Leadership Team Profiles

Kelly Matter joined Avivo in November, 2012. She has more than 30 years of experience in social service, workforce development, training, revenue development, and creating partners within the nonprofit and business communities. Prior to joining Avivo, Kelly held leadership positions at CommonBond Communities and Goodwill-Easter Seals. She is a board member of the University of Wisconsin Stout Foundation chairing the scholarship committee, serves as board chair of Stepping Stone Emergency Housing and is on the board of Totino-Grace High School.

Emily Bastian joined Avivo’s Chemical and Mental Health division in 2012 and was promoted to Vice President in June 2019. She provides 15+ years of leadership and experience in delivering high quality, strengths-based, person-centered services for individuals living with multiple disabilities. She guided Avivo’s partnership with the Red Lake Nation to address chronic homelessness in the American Indian community. Emily is an exceptional public advocate for recovery and reducing disparities. A licensed independent clinical social worker, she holds a master’s degree in clinical social work from Augsburg College, where she’s been an adjunct professor in its Master of Social Work program since 2007.

Nicholas Fry joined Avivo in 2019 as Vice President of Information Technology. His role was expanded in 2022 to oversee Avivo’s compliance department. Nick is responsible for the design, development and implementation of Avivo’s information systems, software applications, IT support and infrastructure systems as well as advancing compliance processes, accountabilities and reporting. He employs more than 13 years of experience in IT and telecommunications and demonstrates a high commitment to data security and healthcare. He’s played a crucial role in improving operational efficiency at Avivo by implementing new technologies and processes. Nick holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Network Development, Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications from Sanford-Brown College. He is also a certified Healthcare Information Security and Privacy Practitioner (HCISPP) with ISC² and holds several industry licenses and certifications.

Becca Lopez became Vice President of Career Education and Employment Services in 2022, bringing 20 years of experience in serving communities facing the greatest barriers to education and employment success. A committed Avivo employee since 2007, Becca most recently led Avivo’s portfolio of employment services for youth and adults experiencing un- and under-employment, life transitions, and seeking economic advancement through career education. She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Minnesota and MS in Human Services, specializing in Leadership and Organizational Management, from Capella University.

Joining Avivo in 2020, Mette has more than 25 years’ experience in human resources, with expertise in strategy, organizational development, coaching, culture building, employee engagement, compensation, benefits, employee relations, performance evaluation and administration. She has a deep passion for inclusion, equity, and cultural competence and has successfully implemented comprehensive diversity and inclusion strategies that have positively impacted organizational culture and employee engagement. Formerly, Mette consulted for small nonprofits and also worked at American Public Media Group, Hazelden Foundation, and Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota. She is certified in the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). She holds a business degree from Naestved Handelsskols, Denmark, and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Dakota. Mette serves on the board of Nexus and is a Twin Cities Diversity & Inclusion Roundtable member.

Bruce Wenger joined Avivo in 2018 and provides more than 15 years experience in strategic leadership and fundraising. In his capacity as a consultant he helped grow philanthropic support for scores of non-profit organizations in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. He has proven skills in building comprehensive development programs relying on expertise with annual, major, and planned giving, both in and out of capital campaigns. Bruce focuses on positioning organizations for fundraising success and connecting donors with meaningful and impactful change. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Government from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin.