Kathy Bonnifield, hired as program assistant for the International program, attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. Among her international experience are four years in multiple jobs at the Center for Victims of Torture (including a stint as communications and logistics specialist in Turkey) and Peace Corps service in both Nepal and Sri Lanka. She will provide support for the Foundation's select grantmaking outside of the U.S.

Jennifer Harshner joins the staff as communications/administrative assistant. A graduate of the College of St. Catherine, she has been a senior editor at Thomson West Publishing in Eagan since 2004, where she assisted in the editing, design, and production of legal information publications. In her new role, Harshner will provide support for communications, human resources, and grantmaking to the Minnesota Initiative Foundations.

Shannon Lee fills the position of program assistant for the Environment program. After graduation from the University of Texas, Austin, Lee gained experience in the environmental field as an air permits intern at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and as an environmental education intern with Dakota County. She will support the Foundation's grantmaking efforts related to the Mississippi River and to renewable energy.

Janet Peterson was hired as grants administration assistant. During her 13 years with the philanthropic wing of Lutheran Brotherhood (now Thrivent Financial), Peterson served both as grants coordinator and grants system manager. She has also worked in accounting for the City of Coon Rapids and Dane Industries of Minneapolis. In her position at McKnight, she will provide administrative support in the area of grants management.

Lorri Todd joins McKnight as meeting and travel coordinator. Her background includes three years in the Division of Health Services Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, and two years at Greene Espel Law Firm. In addition, she is currently pursuing a degree in art history. At McKnight, Todd will be responsible for logistics related to staff travel and to meetings that take place at the Foundation offices.

In addition to the above, the Foundation is engaged in various stages of hiring for several other positions:

• In the coming months, McKnight will announce hires for vice president of human resources and administration and program officer for the Regional program.
• The deadline to submit resumes for full consideration in the ongoing search for McKnight’s next permanent president is March 1, with a hiring announcement expected late summer.
• This spring, the Foundation will post on its website a position announcement for Children and Families program officer, to replace Christine Ganzlin, who was recently promoted to program director.

ABOUT THE MCKNIGHT FOUNDATION

Founded in 1953 and endowed by William L. McKnight and Maude L. McKnight, The McKnight Foundation has assets of approximately $2 billion and granted about $90 million in 2005. McKnight is an independent private philanthropic organization; the Foundation has no relationship with the 3M Company, although Mr. McKnight was one of 3M's early leaders.

Contact
Tim Hanrahan, Communications Director, 612-333-4220