OUR TEAM

Joe Cavanaugh

Founder and CEO

Joe Cavanaugh is a nationally-renowned speaker promoting timeless values and personal character to audiences of all ages. Whether it is at the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, a commencement speech at his alma mater, a conference with business leaders or in a room filled with 200 teenagers, Joe loves to be in front of a crowd sharing the message that character matters. His message is guided by the belief that character is the thread that will reweave the frayed fabric of our society.

In 1987, Joe founded Youth Frontiers (YF), a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization that provides experiences that inspire character, civility and community. YF has impacted more than 2 million youth, educators, and community members and has received national acclaim because of its powerful programs. Joe also leads YF’s newest division, Leadership Frontiers, which focuses on inspiring character-driven leaders in all sectors.

Joe has been featured on local, regional and national media programs including a 90-minute PBS television special titled, “Respectfully, Joe Cavanaugh.” Additionally, he has been recognized by the late General Colin Powell of America’s Promise as being “a leader in our nation’s effort to rescue America’s young people.”

Joe received his B.A. degree in Humanities from Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, where he also was given an Honorary Doctorate in 2016. He was also named Social Entrepreneur of the Year by Saint John’s in 2012.

Joe and his wife, Jane, live in Edina, Minnesota. Their daughter, Tess, is attending the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota.

Nicole Sullivan

President

Nicole is President of Youth Frontiers, overseeing the day-to-day execution of organizational goals and building the foundation to launch YF’s newer programming, including retreats for adults and Gen Z. Nicole brings over 15 years of executive coaching, organizational effectiveness, and operational management experience to the position.

Most recently, Nicole served as Chief of Staff at NorthRock Partners, where she was a strategic advisor and counselor to the CEO and President while managing the executive office’s agenda.
Previously, Nicole spent over five years in the organizational effectiveness practice at FCCS, overseeing the employee engagement survey practice and serving as a primary facilitator for leadership development programs and managerial consulting services.

A passionate advocate for change and community development, Nicole is active in her community, where she has served in numerous board leadership roles within the Center for Coaching in Organizations, Junior League, Mile High United Way Emerging Leaders Council, and Special Olympics Young Professionals Board. Nicole also coached women through Volunteers of America on executive presence, resume writing, best practices in job searching, and job interview preparation.

Nicole holds a business degree from DePaul University and a graduate certificate in executive coaching from St. Thomas University’s Opus College of Business. Nicole is a wife and mother to two darling daughters and lives in Minneapolis, MN.

Ann Miller

Strategic Excellence Manager, Liberty Diversified International

Joe Cavanaugh

Founder & CEO, Youth Frontiers, Inc.

Jon Reissner*

President, Activar

Karen Hohertz-Jacobs

Sr. Director, Omnichannel Operations and Services, Enterprise Project Management Office, Best Buy

*board chair

Tim McNeal

Partner, RSM US LLP

Alex Goodwin, Foundation Manager, Deluxe Corporation

Brett Frevert, Managing Director, CFO Systems, LLC

Brian Kelly, Founding Partner, Refine Wealth Strategies

Dwight Johnson, Retired Chrysler Corporation Executive

Eric Iverson, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Specialist, Mounds View Public Schools

Heather Teskey, VP Marketing, Andersen Corporation

Isadora Korak, Community Impact & Inclusion Senior Manager, Winnebago Industries

Jackie Herd-Barber, Community Volunteer

Jen Roe Darling, President & CEO, Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation

John Reeves, Principal, St. Michael-Albertville High School

Kevin Rotman, Audit Senior Manager, Deloitte & Touche

Mark McIlmoyle, Education Leader

Mark Newsome, Chief Financial Officer, VitaTek

Dr. Michael Lovett, Adjunct Faculty, University of Minnesota & University of St. Thomas

Michelle McKenna, Counselor, Brookfield East High School

Mitch Dorr, Director of Activities, ROCORI School District

Paige Roberts, Principal, Reeder Elementary School

Paul Omodt, Owner and Principal, Omodt & Associates Critical Communications

Renato Westby, Director of New Program Development, Common Hope

Ryan Vandewiele, Chief Legal Officer, Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc.

Sherri Schendzielos, Assistant Principal, Blaine High School

Tal Ganani, Community Leader

Tiffany Ogle, TV Host, The Morning Blend

Tom Langseth, Vice President of Wealth Management, Blaze Credit Union

Will Berigan, Wealth Advisor and President, Shamrock Wealth Management