Staff
Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation
Carolyn E. Olson
President
612-339-8703
colson@gmhchousing.org
Ms. Olson, a long-time GMHC staff member, was appointed GMHC president in January 1992 and is responsible for the overall management of the corporation. Ms. Olson's background is in business administration as well as community and affordable housing development.The corporation has provided $61+ million in predevelopment loans to assist in the development of 22,611 units of affordable housing at a development cost of $1.7 billion. Ms. Olson provides the oversight of the program and provides technical assistance to those developers who require our expertise.
GMHC has built and/or renovated and sold 1,448 single-family homes, affordable to low and moderate-income persons. Under Ms. Olson's leadership, 829 new homes have been developed and sold since 1992.
In 1995, under Ms. Olson's leadership, GMHC created the first HousingResource Center™ to provide free services to residents in need of homeownership advice and assistance (home purchase, renovation, scopes of work, financial assistance, foreclosure prevention, etc.). Five centers are now operation, providing services to residents of Minneapolis, St. Paul and participating suburban communities. To date, over 84,000 clients have received assistance.
In February 2008, under Ms. Olson's leadership, a new program Sustainable Home Ownership Program (SHOP) was established to provide sound and ethically priced mortgage services to underserved people and help revitalize how and moderate neighborhoods, especially those that have been affected by high foreclosures. To date, over 900 clients have received assistance.
Ms. Olson currently serves on the board of directors Community Health & Education Corporation, Community Housing Development Corporation, Family Housing Fund, and Trinity Apartments Housing Corporation. She is also a member of a number of other community development related committees.
The Minneapolis business community founded GMHC in 1970. Its primary purpose was to improve the quality of life in the greater Minneapolis area by improving the availability and quality of affordable housing for low and moderate-income families and individuals. GMHC began its operation in January 19971 receiving initial contributions of one million dollars over five years from 14 Minneapolis business corporations to fund the Single Family Homeownership and Predevelopment Revolving Loan Fund programs. The two programs have expanded to include St. Paul and suburban communities. GMHC's mission is to preserve, improve and increase affordable housing for low and moderate-income individuals and families, assist communities with housing revitalization as well as create and carry out demonstration projects.
Sally V. Krusell
Development Director
612-339-0601 x11
skrusell@gmhchousing.org
Ms. Krusell joined GMHC in October of 2000 to coordinate efforts and increase contributions to the general operating fund. Ms. Krusell comes to GMHC from the private sector after a successful 33+ year career with Northwestern Bell, AT&T and Lucent Technologies. While at AT&T and Lucent Technologies she worked with the Foundation/Contribution program handling requests for funding from the non-profit sector. Her volunteer work has included Northeast Middle school mentor/advisor, University of Minnesota Women's Athletic Advisory Board Member, AT&T/Lucent United Way of Minneapolis Campaign coordinator, Vice President of Lucent Technologies Telephone Pioneers of Minnesota. Ms. Krusell participated in the Leadership Minneapolis program through the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Krusell is responsible for the development of an annual contributions program to include new and present contributors.
Janet Pierce
Administrative Assistant
612-339-0601 x10
jpierce@gmhchousing.org
Ms. Pierce joined GMHC in March of 2008 as the Administrative Assistant in the downtown office. Ms. Pierce has an extensive work history in customer service; more than nine years of work experience in an administrative capacity and fourteen years of volunteer service with non-profits. Ms. Pierce currently assists the GMHC staff at the downtown location with general office and administrative duties. Ms. Pierce is also responsible for preparing the Board of Directors quarterly meeting agenda, purchasing office equipment, and serves as a point of contact for computer and technical vendors.
Nancy K. Pinzka
Program Manager
612-339-9466
npinzka@gmhchousing.org
Ms. Pinzka has been an employee of GMHC for over 20 years and is responsible for administering GMHC's single-family homeownership programs. Her duties include preparing offers to purchase, Title Commitments, contracts for sale of land, coordinate acquisition of new property with appropriate cities and their departments, prepares deeds, prepares paperwork for plan review process, coordinate construction contract bid process, prepare construction contract documents, administer construction contract payment requests, maintain progress reports, administer sale of property closing procedures and represents GMHC at all closings.
Eden Spencer
Project Coordinator
612-339-0601 x18
espencer@gmhchousing.org
Ms. Spencer joined GMHC in June 2009 after completing a Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning with a concentration in Housing and Community Development at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute. Prior to returning to school, Ms Spencer worked for three years at the City of Minneapolis Department of Community Planning and Economic Development where assisted the Director of Housing and conducted research on housing related issues. Ms. Spencer has a real estate license and was a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Burnet. Ms. Spencer also spent six summers immersing children in French language and culture at Concordia Language Villages in northern Minnesota. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and Geography from Macalester College and studied abroad in Toulouse, France. She will be assisting in the acquisition and closings of properties purchased from the National Community Stabilization Trust and properties purchase for the Land Bank.
