Board of DirectorsBeechwood, Inc. was founded and incorporated in Minnesota in 1999. As a nonprofit organization, we are registered with the state and federal government and governed by an independent Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is committed to carrying forth the BeechWood mission of fostering the well-being of those we serve by collaborating in their pursuit of independence and interdependence, the development of new skills and relationships, and the building of community.
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Noah Gerding - Chair
Noah joined the BeechWood board in 2020 and currently chairs the organization's Advancement Committee. Noah's nonprofit career continues to be dedicated to elevating the assets and collective power of overlooked communities through stories. He has held a variety of advancement, development, philanthropy, and stakeholder engagement roles, currently working alongside seniors and their families as the Director of Development for Sholom Foundation. Noah's passions include children, youth, and families; disability advocacy; environmental stewardship; aging, senior, and multigenerational care, and animal welfare. Having served in a variety of fundraising and governance roles for nearly 20 years in the Twin Cities nonprofit sector, Noah is excited to help share the story of BeechWood through the lens of those being served.
Noah joined the BeechWood board in 2020 and currently chairs the organization's Advancement Committee. Noah's nonprofit career continues to be dedicated to elevating the assets and collective power of overlooked communities through stories. He has held a variety of advancement, development, philanthropy, and stakeholder engagement roles, currently working alongside seniors and their families as the Director of Development for Sholom Foundation. Noah's passions include children, youth, and families; disability advocacy; environmental stewardship; aging, senior, and multigenerational care, and animal welfare. Having served in a variety of fundraising and governance roles for nearly 20 years in the Twin Cities nonprofit sector, Noah is excited to help share the story of BeechWood through the lens of those being served.
Alex Sievers - Vice Chair/Treasurer
Alex Sievers joined the BeechWood board in 2021. He is originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa and is a graduate of Luther College where he majored in accounting. Alex is currently a Tax Director at Sawmill Trust Company, a family office that provides financial planning, investment management, and tax services to roughly 40 families. As an active CPA, Alex focuses on the tax planning and preparation for individuals, trusts, estates, and foundations. Alex and his wife, Renee, and two dogs, Walter and Millie, live in Minnetonka. Alex is passionate about BeechWood’s mission and is excited to be serving on BeechWood’s board.
Alex Sievers joined the BeechWood board in 2021. He is originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa and is a graduate of Luther College where he majored in accounting. Alex is currently a Tax Director at Sawmill Trust Company, a family office that provides financial planning, investment management, and tax services to roughly 40 families. As an active CPA, Alex focuses on the tax planning and preparation for individuals, trusts, estates, and foundations. Alex and his wife, Renee, and two dogs, Walter and Millie, live in Minnetonka. Alex is passionate about BeechWood’s mission and is excited to be serving on BeechWood’s board.
Nicole Lussier - Secretary
Nicole joined the BeechWood board in 2020. She comes to the board with years of fundraising, program and event management experience. Nicole is currently the Public Engagement Program Manager at the American Academy of Neurology, an organization that represents over 36,000 members and is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered care and enhancing member career satisfaction. Previously, Nicole has worked in fundraising, donor management, and event planning at Minnesota Independence College and Community and Auction Harmony. Originally from Los Angeles, Nicole is a graduate of Luther College in northeast Iowa and is grateful to serve on the BeechWood board.
Nicole joined the BeechWood board in 2020. She comes to the board with years of fundraising, program and event management experience. Nicole is currently the Public Engagement Program Manager at the American Academy of Neurology, an organization that represents over 36,000 members and is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered care and enhancing member career satisfaction. Previously, Nicole has worked in fundraising, donor management, and event planning at Minnesota Independence College and Community and Auction Harmony. Originally from Los Angeles, Nicole is a graduate of Luther College in northeast Iowa and is grateful to serve on the BeechWood board.
Haruko Ruggiero - Director
With a master’s degree in Elementary Education and a strong background in individualized, client-centered support, Haruko brings a deep respect for the complexity of each person’s journey. From 2018 to 2023, Haruko worked in BeechWood’s Independent Living Specialist department, where she developed a reputation for building trust through calm, consistent support and precise, detail-oriented work. Haruko is currently the owner of Ruggiero Artisan Tile. She is glad to now contribute to BeechWood’s mission in a new capacity as a board member.
With a master’s degree in Elementary Education and a strong background in individualized, client-centered support, Haruko brings a deep respect for the complexity of each person’s journey. From 2018 to 2023, Haruko worked in BeechWood’s Independent Living Specialist department, where she developed a reputation for building trust through calm, consistent support and precise, detail-oriented work. Haruko is currently the owner of Ruggiero Artisan Tile. She is glad to now contribute to BeechWood’s mission in a new capacity as a board member.
Mae Kindler - Director
Mae Kindler joined the BeechWood board in 2021. She has worked within the realm of college access and success, supporting high school and college students as they pursue their postsecondary and career goals, as well as database management specifically within Salesforce. Mae most recently worked as a Senior Alumni & Technology Coordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities, a nonprofit focused on creating and supporting youth mentoring relationships. In March 2022, she transitioned to a new role as a Salesforce Consultant with Redpath Consulting Group. Mae is excited to share the mission of BeechWood with those around her, and very appreciative of the opportunity to serve on the board.
Mae Kindler joined the BeechWood board in 2021. She has worked within the realm of college access and success, supporting high school and college students as they pursue their postsecondary and career goals, as well as database management specifically within Salesforce. Mae most recently worked as a Senior Alumni & Technology Coordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities, a nonprofit focused on creating and supporting youth mentoring relationships. In March 2022, she transitioned to a new role as a Salesforce Consultant with Redpath Consulting Group. Mae is excited to share the mission of BeechWood with those around her, and very appreciative of the opportunity to serve on the board.
Charlotte Tilman - She was born and raised in Minnesota, in the North Minneapolis Metro area specifically, and she is an alum of Boston University and the University of Minnesota. Charlotte spends a significant amount of time maneuvering around the variety of barriers presented by disabilities. As someone that lives with chronic health conditions, she has a unique perspective on the challenges of creating and maintaining a meaningful life while disabled. Even while managing her own disability, Charlotte is currently a caretaker for her mother. This role involves helping her connect with medical providers, accessing resources, and maintaining her independent living situation. Charlotte recognizes the importance of providing client perspective to the board. She is passionate about sharing her voice to shed light on the plight of others who struggle with navigating complex systems to maintain as much independence as possible. Charlotte is committed to her faith, and she spends much of her free time fellowshipping, engaging in church activities, and giving back to her community through volunteering.