Staff
Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation
Carolyn E. Olson
President
Ms. Olson, a long-time GMHC staff member, was appointed 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 $59+ million in predevelopment loans to assist in the development of 22,417 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 over 1,371 for-sale single-family homes, affordable to low and moderate-income persons. Under Ms. Olson's leadership, 752 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 67,000 clients have received assistance.
Ms. Olson currently serves on the board of directors of Catholic Eldercare Community Foundation, Chanhassen Catholic Housing Corporation, Community Health & Education Corporation, Community Housing Development Corporation, Family Housing Fund, Trinity Apartments Housing Corporation and Vinland Center. She is also a member of a number of other community development related committees.
Sally V. Krusell
Development Director
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
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
Ms. Pinzka has been an employee of GMHC for over 26 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, prepare deeds, prepare 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 represent GMHC at all closings.
Orlena Iversen
Special Projects
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
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.
Teres Bourquin
Staff Accountant
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.
JoAnn Seibert
Accounting Assistant
Ms. Seibert joined the GMHC staff June 1, 1999 as Accounting Assistant. Ms. Seibert's duties include Accounts Payable and assisting the Director of Finance with various projects in the downtown office. Ms. Seibert has 13 years experience in the Title insurance field where she performed duties as a Title Closer and the last three years in the accounting division handling the Account Receivables
William W. Buelow
Director of Construction
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.
Stephanie Gruver
Special Projects Coordinator
Ms. Gruver joined GMHC in 2007. Ms. Gruver facilitates the marketing and project coordination for GMHC's housing initiatives in North Minneapolis. In her 11 years of volunteer work in the Camden area of North Minneapolis, Ms. Gruver has worked on many neighborhood projects, including the Camden Real Estate Tours, the Clean & Green programs, Holiday on 44th, Antiques in the Park, and the Camden Old House Club. She was named Volunteer of the Year by the Webber Camden Neighborhood Organization in 2005. Prior to joining GMHC, Ms. Gruver had a 17 year career in the insurance industry, most recently as an insurance broker specializing in the unique insurance needs of successful individuals and extended families. She also served as an insurance advisor for the Star Tribune, the Ramsey Hill Association, and the Minnesota Historical Society. She graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1994 from St. Cloud State University with a degree in Business Management.
Ronald J. Korsh
Construction Manager/Residential Designer
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
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
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.
Stephen W. Green
Construction Manager
Mr. Green joined GMHC in February of 2001 with 28 years of experience in both new and rehab construction. His experience includes seven years of new construction building new ranch-style housing in the greater Des Moines, Iowa area and 21 years remodeling homes as a class A licensed building contractor in the greater Minneapolis/St. Paul Metropolitan area. His background includes international experience participating in the construction of two new homes in Japan during 1997-98. Mr. Green received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Iowa in 1964. During 1972-1977, Mr. Green was on the faculty part time while working as a teacher and graduate research assistant in the Department of Sociology in a masters degree program at Iowa State University. Mr. Green is on the Advisory Council and a teacher with the Minneapolis Adult Community Education Program. Mr. Green is the construction manager for the SouthSide HousingResource Center™ and is under contract with the Greater Minneapolis Day Care Association. Besides assisting residents in all manner of construction issues, he is developing an expertise in the area of indoor air quality (IAQ) and affordable, durable energy efficient homes.
John Hott
Construction Manager
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.
Robert Schmotter
Construction Manager
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Samantha J. Larson
Program Representative
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.
Paxia Lor
Program Representative
Ms. Lor currently works as the Program Representative for the NorthWest HousingResource Center™. Previously she had worked for the Greater Minneapolis Day Care Association as a Child Care Subsidy Specialist. Her previous work experiences also include working as a Crisis Counselor for Saint Paul Youth Services in Saint Paul and as a Parenting Program Coordinator for the Women's Association of Minnesota. Ms. Lor graduated from Concordia University in Saint Paul, Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Human Behavior in June 2000. She is fluent in Hmong and English.
Kendra A. Ryan
Program Representative
Ms. Ryan joined GMHC in September of 2005. Ms. Ryan is the Program Assistant for the SouthSide HousingResource Center™. Previously she worked for Allina Hospitals and Clinics in the Home Oxygen and Medical Equipment division. Ms. Ryan graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stout with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies and enjoys working with individuals and families to meet their housing needs.
Sue M. Schirmers
Program Representative
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
Mr. Beatty 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, operations, and marketing. Mr. Beatty's last position with the bank was Regional Community Lending Manager, where he managed staff in eight states and twelve major markets bringing homebuyer education programs, down payment assistance program, 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 America, Fannie Mae, LISC, and a number of non-profit community development organizations. Mr. Beatty served for six years as Board President of Twin Cities NHS. Mr. Beatty joined GMHC in February of 2008 in a partnership with Dayton's Bluff Neighborhood Housing Services to put a mortgage broker operation in place to provide focused lending to underserved families within our market and provide financial education programs and support that will lead to sustainable home ownership.
Lynda Duncan
Operations Coordinator-SHOP
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
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.