Board of Directors

LIFE Mower County thanks our dedicated board members who graciously donate their time and talent to
promote and protect the civil rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Mower County.

Board Meetings

All Board meetings are open to the membership and interested general public. Please contact Dawn Helgeson if you are interested in attending any of the meetings or have any questions about the business of the Board of Directors. All regular meetings are scheduled on the 4th Monday at 5:30 pm at the LIFE Mower County office at 401 2nd Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912.

Board Portal

Monday, June 27, 2022
Monday, July 25, 2022
Monday, August 22, 2022
Monday, September 26, 2022
Monday, October 24, 2022
Monday, November 28, 2022

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Board Members

Laura Tjomsland - President
John Gray - Secretary/Treasurer
Lydia Benedict - Director *
Connie Brown-Caldwell - Director
Laura Hoffman - Director *
Barb Keist - Director
Roy Rolfson - Director *
Staci Rugg - Director
Jason Vorlicek - Director

* = Is a self-advocate or has a family member with an intellectual and developmental disability.

To contact any member of the Board of Directors, please email: boardofdirectors@lifemowercounty.org.

Become a LIFE Mower County Board Member

Purpose: To advise, govern, oversee policy and direction, and assist with the leadership and
general promotion of LIFE Mower County; to support the organization’s mission and needs.

Mission: Our mission is to expand opportunities, empower people, and enrich lives for individuals
with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families by providing a betterquality of life
through Learning, Inclusion, Fun, and Empowerment.

Major responsibilities:

Formulation and oversight of policies and procedures
Organizational leadership and advisement
Organization of the board of directors, officers, and committees
Financial management, including adoption and oversight of the annual budget
Oversight of program planning goals and evaluation
Review of organizational and programmatic reports
Annually review the performance of the board
Promotion of the organization
Fundraising and outreach
Assist in recruiting Board and other talent for whatever volunteer assignments are needed

Members of the board share these responsibilities while acting in the interest of LIFE Mower County. Each member is expected to make recommendations based on his or her experience and vantage point in the community.

Length of term: Membership on the Board of Directors shall be served in two (2) year terms. Individual members may serve four (4) consecutive terms for a total of eight (8) years at a time. Individual members may reapply for Board status after two (2) year hiatus.

Meetings and time commitment:

The board of directors currently meets on the fourth Monday of the month at 5:30 pm at the LIFE Mower County office, 401 2nd Ave NE, Austin, MN.
Committees of the board meet an average of four times per year, pending their respective work agenda.
Board members are asked to attend at least two special events or meetings per year, as they are determined.

Expectations of board members:

Attend and participate in meetings on a regular basis, and special events as able.
Participate on a standing committee of the board.
Be alert to community concerns that can be addressed by LIFE Mower County’s mission, objectives, and programs.
Help communicate and promote our mission and programs to the community.
Become familiar with LIFE Mower County’s finances, budget, and financial/resource needs.
Understand the policies and procedures of LIFE Mower County.
Financially support LIFE Mower County in a manner commensurate with one’s ability.
Volunteer at activities and fundraisers that are sponsored by LIFE Mower County

If you are interested in being on the LIFE Mower County’s Board of Directors or have more questions, please contact Dawn Helgeson at 507-433-8994, Ext 101 or dawn@lifemowercounty.org.