Deb-Wilkens-Costello
President

Deb-Wilkens-Costello has more than 25 years of experience in the area of leadership and non-profit development, community relations, and fundraising. Prior to accepting the presidency position at WomenVenture, she was Executive Director of the Family Tree Clinic, a community clinic that serves as a safety net for men and women who are uninsured and underinsured. Prior to that, she was Director of Development & Alumni Relations for the General College, University of Minnesota for three years.

For six years, she was Executive Director for Chrysalis, A Center for Women. Chrysalis provides women and children in the Twin Cities with high quality, cost-effective programs and accessible services. She began her career with the YMCA of Greater St. Paul, rising from the position of Associate Executive Director to being named Executive Director. In addition, she was a Facilitator, Communicator and Event Planner for Millennia Leaders, a professional development firm; and Major Gifts Officer for the College of Education and Human Development.

Her community service includes the Statewide Association of Family Planning (board member); Planned Parenthood of MN, ND & SD (board member and committee member); United Way of Minneapolis (executive committee member); YMCA (president of the Professional Directors Association for MN; national trainer; chair of the state-wide Minnesota Leadership Conference).

She graduated from St. Cloud State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education; and from the University of Minnesota, Hubert H. Humphrey Institute with a Master of Public Affairs degree.

Kerry Goldstrand
Vice President of Programs & Operations

Kerry Goldstrand has been with WomenVenture since 1994 in a variety of positions. In her current role, Goldstrand oversees the operations of the organization, including supervising program managers, customer service staff, facilities management, technology oversite for 45 computers and the state-of-the-art Education Center, training all staff and volunteers in all aspects of computer network operations, database design and management, and is the primary contact to the building management company. Most recently, she effectively managed WomenVentures office relocation and renovation project.

WomenVenture's Board of Directors brings economic development and business expertise from many Twin Cities industries, complementing the skills and knowledge of the agency's staff. WomenVenture's volunteer program utilizes more than 450 volunteers to support the agency's work. WomenVenture also receives support from its Advisory Board, whose members are leaders in the philanthropic, business, and non-profit arenas.

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