Local Leaders Join Board of Directors at Twin Cities Habitat

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity welcomes three new members to its Board of Directors, and new leadership on the executive committee. The new leaders join as Twin Cities Habitat builds significant momentum advancing its 2022 – 2027 Build Forward Together strategic plan and campaign, which focuses on expanding homeownership opportunities, advancing racial equity, and engaging the community. 

The newly elected Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity board members are:
•    Kirstin Burch, Executive Director, PRG, Inc.
•    Melissa Gilbertson, Chief Operating Officer, Mairs & Power
•    Laura Rogers, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, United Properties

Tony Barranco, President, North Region, at Ryan Companies is serving his second term as Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity Board Chair. He leads an executive committee that includes:
•    Vice Chair: Jim Mulrooney, Senior Market President, Twin Cities East, Huntington National Bank (second term)
•    Treasurer: Nicki Donlon, CPA, Partner – Nonprofit Team Leader, Baker Tilly US, LLP (first term)
•    Secretary: Godson Sowah, Partner, Technology Risk and Assurance, Ernst & Young (first term)
•    Past Chair: Nash Shaikh, Chief of Staff to the President & CEO, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (second term)

See a complete list of the Board of Directors.

Meet the Newest Board Members

Kirstin Burch,  PRG, Inc.

Kirstin N. Burch is the Executive Director of PRG, Inc., a community-based organization working within Minnesota’s home ownership ecosystem. Kirstin brings a depth of experience as a nonprofit executive in the housing sector and was previously Program Director at Family Housing Fund; the inaugural Fair Housing Coordinator at the City of St. Paul; and Director of Zoom House. Kirstin is also Vice Chair of TCHH Lending, Inc., in addition to serving on numerous boards at other mission-driven organizations.

Melissa Gilbertson, Mairs & Power

Melissa Gilbertson is a seasoned executive and board member with over 20 years of experience in financial services, operations, and technology. As Chief Operating Officer at Mairs & Power, Minnesota’s oldest investment firm, she oversees governance, strategic planning, and organizational change. Prior to her tenure at Mairs & Power, Melissa worked at UnitedHealth Group, Fairview Health Services, and Alerus Retirement Solutions. 

Laura Rogers, United Properties

Laura Rogers, ESQ., is Senior Vice President and General Counsel at United Properties. As the first in-house counsel for United Properties, she established and leads the company’s legal department to support their development and real estate portfolio; provides strategic legal counsel to senior leadership; and serves as the company’s designated Risk Officer. In addition to a strong foundation in business and regulatory environments, Laura also brings deep expertise in municipal operations, particularly urban development. Her storied legal career includes previous roles with the state of New York, including Empire State Development, the New York City Department of Transportation, and the New York City Council.