Orlena Iversen
Special Projects
612-722-7141 x12
oiversen@gmhchousing.org
Ms. Iversen joined GMHC in April 2004. She is currently responsible for policy, procedures, closed loan internal audit functions, and underwriter for the Housing Resource Center™ program, working in all locations. Ms. Iversen's most recent career was 20 years at TCF Bank as a lender in residential, commercial real estate and small business. She represented TCF in community lending programs and committees such as MEDA, MCCD, MCDA Dev Finance and the corporation for Children. Ms. Iversen has served on various task forces and non-profit Boards for over 25 years and is currently on the PPL Industries Board. She received a BA from MN State University Southwest and a Masters of Liberal Studies from the University of Minnesota.
Glenda S. Ware
Director of Finance
612-339-0601 x12
gware@gmhchousing.org
Ms. Ware joined GMHC in May, 2001 and is responsible for providing financial analysis, forecasting, budget and planning, and performing daily accounting functions. Miss Ware came to GMHC with over 19 years of increasingly responsible accounting experience including six years of auditing nonprofit organizations. Most recently, Ms. Ware was a Controller for a nonprofit elementary school in Minneapolis. She received a B.S. in accounting for Southern University
Teres Bourquin
Staff Accountant
612-339-0601 x17
tbourquin@gmhchousing.org
Ms. Bourquin started with GMHC in March of 2001. As Staff Accountant for GMHC she is responsible for various accounting functions, reporting to the Director of Finance, in the downtown office. Ms. Bourquin came to us with 15 years experience in the accounting field, having previously worked as Project Administrator with Ryan Construction Inc., and Mgr. of Operations Accounting with PSINet Inc., located in downtown Minneapolis.
Tifphanie Edwards
Accounting Assistant
612-339-0601 x 21
tedwards@gmhchousing.org
Ms. Edwards joined GMHC in March of 2010 as an Accounting Assistant. Her main focus is accounts payable along with various tasks to support the Director of Finance, in the Downtown office. Ms. Edwards came to GMHC from Wells Fargo with experience in financial product placement and cash transactions.
William W. Buelow
Director of Construction
612-339-0601 x16
bbuelow@gmhchousing.org
Mr. Buelow has over 20 years of experience in residential construction, both new home building and remodeling of all types. Extensive hands-on experience with all aspects of construction has made Mr. Buelow a well rounded construction manager, working well with tradesmen, assisting with technical problems on the job site and helping homeowners work through the issues which are important to them. Mr. Buelow provides construction management services to GMHC on its new and rehab single family programs, as well as these services to HousingResource Center clients.
Ronald J. Korsh
Construction Manager/Residential Designer
612-378-7985 x13
rkorsch@gmhchousing.org
Mr. Korsh studied architecture at the University of Minnesota and was the principal of ArchiStudio, his own residential design firm. During that time he worked with many non-profit and neighborhood based groups designing both new and renovated affordable single-family and multi-family residences. Since 1997 he has worked as a construction manager and residential designer at GMHC's NorthEast HousingResource Center™ location. Mr. Korsh continues to work with neighborhood non-profit groups for GMHC's large whole house renovation projects. Mr. Korsh helps identify problem properties, draws plans, writes specifications, bids out projects, hires contractors and guides construction through to the final sale. Mr. Korsh also works with individual homeowners on their home improvement projects.
Curt L. Bennett
Construction Manager
651-228-1077 x12
cbennett@gmhchousing.org
Mr. Bennett joined GMHC in August 2000. Mr. Bennett has 20 years of extensive work experience and educational training related to the construction industry. While working as a project manager he was responsible for the successful management and completion of new and renovated single family and multifamily housing developments, in both the public and private sectors. While managing and working at his own general contracting firm, Mr. Bennett obtained extensive hands-on experience in all aspects of residential construction. In addition to his construction background, Mr. Bennett obtained a degree in Safety Engineering from The University of California at San Diego, which serves him well while assisting homeowners in the inherent dangers of residential remodeling. Working at the NorthEast and Saint Paul HousingResource Center™, Mr. Bennett enjoys helping homeowners solve problems, coordinate tasks and achieve specific goals.
