Board of Directors

The DFL Senior Caucus
Governing Board of Directors

The Board of Directors consists of the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary (and Facebook administrator), Treasurer, Membership (and Outreach), Technology Director, and Liaison to the DFL State Executive Committee (SEC). the local chapter Chairs, and at least eight at-large Directors. A new Board is elected every odd-numbered year at the annual membership meeting. The Board has the authority to appoint five additional Directors to serve for the same time period as the at-large Directors.

Responsibilities of the Officers:

  • The Chair shall convene and facilitate all Senior Caucus and Board meetings; shall exercise oversight over the operation of the Senior Caucus, the Board, and such committees that the Board may establish; and administer the directives of the Senior Caucus. The Chair may delegate duties as necessary.
  • The Vice Chair shall fulfill the duties of the Chair in the absence of the Chair and shall assist the Chair in the duties of the Chair.
  • The Secretary shall produce the official records of the meetings, distribute calls and notices for Board or membership meetings, and distribute other Senior Caucus communications as may be deemed necessary. The Secretary can also administer the Facebook account.
  • The Treasurer shall keep record of, account for, and report on the financial activities of the Senior Caucus.
  • The Membership Director shall coordinate the recruitment of members, manage membership data, maintain up-to-date membership records and provide timely reporting of such records, and determine those members who are in good standing. This director can also perform an outreach function.
  • The Technology Director shall coordinate the use of technology for the Senior Caucus to facilitate distributing information to members and supporting meetings; oversee related functions such as the website, Facebook account, email distribution, and related needs.
  • The Liaison to the DFL State Executive Committee (SEC) shall attend meetings to represent the Senior Caucus and report back to the Senior Caucus board.

Responsibilities of the Board

The Board is responsible for managing the business and affairs of the Senior Caucus. Its duties include:

  • Calling, scheduling and conducting membership meetings, disseminating proper notice, and determining voting methods on matters other than the election of Officers and the Board.
  • Authorizing and organizing candidate forums and screening, accountability and review sessions, speaker events, and similar activities.
  • Conducting the financial affairs of the Senior Caucus, including approval of expenditures; collecting dues and raising funds to support the activities of the Senior Caucus.
  • Overseeing the work of Officers, volunteers, and others carrying out the work of the Senior Caucus.
  • Appointing a Search Committee and creation of other committees to carry out the activities of the Senior Caucus.
  • Authorizing official statements of support for candidates, legislation or for policy at any level of government.

Business Meetings

Board meetings are held the third Thursday of the month from 5:30-7:30p using Zoom. Bring your ideas and brainstorm with the Officers and Directors. Only elected officers and directors can vote at meetings.

The DFL Senior Caucus is governed in accordance with its Charter.

MN DFL Seniors Group Shot

And a Good Time Was Had By All!!!

The Duluth chapter did a bang-up job hosting a cookout-style meal and relaxed get-together for Senior Caucus members on Saturday, July 12. Many thanks to Kathy Peterson and her crew for their hard work in planning, cooking, and welcoming all of us.

Our main speaker was Brian Rohrenbach, who presented facts about Social Security, including its purpose, history, and legal standing. We also heard from many local politicians about their issues and, of course, our Senior Caucus chair Kay Hendrikson.

While we were not able to picnic on the beach or sunbathe due to smoke from Canadian fires, we did get to explore the shore area around the community center and wish we had better weather. Does the lake ever warm up in the summer?

Some of us stayed over a night or two, and here are some of the things we did while in the Duluth metro:

  • Saw Waitress at NorShor Theater
  • Toured the Tall Ships in Duluth Harbor
  • Played golf at Enger Park (a lovely 27-hole course off Skyline Drive)
  • Drove north to Split Rock Lighthouse, past Betty's Pies and other attractions
  • Admired the Rose Garden
  • Enjoyed a hearty brunch at At Sarah's Table, the former meeting site of the Duluth chapter

We met friendly, helpful people everywhere. We also noticed an emphasis on sustainability in public places and local businesses. And the freeway construction is soon finished--we hope!!!

Join us and become an active member of our DFL Community Caucus to help us address the needs of seniors. You can join one or more of our local chapters and any of our committees leading us on vital issues that concern us all. Your membership allows us to reach more seniors and have a larger voice on issues. You become part of a mission and movement to address the needs of senior citizens across Minnesota.

Making a better world for our Children, our Grandchildren, and Ourselves!

Board of Directors (terms expire at annual meeting 2027)

Officers

Chair:

Kay Hendrickson

Secretary and Facebook Administrator:

Jocelyn Heid

Vice Chair:

Don Slaten

Membership/Outreach Director

Jennifer Willette

Treasurer:

Nancy Stroessner

Liason to DFL State Central Committee and Executive Committee:

Kay Hendrickson

Technology Officer:

Bill MIddlecamp

 

Directors

Janet Conn Sara Nelson-Pallmeyer
Jim Davnie Pamela Parker
Alston Dutchin Darrell Paulsen
Marie Hauser Byron Richard
Martha Holton Dimick Tony Scallon
Jean Lee Cindy Spellman
Sandra Marks Michele St. Martin
George Moore David Tilsen
Joe Mullery Eric Won

 

Chapter Chairs

Note: For details about chapter meetings, contacts, and photos, see the Chapters page.

Anoka County:          Mel Aanerud

East Central MN:      TBD

East Metro:                Eric Lampland

Mankato Area:          Mary Bliesmer

Minneapolis Area:    Bibi Black

North Metro:           Linda Hopkins

Northeast MN:        Kathy Peterson

St Paul Area:            Carol Ball, Al Oertwig

South Metro:           Gary Hansen

Southeast MN:         Patricia Mann

Western Suburbs pilot    Diane Solinger

Standing Committees

Communication:                                     Kay Hendrickson

Events:                                                      Don Slaten, Sandy Sandoval

Governance:                                            Mel Aanerud

Membership:                                           Jennifer Willette

Political Affairs Committee (PAC):        Mary Bliesmer

Technology:                                             Bill Middlecamp

Fundraising:                                            TBD