Want to play outside?

You are here: Home / About Us / Board of Directors / Committee Members

Minnesota Rovers committees help keep the club running smoothly throughout the year. Our committees are made up of volunteer members who pitch in to support the club’s ongoing operations. Current committee members are listed below.

Presentations Committee

Want to play a key role in making our weekly meetings a success? Join the Presentations Committee and help shape engaging and dynamic presentations for the club! Tasks: Recruit presenters. Post presentations to web site and social media. Send reminder email to presenter and to members in week prior to presentation. Provide updated slides for weekly Powerpoint. Introduce speaker at Tuesday meeting.

  1. Stacey Grimes, Chair
  2. Tom Yuska
  3. Rob Pierson

New Member Committee

Ready to help new members feel welcome and engaged? Join the New Member Committee to guide newcomers as they connect with our community and get involved in Rovers activities! Tasks: Provide guidance to new members by helping them meet others, learn about Rovers culture, navigate the website and resources, and connect with experienced trip coordinators. 4 volunteers

  1. Rob Chase, Chair
  2. Barry Shillingford
  3. Jen Oberg

Technology Committee

Do you have a knack for tech and teamwork? Use your skills on the Technology Committee to support our club’s digital needs! Tasks may include: Providing assistance for current technology needs. Supporting other committees’ tech-related requests. Brainstorming and researching innovative tools to improve processes, enhance communication, and enrich the member experience.

  1. Stephanie Rasley, Chair
  2. Jodi Stammer
  3. Barry Shillingford
  4. Debra Gagner
  5. Casey Schmidt

AV Crew

Enjoy helping things run smoothly behind the scenes? Join the AV Committee to assist with audio and visual needs at Tuesday night meetings and other events in the future. We’re looking for at least 2 volunteers to start the committee, with the possibility of expanding to 4 volunteers so no one person has to attend a meeting more than once a month.

  1. Barry Shillingford

Database

As part of Technology, the Database person provides monthly summary of members to Board, data and reports to Board as requested, and report of membership fees to treasurer.

  1. Debra Gagner

Publicity Committee

Want to help get the word out about MN Rovers and represent the club at exciting events? Join the Publicity Committee to promote our club and its activities! Tasks: Sign up for and recruit volunteers to staff booths at our recurring events. Explore new event opportunities. Periodically order and sell MN Rovers branded merchandise/SWAG and other promotional materials.

  1. Roger Clay
  2. Tom Yuska
  3. Greg Sumner
  4. David Born

Social Media Crew

Are you a creative individual with a passion for social media? We are looking for a few people to help shape and engage our Rovers’ community. Tasks may include: Coming up with engaging content. Creating a content calendar. Sharing updates, stories, and photos to Facebook and Instagram. Responding to occasional questions and comments on social platforms.

  1. SIGN UP!

Events Committee

Love planning events and creating memorable experiences? Join the Events Committee to help coordinate our Spring and Fall Extravaganzas and support our club’s activities! Tasks include: Coordinating the logistics for the Spring and Fall Extravaganzas. Reserving campsites, recruiting volunteers for activities, Collaborating with other committees for equipment, publicity, and postings.

  1. Maria Hanratty
  2. Stacey Grimes
  3. Julie Harrison

Conservation Committee

Passionate about protecting the environment? Join the Conservation Committee to help find and post conservation-related trips, like seed collections, garlic mustard or buckthorn pulls, invasive species identification, and more. Your efforts will help keep conservation an active part of the Rovers’ core values. We’re looking for a few volunteers to make a positive impact on our community and the environment.

  1. Fran Lesicko, Chair
  2. Marilynn Torkelson
  3. Suzanne Trapp

Equipment Committee

If you like outdoor gear, this committee is for you. Join the Equipment Committee to assist members with selecting and checking out equipment, and then learn about their trip when they return the gear. We also inventory our equipment annually, purchase new gear as needed and promote equipment use to members.

  1. Bruce Mielke, Chair
  2. David Byrne
  3. Perry Grueber
  4. Greg Christian

Beginner Backpacking Program

We’re also looking for volunteers with a passion for backpacking, strong organizational skills, and a willingness to guide and support beginners. This well-established program is already thriving and your enthusiasm and commitment will help keep them running smoothly and growing. No need to start from scratch — just bring your positive energy and eagerness to help others learn and succeed!

We are looking for volunteers for backpacking training, hikes, overnights. They will also be looking for potential 2026 administrators to take over the program. 

  1. Deb Parker, Chair
  2. Cynthia House, Co-chair
  3. Steve Marek