Warren Ditch
Construction Manager
612-588-3033 x13
wditch@gmhchousing.org
Mr. Ditch joined GMHC in February 2000. Mr. Ditch served an apprenticeship in carpentry and cabinet-making after discharge from the Navy in 1946. Later, Mr. Ditch owned a construction firm for 17 years. In 1968 he joined the Minneapolis Housing and Redevelopment Authority (MHRA). He retired on December 31, 1999. After serving 33 years at the Minneapolis Community Development Agency (MCDA) in management and as a special consultant in Multi-family Housing Projects, he joined GMHC as a Construction Manager for the NorthWest HousingResource Center™. The NorthWest HousingResource Center™ serves four suburbs: Robbinsdale, Crystal, New Hope, Brooklyn Center as well as the northern neighborhoods of Minneapolis. Mr. Ditch provides assistance to special assignments (Little Earth), and also monitors properties within the "flipping" community.
John Hott
Construction Manager
612-722-7141 x14
jhott@gmhchousing.org
Mr. Hott joined GMHC in June of 2006 after 12 years with The Center for Energy and Environment (CEE). Mr. Hott has over 30 years of experience in the residential construction industry. Over half of this experience has been in the field working on new homes as well as remodeling projects. The other 15 years has been in construction management, managing personnel, training and working with contractors, writing specifications, and helping staff resolve issues with challenging homeowners. While at CEE, Mr. Hott developed extensive experience in Indoor Air Quality while managing and assisting in training their testing staff. Mr. Hott has an Associate's Arts Degree in Construction Technology, is a certified home inspector and has various other certificates including Lead-Safe Work Practices.
Janet Lauseng
Construction Manager
612-588-3033 x11
jlauseng@gmhchousing.org
Ms. Lauseng is an accomplished construction project manager, having 15 years managing remodel and construction projects beginning her journey in a facilities/hospital setting. Ms. Lauseng worked as a member of a design team, as a space planner and oversaw new construction of single family homes learning all aspects of homebuilding. Ms. Lauseng enjoys problem solving and helping people in the community to better their lives by improving their homes and environment.
Bob Schmotter
Construction Manager
612-378-7985 x15
bschmotter@gmhchousing.org
Mr. Schmotter joined GMHC in the fall of 2007 at the NorthWest HousingResource Center™. Mr. Schmotter is a seasoned project management professional and has over 20 years of experience in the construction field. Mr. Schmotter began his career in his family's owned and operated contracting business, which provided residential and commercial renovations and new home construction. After 11 years in the family business and attaining his Bachelor's Degree in Business and Economics, Mr. Schmotter went to work for the Center for Energy and Environment where he spent 12 years working as a project coordinator/manager for Metropolitan Airports Commission Sound Insulation Project. Most recently, he worked as a Residential Energy Auditor/Inspector for Community Action of Minneapolis.
Paul G. Soenneker
Construction Manager
651-486-7401 x13
psoenneker@gmhchousing.org
Mr. Soenneker began his work at GMHC as a Construction Manager in June, 2001. Mr. Soenneker's background includes 18 years in the construction trade, where he has extensive hands-on experience as a contractor. While managing and working at his own contracting business, Mr. Soenneker served both central Minnesota and the Twin Cities area. Providing technical assistance to residential homeowners, constructing new single-family homes and renovating existing homes have contributed to his work as a construction manager at the NorthMetro HousingResource Center™. Previous to his work as a contractor, Mr. Soenneker attended St. Cloud State University. Mr. Soenneker is also active in the local chapter of the Lion's Club, working on a variety of community development projects.
Suzanne Snyder
Program Director
612-339-0601 x23
ssnyder@gmhchousing.org
Ms. Snyder was hired as the Program Director in June 2006 and is responsible for the overall management of the Housing Resource Centers. Prior to joining GMHC she served for nine years as the executive director of the Minnesota Home Ownership Center, a public/private collaborative promoting sustainable homeownership. During her tenure Ms. Snyder managed growth for expanded services throughout the state, building partnerships to improve access to homeowner services for under-served populations. Her background also includes the development of multi-family housing for low-income families in Rochester, MN and urban reinvestment activities on St. Paul's eastside. Ms. Snyder has an MSW with a concentration in community organization and administration.
Laura E. Bolstad
Program Administrator
651-228-1077 x10
lbolstad@gmhchousing.org
Ms. Bolstad joined GMHC in September 2005. She is the Program Administrator for the Saint Paul HousingResource Center™. Ms. Bolstad graduated from St. Olaf College in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and English. Ms. Bolstad has completed internships in the Housing Services Department of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota and at the Lutheran Coalition for Public Policy in Minnesota. Ms. Bolstad has had a wide range of experiences, from sales/marketing and volunteering to studying abroad in Costa Rica and the Czech Republic.
