest and has been a member of the Inver Hills Community College Foundation Board since 2020.

As the HR site leader for the Collins Aerospace Burnsville location Courtney is responsible for maintaining and executing all people focused initiatives for over 2,000 employees. 

She joined the Inver Hills Foundation Board in 2022. In addition to serving on the Inver Hills Foundation Board, Courtney is also currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Burnsville Chamber of Commerce and is active with a number of chamber initiatives in both Burnsville and the surrounding Dakota County area.

She is a graduate of St. Cloud State University where she received both her undergraduate degree in Human Resources Management and her M.B.A

Courtney lives with her husband Kyle in Elko New Market. They enjoy travel and are working their way through visiting all 50 states!

Gerry has 30+ years' experience in finance and accounting in diverse industries including consumer products, distribution, franchising, education, software, banking, insurance and healthcare. He has lived in Inver Grove Heights for over 20 years and his children and wife have taken classes at Inver Hills Community College. He views the college as a terrific community asset that is underutilized.

Gerry has 3 children and one grandchild. One daughter teaches 7th grade English in Prior Lake school district and the other two are in still college. He is also active in a non-profit supporting health services in Guatemala.

Gerry earned a Master’s degree in Finance from the University of St. Thomas and earned a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from St Cloud State University. He is a Certified Management Accountant. Gerry has been a member of the Foundation Board since 2020.

Aaron Lundquist graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2013 with a Bachelor of Accountancy. Upon graduating, Aaron earned his Certified Public Accountant license and has worked at big-4 accounting firm where he is now a Senior Manager within the audit practice. Aaron is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and serves a wide range of large SEC engagements primarily in the consumer and industrial products, manufacturing, and power and utilities industries. Aaron, his wife, and their sons enjoy traveling, golf, boating, winter sports and cabin life. Aaron has served on the Board since 2019.

As the Community Relations Director for Dakota Electric Association Peggy represents the Cooperative in a variety of roles, engaging locally and helping to build capacity to create stronger and more livable and sustainable communities.

Peggy has served on numerous chamber and non-profit boards, and coordinates Dakota Electric’s scholarship and youth leadership programs, and oversees community giving. She previously worked in business development for the Minnesota Department of Trade & Economic Development. She is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas.

She is a member of a number of organizations, including local chambers of commerce and business organizations, the Economic Development Association of MN, Mid-America Economic Development Council, and the International Economic Development Council. She joined the Inver Hills Community College Foundation in 2021.

Peggy lives with her husband Steve in Rosemount. They have two children in college.

Scott Armitage is the owner and general contractor of Armitage Homes, a local remodel, carpentry, and design company. Scott attended the University of Minnesota Duluth and has over 20 years of construction industry experience. He spends his time helping clients to improve their homes and create a space they love to live in. Scott is incredibly passionate about the importance of trade careers and introducing young workers to a variety of potential industries.

Scott has lived in Eagan for 20 years with his wife Melissa and their two children. Together, they love to travel, hike, and spend time with friends. His son is a graduate of the paramedic program at Inver Hills Community College. He joined the Foundation Board in 2021.

Greta is an attorney at LeVander, Gillen & Miller, P.A. in Eagan where she represents both government agencies and private individuals. Greta’s area of expertise is eminent domain where she helps cities acquire land for public improvement projects such as roads, parks and transit infrastructure. Additionally, Greta helps individuals and businesses buy and sell commercial property and with land use & zoning matters. Greta also serves as an assistant city attorney to cities throughout Dakota and Washington counties. Prior to joining LGM, Greta was an Assistant Dakota County Attorney. She received her undergraduate degree from the College of St. Benedict and her law degree from William Mitchell College of Law. She joined the Inver Hills Community College Foundation in 2023.

In addition to serving on the Inver Hills Foundation Board, Greta is an active member of the local chambers of commerce, MN Women Lawyers, and is the past chair of Woodbury’s Parks and Natural Resources citizen commission. As a native of northern Minnesota, Greta and her family enjoy annual trips to the BWCA and Minnesota’s north shore that involve hiking, fishing and skiing.

