No data found, please check the expiration date.

Megan Dillinger

Grants & Communications Writer

Since her time at Xavier University, Megan has enjoyed working for mission-driven organizations across various industries, including: children’s health and therapy services; healthy, sustainable and low-income housing; and animal rescue. She has worn many hats throughout her time working at non-profits and is excited to be back in a communications role. When not in the office, you can find her and her dog somewhere outdoors, no matter the season!

What are you looking forward to this summer?

Eating fresh fruit and vegetables from my garden. 

Chloe Everson

Development Coordinator

Chloe is a recent graduate from Northern Michigan University, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, hiking, watching the 49ers, and spending time with her friends.

What are you looking forward to this summer?

Spending time on the lake. 

Heather Hammond

Manager of Individual Giving, Events, & Community Engagement.

Heather Hammond is originally from the Pacific Northwest but has called Minnesota home for the last 15 years. A graduate of Hamline University in business management and nonprofit management, Heather has spent over 13 years in nonprofit fundraising with organizations focused on human services, healthcare, and social services. Heather is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and has substantial experience in all sizes of fundraising events, corporate engagement, individual giving including pipeline development, comprehensive strategic fundraising and nonprofit marketing. In her free time, Heather enjoys spending time with her partner and their two sons, camping in her a-frame, and attending local events. 

What are you looking forward to this summer?

Camping in the UP of Michigan in my a-frame camper with the family

What are you looking forward to this summer?

Camping in the UP of Michigan in my a-frame camper with the family. 

Megan Hautman

Project Manager: Events, Communications, & Individual Giving

 

 

What are you looking forward to this summer?

Spending time at the cabin with my dogs and family, patios with friends, and sitting on the deck soaking up the sunshine and fresh air. 

Kelley Kozulla

Operations & Office Manager

Kelley started at JMA as a part-time Development Coordinator while attending the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Since then, she has worked her way into Operations, Human Resources, and Office Management roles. She graduated from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities with a degree in Economics and minor in Business Management, and one day would like to receive her MBA. On her days off from JMA, she enjoys travelling, going to new restaurants, playing with her dogs Charlie & Winston, and spending time with family and friends.

What are you looking forward to this summer?

Cabin trips and outdoor concerts.

Emma Lee

Project Manager: Grants

Emma is a recent graduate from Bethel University with a degree in Journalism. She grew up in northern Minnesota, but college led her to the Twin Cities where she enjoys going swing dancing, eating Thai curry and going on late night Target runs with her friends.

What are you looking forward to this summer?

Going on walks along the river, fishing, and spending more time creating things – arts, crafts, food, etc.

Cassidy Mickelson

Development Manager, Grants - Institutional, Gov’t, and Small Family Foundations

Cassidy graduated from St. Norbert College with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and SUNY Oneonta with a Master’s Degree in Museum Studies. Before working at JMA, Cassidy worked in the non-profit, local government, and museum sectors doing a variety of mission-driven roles including fundraising, community outreach, and event planning.  Outside the office, she enjoys hiking, reading, and exploring new places with her partner and their dog, Benji. 

What are you looking forward to this summer?

Craig murphy

Chief Financial Officer

Craig Murphy, graduate of Mankato State University, with honors, is a skilled financial expert with over 30 years of experience working at RSM US LLC (formerly McGladery, LLC) where he became a Managing Partner of the Upper Midwest Financial Institutions practice, from which he retired in September of 2017. His specialties include Audit related issues, bookkeeping, general accounting matters and mergers and acquisitions advice. Craig assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer at JMA in 2006. Craig is best able to work with clients on their ongoing accounting questions and issues and related financial management needs. When not at work Craig enjoys his wife’s home cooked meals (Craig also enjoys cooking) and long walks with his wife and their three dogs Reagan, Stella and Millie, cheering on the Minnesota Vikings and traveling, including trips to Las Vegas and sunny beaches.Craig Murphy, graduate of Mankato State University, with honors, is a skilled financial expert with over 30 years of experience working at RSM US LLC (formerly McGladery, LLC) where he became a Managing Partner of the Upper Midwest Financial Institutions practice, from which he retired in September of 2017. His specialties include Audit related issues, bookkeeping, general accounting matters and mergers and acquisitions advice. Craig assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer at JMA in 2006. Craig is best able to work with clients on their ongoing accounting questions and issues and related financial management needs. When not at work Craig enjoys his wife’s home cooked meals (Craig also enjoys cooking) and long walks with his wife and their three dogs Reagan, Stella and Millie, cheering on the Minnesota Vikings and traveling, including trips to Las Vegas and sunny beaches.

What are you looking forward to this summer?

