Staff & Board

  • Erik Andersen

    Erik Andersen

    Interim Executive Director

  • Deb Christensen

    Deb Christensen

    Development & Membership Manager

  • Henry Olson, PMP, PMI-ACP

    Administrative & Visitor Services Manager

  • Philip Wernsmann, B.S., B.A.D.

    Accounting

  • Tim Palmer

    Facilities Manager

  • Cheyenne Nordquist, M.L.I.S.

    Archives Manager

  • Nan Dreher

    Design Store Manager

  • Terri Johnson

    Terri Johnson

    Development Associate

  • Adam Bierstedt, M.A., M.L.I.S

    Albert Ravenholt Curator of Danish-American Culture

  • David Anderson, M.A.

    Registrar

  • Anna Cheyenne Thomas

    Anna Cheyenne Thomas, M.A.

    Youth & Community Educator

  • Hannah Kidder

    Hannah Kidder, M.A.

    Curatorial Intern

  • Amelia Juhl

    Communications Manager

Part-Time Staff

Terri Amaral

Administrative Assistant

Sandy Ashcraft

Administrative Assistant

Al Ashcraft

Administrative Assistant

The Museum of Danish America's Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors of the Museum of Danish America provides oversight to the staff and assists in developing ideas and plans that contribute to the museum’s continuing vitality. Board members participate at their own expense and receive no reimbursements.

The Board of Directors is limited to 25 members. Terms of service are for three years, with the possibility of re-election to a second term. Three years must pass before a member can again be considered for board membership. Several ex-officio members have continued to provide expertise, although they normally do not attend meetings nor do they vote on issues. The Board’s Nominations Committee strives for regional representation, gender balance, and diversity of expertise.

The Board of Directors meets three times a year. The annual meeting is held in Elk Horn, Iowa, during the third weekend in October. Normally, the Board meets each February and June in different locations around the United States to cultivate interest in the museum’s mission.

Without the dedication, energy, and support of a strong team-oriented Board of Directors, the staff of the museum would not be able to work effectively in managing day-to-day operations of the Museum of Danish America.

The Museum of Danish America is grateful for the service of its Former Board of Directors. We honor their dedication by listing their years of service and offices held during their term.

Executive Members

President

Philip Lund OR

Vice President

Erik Andersen NY

Treasurer

Anders Melberg IL

Secretary

Elizabeth Steffensen IL

Board Members

Esther Jacobsen Bates CA

Margie Bornhoft MN

Joy Clemsen Gajda IL

Marcia Jante WI

Bridget Lois Jensen TX

Craig Jensen IA

Jens Jensen MN

Mary Ellyn Johnson MN

Michael Koehler IL

Lisa Kramme NE

Erik Lillehoj MD

Erik Nørkjær DENMARK

Ken Paulsen IA

John Rasmussen NY

Lynette Rasmussen IA

Greg Rierson WY

Tonya Knudsen-Robson OR

Nancy Sand IA

Chuck Smith NE

Anne Sørensen DENMARK

Ex-Officio

Dennis Larson IA

John Mark Nielsen NE

Randy Ruggaard OH