Jake works to improve communities by working in local government and in his current role as Manager, Community Relations and Economic Development. This work includes supporting 30+ communities, serving as a resource in the areas of operations, energy policy, emergency response, social investments, economic development, and business retention and expansion.

Jake is a product of Minnstate Colleges and Universities, receiving his B.A., from St Cloud State University and his MPA from Metropolitan State University.

Jake is an active member of several local chambers of commerce and his current board service includes, Inver Hills Community College Foundation, DARTS, River Heights Chamber of Commerce, and Progress Plus. He also enjoyed serving as a coach with the Eagan Athletic Association, has been an Xcel Energy Day of Service Site Coordinator for six years, coordinates the annual United Way campaign, holiday toy drives and food drives at his office, and enjoys lending a hand at his church. Jake has served on the Board since 2017.

Jake lives in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota with his wife Heidi and their two children.

Sonja Simpson is the founder and CEO of iONIS Solution, an action-oriented diversity and inclusion talent strategy company. She has over 25 years working in the private, public, education and non-profit sectors developing innovative design and employment access for people of color throughout the twin-cities. Sonja co-created Minnesota Construction Apprenticeship Preparatory Program that is currently being utilized at Metropolitan Council under the branding of Building Strong Communities. She's also an advocate for education as an adjunct teacher at a state College. Sonja is happily married with three adult children, two boys and a girl. She enjoys family time, reading, gardening and learning about holistic solutions.

Sonja holds an MS in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management and is excited to be a part of IHCC Foundation Board. Sonja has been a member of the Inver Hills Community College Board of Directors since 2020.

Michael Berndt has served Minnesota State for 18 years in several capacities including as faculty member, dean, and executive leader. Before becoming president of Inver Hills Community College and Dakota County Technical College, he served as the vice president of Academic Affairs at Century College and as the Vice President of Planning and Institutional Effectiveness at Normandale Community College.

Michael was also a faculty member for several years before moving into administration. He taught English at Normandale, the University of Minnesota, and Augsburg College.

He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota Morris and a master's from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

Elaina has served as a leader in the Minnesota State system for several years, serving as Biology faculty, Dean and Vice President. She has served at both community and technical colleges and is excited to continue her work at Inver Hills. Elaina earned her Ph.D. from the University of MN- Twin Cities and her BA degree from Macalester College. She has participated in several system wide initiatives and has served on advisory boards for the Centers of Excellence. Elaina has also had experience supporting both college and program accreditation efforts and is currently a member of the Board of Directors for the National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.

Kim is the Executive Director of Foundations and Community Relations for Dakota County Technical College and Inver Hills Community College. As director Kim leads fundraising efforts for the foundation as well as advocates for students and the colleges by engaging community partners.

Kim earned a Masters degree from the University of Utah and also holds Bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies. Before coming to the colleges, Kim's career focused on working in the Human Service field. She began working at Inver Hills Community College in February 2014 where she was able to combine human service with higher education as the TuitionMatch-MN Program Manager. She sees her current position with the foundation as a continuation of her human service work by engaging the community to support student success at both colleges.

Debbie is a passionate student leader who currently serves as the Student Senate President at Inver Hills Community College and is an Officer for the Criminal Justice Club on Campus, called BSOL

During the 2022-2023 academic year, they played an instrumental role in supporting the student fee referendum through supporting and collaborating with Student Life. Debbie is active within the TRIO Student Support Services community and works with the Community-Based Learning Coordinator to drive student involvement with civic action and advocacy initiatives.

Debbie is majoring in Criminal Justice and plans to pursue justice reform policy work. They plan to graduate from Inver Hills Community College with an associate degree in the Criminal Justice Pathway in Spring 2024. Debbie is transferring to Minnesota State University, Mankato in Fall 2024 to pursue their Bachelor's degree.