2023-2024 Board members

OFFICERS

Beatrice Owen, President

Why the League? The LWV's mission to protect and expand voting rights is key to my involvement in the League. Our democracy thrives when its citizens participate.

Why Saint Paul? The city is vibrant and has much to offer its citizens.

Nichole Fairbanks, Treasurer

Why the League?

I joined the League because I believe voting gives people a voice to choose the elected officials who make the decisions that shape their communities.   The League’s educational programs and voter registration programs directly support this belief.

Nona Beining, Secretary 

DIRECTORS

Cheryl Bailey, Program Co-Chair

Why the League? I am a St. Paul League Board member after a long-term member urged me to participate. She counseled me, correctly, that I’d feel more a part of things and learn the ins and outs of the organization more quickly if I served on the Board. 

Why Saint Paul? I grew up in Falcon Heights, and after traveling throughout the country circled back to my old haunts. I lived In the Como neighborhood for almost twenty years, and now Union Park, and I’ve loved watching my two sons get a first rate education in the St. Paul Public Schools in French Immersion. I can live anywhere, but I choose St. Paul for its character, and its League, of course!

Claudia Dieter, Governance

Why the League? For a democracy to thrive, and survive, its citizenry needs to be educated and engaged. The League’s voter registration and voter education efforts contribute to these needs.

Why Saint Paul? When we married, we decided to live in one of the suburbs because it was half-way between where we worked and where we “played.”  After about 18 months we had both changed jobs! While it took almost 10 years, we made the move to be where we wanted to be! No regrets after 27 years.

Joann Ellis, Voter Service Co-Chair & CMAL Representative

Joann Ellis has resided in St. Paul on the East Side for over 30 years. She had known about the League for many years but finally decided to join the cause after this past November elections. She is a teacher by trade and has always felt the value of education in any situation! She believes now is the time that we need to engage, encourage and educate people about what voting is and how it affects their daily lives. Over the years, Joann has been involved in many causes from Early Childhood Education to advocating for the aging. She has organized rallies at the State Capitol, served on many Boards in the areas of education, parent advocacy, community events and programs and aging. She also organized a Living at Home/Block Nurse Program in her area that is still up and running today.

Melissa Finnegan, Program Committee Co-Chair

Why the League? I've lived and worked in the political arena for my entire professional career and I truly believe that the system works best when we all participate.  I believe deeply in the League's mission to encourage voting across all groups and to educate voters on issues that matter to them, in a nonpartisan way.  Democracy matters and the more people we have engaging in the process, the more reflective our system will be of what the people really need and want.  Plus, everyone involved in the League is amazing and fun to work with!

Why Saint Paul? I came to St. Paul in fall 2000 to attend college at the University of St. Thomas and never really left!  I love the almost small town vibe that I get here and how so many neighborhoods are steeped in history.  I love the diversity of businesses and people on the East Side, where I live, as well as our top-notch park system!  I like having all the opportunities offered by a "big city" while feeling connected to my community.  

Molly Flowers, Membership Chair

Why the league? I joined the League to connect with other women in responsible citizenship. I found membership in the League to be empowering as we educate ourselves, and others on the issues that challenge our communities and our country. 

Why St. Paul? I am second generation in this city. My grandfather served in the legislature. My father felt voting was your right and your responsibility. My mother was an election judge. It is an honor to be a member and to serve on the Board. At the annual meeting we celebrated and recognized two members on their 100th birthdays. In a word, Join the League, Live long and Learn. 

Pamela Mercier, Voter Service Co-Chair

Why the League? I serve in the League because I believe in the power of voting.  As Co-Chair of the Voter Service Committee I can help get people registered to vote and to cast their ballots knowing something about the issues and candidates. Barriers to voting remain, and we in the League can identify and work to remove them. 

Why Saint Paul? I live in Saint Paul largely because I moved here from northern Minnesota to do graduate work at the University of Minnesota. After leaving the University I decided to stay here and teach ESL. I was raised in New York and moved to Minnesota when my husband got a University teaching job here. Our children grew up in northern Minnesota, and my son, in particular, comes back here every summer to the northern woods he loves. 

Amy Perna, Candidate Forums Coordinator

Amy is a former President of LWVSP and has served in various capacities since 2016. She currently organizes the St. Paul candidate forums and helps with technical aspects membership and roster support. Amy works as the Associate Director of the League of Women Voters Minnesota.

Amy Mino, Communications & Development

Amy is a former President of LWVSP and has served in various capacities over the last 15 years. She now assists the Program Committee with communications and the Saint Paul chapter with annual fundraising drive and assists the board as needed with insight and guidance. Amy works as the Executive Director of the Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul.

Hayden Kilkenny, Development

Hayden manages the annual drive. She is an active member of the St Patrick's Day Parade.