Denise P. Eloundou
Program Administrator
612-378-7985 x14
deloundou@gmhchousing.org
Ms. Eloundou is currently the Program Administrator at the NorthEast HousingResource Center™. Ms. Eloundou joined GMHC in 2002, working with the administration of loan programs and ensuring that HousingResource Center™ clients receive required information and resources. Ms. Eloundou has two years previous experience working with Minneapolis Public Housing Authority as a VISTA*Community Worker.
Angelique R. Flemons
Program Administrator
612-722-7141 x13
aflemons@gmhchousing.org
Ms. Flemons works at the SouthSide HousingResource Center™ as the Program Administrator. Prior to joining GMHC, she worked for United Properties for five years in property management. Ms. Flemons also has her Real Estate license and Appraisal license and worked as a realtor for Coldwell Banker Burnet. Ms. Flemons also has a degree in Education from the University of Minnesota. Ms. Flemons enjoys helping people get the resources they need to achieve their housing goals.
Marie A. Malrick
Program Administrator
651-486-7401 x11
mmalrick@gmhchousing.org
Ms. Malrick joined GMHC in March of 2000 after graduating from Hamline University with an Urban Studies degree. She interned at Dayton's Bluff Neighborhood Services, Inc. in Saint Paul, MN. Ms. Malrick's responsibilities included participation in rezoning parcels of land, organizing and conducting a neighborhood housing conditions survey, conducting community meetings and compiling information. Ms. Malrick works at the NorthMetro HousingResource Center™ as the Program Administrator administering home improvement programs to homeowners.
Jennifer A. Camacho
Program Administrator
612-588-3033 x12
jcamacho@gmhchousing.org
Ms. Camacho joined GMHC in November of 2000, and is now the Program Administrator. Ms. Camacho has several years experience in community non-profit program administration and management. She is a graduate of North Hennepin Community College with an associate’s degree in Administrative Management and is an active participant in the Robbinsdale Community Education Advisory Counsel, Family Services Collaborative and Desegregation and Integration Community Counsel.
Nick Boettcher
Program Representative
651-228-1077 x13
nboettcher@gmhchousing.org
Mr. Boettcher joined GMHC in June 2008 and serves as Program Representative for the St. Paul HousingResource Center™. While a student at the University of Minnesota, Mr. Boettcher interned with the Metropolitan Design Center and subsequently with the Longfellow Community Council, conducting and assisting with research into urban development and design. Mr. Boettcher also worked as an intern with People Serving People, an emergency housing and social services provider in Minneapolis, as well as in housing inspections for the City of Minneapolis. His professional experience includes five months with an appraisal management company. Mr. Boettcher graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and minor concentrations in Mass Communication and Geography.
Samantha J. Larson
Program Representative
612-378-7985 x10
slarson@gmhchousing.org
Ms. Larson joined GMHC in March 2005. Ms. Larson is the Program Representative for the NorthEast HousingResource Center™. Ms. Larson completed an internship at Macalester-Groveland Community Council while attending the University of Minnesota and she has over four years of previous customer service experience. Ms. Larson graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Housing Studies.
Jodi Struck
Program Representative
612-588-3033 x10
jstruck@gmhchousing.org
Ms. Struck joined GMHC in September 2008 and serves as the Program Representative for the HousingResource Center™ - Northwest. Previously she completed two years in the AmeriCorps program, the first year at Employment Action Center and the second at Hope Community Inc., both in Minneapolis. Her previous volunteer and work experience include KFAI Radio. Midtown Community Restorative Justice, and the YWCA of Minneapolis. She graduated in 2007 with two Bachelors of Arts degrees in Reconciliation Studies and Third World Studies.
Renee Woodard
Program Representative
612-722-7141 x10
rwoodard@gmhchousing.org
Ms. Woodard joined GMHC in May of 2007. She is currently the Program Representative at the Housing Resource Center™-South. Ms. Turch spent eleven years at USDA, Rural Developments as a loan specialist responsible for delivery of the guaranteed rural housing program to rural areas of Minnesota. Prior to that Ms. Woodard was an Assistant County Supervisor with USDA, Farmers Home Administration in Cambridge, MN. Ms. Woodard attended the University of Minnesota in an Upward Mobility program with an emphasis in Agricultural Economics.
