Board of Directors Profiles

Chuck became involved with Avivo in 2010. He is a longtime supporter and has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2015, currently serving as the Vice Chair. Chuck’s background is in health care and health care administration.  His areas of specialty include contracting, mental health and chemical dependency programs, and partnering with providers on quality initiatives.  He is a graduate of St. Olaf College, BA, and he earned his MBA from the University of St. Thomas.

Why Avivo? I am passionate about Avivo’s mission of supporting people and their families, all of which leads to healthier communities.

Bethany has a strong foundation in finance, where she developed deep analytical skills and a data‑driven approach to decision‑making. Currently, she leads the Smart Home category at Best Buy, where she leverages her business acumen to drive growth and strategy in a fast‑evolving consumer tech space. In her free time, she loves to explore new restaurants around the Twin Cities, travelling, and unwinding with a quiet evening and a good book.

Why Avivo? Avivo’s mission is deeply personal to me. Having family members who have struggled with addiction and homelessness, I’m drawn to Avivo’s commitment to a radical welcome and its belief in treating every person with dignity. Their approach reflects the compassion, respect, and second chances that everyone deserves.

Favorite Avivo event or program? I’m especially drawn to Avivo’s site tours and in‑person events. They give me the chance to meet Avivo’s employees, hear their firsthand experiences, and see the impact of their work up close. These conversations make the mission feel real and remind me why this organization matters so much.

Civil Attorney, Retired

John practiced corporate and civil law in California.  He also served as the CEO for a fast-food franchisor in the southeastern US. His hobbies include biking, painting, comparative mythology, travel, and stimulating conversation.

Why Avivo? Because the work affirms the inherent dignity of every individual and brings that dignity to light through compassion.

Favorite Avivo program? The creative arts Community Support Program (CSP). It offers a secure and supportive space for artistic expression to blossom.

John founded and ran Advantage Signs and Graphics for more than 35 years.  Recently retired, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, golf, pickleball, running, skiing and generally having fun of any kind.

Why Avivo? Avivo’s holistic approach to helping individuals and families makes
sense to me as a route to real success.  It is uplifting to be a small part of that success.

Favorite Avivo event or program? Ending homelessness. Helping unhoused individuals and families find safe shelter, basic necessities, and needed services to help rebuild their lives is inspiring to me.

Damon’s areas of expertise include strategic planning; change management; employee engagement; safety, legal and compliance; risk mitigation and insurance; and labor and employment. Damon leverages his legal and business background to solve problems, drive growth within organizations, and ensure the long-term viability and success of each project.  He is an outdoor enthusiast who loves hiking, skiing, and biking.  He is also a beekeeper and high school mock trial coach.

Why Avivo?  Avivo is an amazing organization that meets people where they are and believes everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

Favorite Avivo Event: The annual Achieving Dreams breakfast.

Susan worked in the Minneapolis Native American Community as a primary care medical provider in family practice with a specialty in diabetes for more than 38 years. She is a founding member of the Native American Community Clinic. Now retired, she enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband; reading, teaching children through bible study fellowship, engaging with her social justice group at church, volunteering for the YMCA of the North as a medical officer, and everything golden retrievers.=

Why Avivo? Through my work, I met clients of Avivo and was so impressed to see the positive changes in their lives, and how Avivo supported them in their journey.

Dan’s professional experience includes commercial building maintenance and energy control, spending more than 15 years in senior leadership with Egan Company. His core skills include business management and leadership, sales and marketing, and facility management.  In his semi-retirement, he enjoys golfing, boating, hiking, traveling, and of course, grandkids!

Why Avivo?  As a recovering alcoholic with nearly 25 years of sobriety, I have a passion for those that struggle with addiction and mental health issues, especially when they don’t have the resources to get well. I’m so amazed how Avivo provides a continuum of care for the most vulnerable population, and I want to give back in any way I can.

Favorite Avivo program? Chemical & Mental Health Services

Dr. Keul is a board-certified psychiatrist and a retired family practice doctor.  He is a lifelong Minnesotan who has held multiple leadership roles with Hennepin County Medical Center and Abbott Northwestern Hospital.  He has also served as an assistant professor with the University of Minnesota and currently serves as a member of the University of Minnesota Medical School Alumni Board.

Why Avivo? I love the breadth of the programs provided by Avivo.  A person can receive help with treatment, housing, medical care, and education and career training, all while receiving valuable case management services that ensure each person has an advocate to help meet their comprehensive needs.

Sue Kruskopf founded and led KC Truth, a Minneapolis marketing agency that she sold in 2024 after 40 years in business. She worked with many non-profits in her career including long-time client MPR. A creative person at heart, she started The Queen’s Baubles soon after retirement.

Sue joined the Avivo board in 2024 and is working to build a broader awareness of Avivo’s amazing work.

Sue’s family has had a cabin on Madeline Island since 1985, and she serves on an arts board there to bring more great artists and musicians to the island. Biking is one of her many passions along with cooking and travel.

Todd leads the strategic business and direction of SRF.  He has more than 25 years’ experience in transportation planning and engineering, having led complex projects, challenging operation and design decisions and facilitated stakeholder decision making processes.  A problem-solver at heart, Todd was drawn to engineering because of the ability to better the lives of individuals and communities.   

Janet has more than 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Through her consultancy she offers specialty services in strategic planning, change management, program development, board development, and operational efficiencies. When she isn’t helping nonprofits, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, watercolor painting, and playing Mahjong.

Why Avivo?   I support  Avivo because of its impact on individuals, families, and community. Avivo’s amazing set of competencies (ending homelessness, mental/chemical health, career education) helps individuals and families reach their highest potential and become contributing members to their communities.

Favorite Avivo Program:   The Street Outreach Team! They are truly meeting people where they are and helping bring compassion and resources to those navigating substance use disorder and unsheltered homelessness.

Favorite Avivo Event:   Night of Champions. A great night to celebrate Avivo AND raise money for its programs.

With 24 years’ working in the Financial Service industry, Arjun has extensive experience in sales.   turnaround management, corporate restructuring, change management, and senior leadership.  He is a collaborative leader who enjoys creating environments that allow team members to thrive while growing their careers. When not working, Arjun likes to spend time outdoors, experiencing new music, food, and meeting new people.

Why Avivo? I am honored to be able to serve Avivo’s mission of helping people achieve recovery, find housing stability, and achieve employment and economic advancement.