Tess Korbesmeyer Holman (Hale)

At the end of 2019, I moved to Minneapolis with my family and it quickly became home. My husband, two daughters, and I live in the Hale neighborhood by beautiful Lake Nokomis and I fall more in love with the community every day. I'm currently attending the University of Minnesota to get my Master of Public Policy with a minor in Integrative Leadership. I have two graduate research positions as well as the Paul D. Coverdell Fellowship.This summer I will be working at U.S. Bank in their Community Reinvestment department.

 

My bachelor's degree is in International Relations and Diplomacy from Seton Hall University. After graduating, I served in the Peace Corps where I provided health education at a school and supported a local women's group to secure a grant to open an income-generating business. Upon returning home I worked in refugee resettlement as well as the travel industry. I am passionate about gender equity, social justice, climate change policy, and relationship building. I am a strong communicator with deep listening skills, always able to find common ground and connect interesting people and resources.

 

Bolstered by a strong sense of social and environmental justice, belief in gender and racial equity, and a commitment to always keep learning and improving, I'm hoping to join the HPDL Neighborhood Association and to support our neighborhood as it becomes a more just and equitable place - as efficiently and compassionately as possible. I'm interested in supporting ongoing projects as well as taking on one of my own, once I get a better understanding of community needs and goals. I'd also be able to help with website updates and grant applications.

From graduate school to my community development research position, from my two daughters to a worldwide network of friends and colleagues, I see opportunities to make connections and find innovative solutions to our most pressing problems everywhere I look.Thank you for considering me for a board position!

 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tesskholman/

​

Kara Garrott (Hale)

I moved to Hale in the fall of 2020 with my husband and dog, S’mores. The green spaces drew us to this neighborhood, and I’ve loved exploring the creek trails, in particular. I work as a scientist for a medical device company researching cardiac devices. In my free time, I love running, XC skiing, and generally being outdoors! 

 

I’m interested in joining the HPDL board because I’d love to get more involved in my community. I love this neighborhood, and want to support events and initiatives to develop and grow the HPDL community.  

 

Ann Zawistoski (Page)

Ann Zawistoski and her family (husband, two kids - 11 and 15, three cats, and a tortoise) moved to the Page neighborhood in February 2020, but they have lived in Minneapolis since 1998, previously in the Northrop and East Harriet neighborhoods. She enjoys baking, Aikido, and walking the paths along Minnehaha Creek. She has been a science and environmental librarian at various universities for the past 17 years, and is now working on a career change to climate education and outreach. Her background is in helping to connect people with the information and resources they need and she is passionate about social and environmental justice issues.

 

I'm interested in becoming a board member because after all the disruption and upheaval of these past two years, I've become aware of the power and importance of local community. I have been looking for ways to connect more deeply with my community and neighborhood and I would like to find ways that I can help to strengthen and continue to build our community.

​

Andrew Verdin (Hale)

Andrew is a midwesterner at heart, having grown up in Sioux Falls, SD, and followed the path of the righteous in that community which is moving to Minneapolis for college. After five fruitful years (with a year off for good measure), he graduated and met his wife-to-be at a mutual friend’s birthday party in the SE Como neighborhood. Soon after graduating, they went on a quasi-continental “walkabout”, out to California and ultimately settling in Denver as Andrew finished up his PhD in Civil Engineering. 

 

After the birth of their first daughter, Andrew and his wife, Carsen, decided to move back home to Minneapolis to lean on friends and family (as they say, it takes a village!). Andrew and his family—wife, two daughters, and big silly goldendoodle—moved to the Hale neighborhood in 2021, having also lived in the Powderhorn Park neighborhood since 2018. Andrew is beyond excited for the prospect of becoming involved in the HPDL board to help promote all of the wonderful ideals and values that our neighbors uphold in South Minneapolis, like warmth, community, and inclusivity. 

 

When he’s not working as a hydrologist and climate scientist, he is an active member in his community, connecting with and engaging with neighbors on the Buy Nothing Group and frequenting all the lovely local businesses. He enjoys spending time outside, whether walking along the creek path, biking around Lake Nokomis, dropping his daughter off at dance lessons at Pearl Park, or simply having a backyard picnic with his family, neighbors, and friends.

 

Reason statement: I am motivated to become a board member of the HPDL to meet more of our neighbors, promote community and inclusivity, and to help spread joy and excitement through community events.

 

Michele St. Martin (Page)

My name is Michele St. Martin. My partner and I bought our house in the Page neighborhood in August. We love it here and plan to stay forever! I have lived in various parts of the metro, but I firmly believe (and tell everyone I know) that south Minneapolis is the center of the universe. We love our home, friendly neighbors (monthly get-togethers on the block), being close to the creek and everything the area has to offer. I have two daughters in college – one in Iowa, one in New York City – and they love coming home to this neighborhood. My daughters are people of color and racial equity is very important to me.

​

I work as communications director for a nonprofit that is dedicated to making sure that children with all disabilities are able to access their right to a free, appropriate public education. I am a former nonprofit executive director, editor of the Minnesota Women’s Press and of New Moon Girl media, and I have an extensive background as a freelance writer. I am a member of the LGBTQ+ community and value all forms of diversity. I hope to be able to use my skills, energy, and commitment to this neighborhood as a member of the board.

 

John Giese 

My name is John Giese. My wife and I raised our three children in the HDLP neighborhood and I have lived here for most of my life.  I grew up playing sports at Pearl Park, which started as a small wooden shack with 4 four baseball diamonds. At that time a swamp was where the current north fields are today.  When my three children were of age, I coached baseball, soccer, football and basketball.  I have seen the park grow from a small wooden shack to the present building. I attended Dunwoody College of Technology after high school. I have spent most of my career working for automotive dealerships in various capacities, from a Master Technician to service management. I currently deliver Meals on Wheels. I would love to be on the Board to help to grow community involvement in our fine neighborhood.

​

Matt Wesson (Hale)

My name is Matt Wesson and grew up in Milwaukee, WI.   My wife and I relocated from Chicago to the HPDL neighborhood 19 years ago.  In that time, we have become so thankful to be able to live in this truly unique neighborhood.  My three sons all attended Hale elementary, moved onto Field middle school and currently have a 7th grader at Justice Page and twin boys as Sophomore’s at Washburn high school.   As far as my dog, Gary, he attends the University of Napping when not providing security when UPS delivers packages to the house.   

 

I have over twenty years of healthcare benefits experience, primarily in the pharmacy management segment.  I am currently employed as a Consultant Relations Director for Anthem under their pharmacy subsidiary, IngenioRx.   Prior to IngenioRx, I served nine years as a Strategic Sales Director at Prime Therapeutics, based in Eagan, and eleven years with CVS Health in various sales and account management roles under their wellness, disease management and pharmacy divisions.   I have a Bachelor of Science degree in the Administration of Criminal Justice from Bradley University.   

 

I am interested in becoming a HPDL board member because I’d like to contribute more to the community to help ensure it continues to achieve increasingly high levels of livability for all.    I am a “get your hands dirty” kind of a guy and love just getting down to work so happy to engage where needed!   I have particular interest in landscaping, neighborhood beautification and environmental stewardship activities and initiatives.