Sue M. Schirmers
Program Representative
651-486-7401 x10
sschirmers@gmhchousing.org
Ms. Schirmers joined GMHC in November 2003. Ms. Schirmers is the Program Representative at the NorthMetro HousingResource Center ™. Ms. Schirmers has over five years experience in the construction industry working as the office manager at a remodeling company. Additional work experience for Ms. Schirmers includes five years at the North Hennepin Chamber of Commerce in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Ms. Schirmers graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and is an active community volunteer.
Garry Beatty
Vice President-SHOP
651-793-8901
gbeatty@gmhchousing.org
Mr. Beatty joined SHOP Home Mortgage in February of 2008 as SHOP-Vice President. He has over 30 years of banking and lending experience. The majority of this time has been in the mortgage lending area working in production, underwriting/appraisals, product development, operation, and marketing. Mr. Beatty's last position was with US Bank as a Regional Community Lending Manager, where he managed staff in eight states and twelve major markets bringing homebuyer education program, down payment assistance programs and special mortgage products to under served families. The department maintained relationships with over forty public and non-profit partners. Mr. Beatty left banking in 2001 and worked as a consultant for Neighbor Works of American, Fannie Mae, LISC and a number of non-profit community development organizations. He served for six years as Board President of Twin Cities NHS.
Lynda Duncan
Operations Coordinator-SHOP
651-793-8900
lduncan@gmhchousing.org
Ms. Duncan started with GMHC as Operations Coordinator in February 2008, as part of our Sustainable Home Ownership Program (SHOP). Ms. Duncan came from the non-profit mortgage company, EMMI Group, and has 20+ years experience in the mortgage industry. Ms. Duncan has experience originating, processing, underwriting and closing mortgage loans, along with some Post Closing experience. Ms. Duncan will be maintaining the daily operations for the Sustainable Home Ownership Program, processing and closing loans, as well as working with clients and lenders.
Charles Evans
Director of Outreach and Production-SHOP
651-793-8902
cevans@gmhchousing.org
Mr. Evans spent 30 years with First Bank/US Bank. During that time he was involved in most of the activities of banking: lending, portfolio management, product development, new business development etc. Mr. Evans went on to spend five years setting up and managing a new business development division of Greater Twin Cities United Way. During his 40+ years in the business community he has been involved with many Chambers of Commerce, Boards of Directors and Civic committees i.e. The Saint Paul Area YMCA, The International Institute of Minnesota, The Saint Paul-Nagasaki Sister City Committee, St Johns University, Saint Paul Chamber, Midway Chamber etc. Mr. Evans will be working with the Sustainable Home Ownership Program.
Heidi Moeller
Program Assistant
612-588-3033 x10
hmoeller@gmhchousing.org
Ms. Moeller joined GMHC in April 2009. She is the Program Assistant at the HousingResource Center™ - Northwest. Ms. Moeller graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations. She has had a wide range of experiences including a background as a Mortgage Loan Specialist with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and a Foreclosure Specialist with Fidelity National Foreclosure Solutions.
Todd L. Williams
SHOP, Senior Loan Officer
651-793-8903
twilliams@gmhchousing.org
Mr. Williams was hired in 2009 with GMHC to help grow our new and upcoming mortgage company. He will be partnering with my SHOP team members in the efforts to provide new home ownership in the St. Paul and North Minneapolis area. At the same time establishing new and exciting relationships that will allow us to grow as a company. Mr. Williams' previous experience as a Mortgage Broker Owner, Sales Manager and Senior Loan Officer for the past 15 years will help with this joint adventure.
Nicole Doran
SHOP, Senior Loan Officer
651-793-8906
ndoran@gmhchousing.org
Ms. Doran joined SHOP Home Mortgage in the Summer of 2010 as a Senior Loan Officer. She has been in the mortgage industry since 2001 and has worked as both a Loan Officer and Realtor. Ms. Doran has worked niche programs into her business model: Her forte is FHA 203k (full and streamline) and low to moderate income financing options. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a self designed major title, "Perspectives on Social Inequality and Difference." She is currently finishing her Maters of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute.
Tami Huemoeller
Senior Loan Processor
651-793-8900
jhuemoeller@gmhchousing.org
Ms. Huemoeller joined SHOP Home Mortgage in July of 2010 as our Senior Loan Processor. She transferred from GMHC's HousingResource Center™-Northwest where she worked since September 2009 and served as the Loan Coordinator. Previously she work for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage as a mortgage loan processor and underwriter. Ms. Huemoeller graduated in December of 2008 from the university of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Business administration in Marketing. While at UND, she completed an internship with their Division of Continuing Education Marketing Department. Ms. Huemoeller is an active volunteer with a non-profit group centered on youth leadership, development and service.