Julie Murphy

President

A graduate of the University of Minnesota, Julie has more than 20 years of experience functioning as an Advancement and Development Director for various agencies including Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency (MVNA), the Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA) and Tubman Family Alliance. These positions, along with her roles in the National Retiree Volunteer Council and Twin Cities Public Television, have helped Julie hone her expertise in strategic marketing and communications planning, event management and fundraising. Julie also has a strong background in Volunteer Leadership and Board Development, her professional achievements include launching the MVNA’s Flu Shot Program with the Health Fair 11 and UCARE to produce one of the nation’s most successful public flu shot campaigns to date, raising more than $500,000 annually from 2002-2005 for “An Evening Among Stars,” MEDA’s annual gala which became a “Business Journal Top 25,” and launching her own business, J. Murphy & Associates, in 2005. Julie also has over 20 years of experience with CRM and fundraising softwares and platforms including Raiser’s Edge, eTapestry, Goldmine, Little Green Light, Donor Advisors, Salesforce, Ewave and more. When she isn’t busy running JMA, Julie enjoys resting, throwing dinner parties, cooking, and being with her family. She also loves watching crocuses bloom in the spring, taking vacations to Florida or Belize, and cheering for the Vikings.

What are you looking forward to this summer?

Planting annuals and new perennials. 

Bailey Norcross

Project Manager: Graphic Design & Communications

As a graduate from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design, Bailey brings experience in customer service, graphic design, branding, and illustration. She develops creative and engaging digital and print designs for clients. These experiences contribute to her interest for designing a variety of work and supporting nonprofits. On her days off, Bailey enjoys walking her dog, exploring the Twin Cities, and attending sporting events. 

What are you looking forward to this summer?

Patio season and hikes with my dog. 

Valerie Nguyen

Grants & Communications writer

Valerie graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.S. in psychology and minors in creative writing and neuroscience. Before joining JMA, she worked in research labs studying neurofeedback in suicidal adolescents, and Alzheimer’s disease models. In her free time, Valerie likes to write poetry and walk around listening to music. Her creative works are published by various nonprofit organizations, and it inspired her to work with nonprofits to shine light on under-represented communities.

What are you looking forward to this summer?

 

Natalie Novacek

Project Manager: Events, Communications, & Individual Giving

Natalie Novacek has spent 20 years perfecting the art of crafting unforgettable events and experiences. With a passion for connecting people and creating moments that resonate, she’s mastered everything from event planning and guest engagement to community partnerships and creative collaborations. Whether it’s a fundraiser or an immersive artistic experience, Natalie thrives on making every event feel personal, engaging, and seamless.
 
Natalie believes love is love, no human is illegal, Black lives matter, abortion is healthcare, and science is real. She acknowledges that she lives, works, and creates on stolen Dakota and Ojibwa land in Minneapolis, MN.

What are you looking forward to this summer?

Leaving the house without a jacket. 

Jennifer - employee spotlight

Jennifer Oie

Senior Grant Writer

Jennifer graduated from Texas Lutheran University with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Studies and holds a master’s degree from American University in International Peace and Conflict Resolution. During her master’s program, she spent the summer interning for a nonprofit in South Africa that helped other organizations with grantmaking and grant application practices. Through this experience, Jennifer decided to work in the nonprofit field, where she has helped to start a small grant-making program at a nonprofit in St. Paul, written grants, led project evaluation and development teams, and worked as a nonprofit administrator. Outside of the office, Jennifer enjoys reading, quilting, running, and spending time with her husband and dog.

What are you looking forward to this summer?

Britta Swanson

Development Coordinator

As a recent graduate from UMD with a B.A. in Cultural Entrepreneurship and Environmental Sustainability & Geography, Britta has an enthusiasm to learn and grow here at JMA. She has a keen interest in community engagement and business development. When not at JMA, Britta can be found enjoying the outdoors by running and biking, or spending her time relaxing with a good book or playing the guitar.

What are you looking forward to this summer?

Mountain biking through Theo Wirth. 

Sara Sweeney

Grants & Communications Writer

Sara is a dynamic and dedicated professional with more than 8 years of experience in nonprofit work, writing, project coordination, and exceptional customer service. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Coe College and has actively sought professional and personal development opportunities both locally and internationally. Through these experiences, Sara has cultivated strong, impactful relationships with friends, stakeholders, and clients alike. Now, she’s home in Saint Paul, MN where outside of work she loves spending time with loved ones, dining at restaurants, and plain-old hangin’ out.

What are you looking forward to this summer?

Running along the Mississippi River, enjoying all of the local festivals (especially Ren fest!) with friends, dining on local patios in Saint Paul, and enjoying the Twin Cities vibrant arts scene. 

Axey Vang

Grant Administrator & Writer

Axey holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a master’s in business administration with a concentration in Project Management from Lawrence Technological University (LTU), where she excelled as a student-athlete on the women’s lacrosse team. Outside of work, she enjoys coaching lacrosse, cooking, baking, taking walks, and spending quality time with her loved ones.  

What are you looking forward to this summer?

Nice weather and being able to get outside more and explore nature.