SAVE’s Board of Directors

Phil Kluesner

As one who lost two siblings to suicide I wish to continue to support SAVE’s critical mission.

Dr. Lesli Preuss

Suicide impacts the work that I do on a regular basis and has also impacted my family directly, so I feel fortunate to be able to serve on the Board.

Joi Thomas

SAVE’s mission resonates with me personally and professionally. My work with college student-athletes is centered around physical and mental health.

Jason Haus

I believe that SAVE’s work will drive social change through education and advocacy. I am excited to be a part of an organization that has a direct impact on people’s lives through aiding those struggling with mental health issues.

John Apitz

I hope to offer my skills to strengthen the outreach of this incredibly important organization to save and improve lives.

Kristen Augé

Serving as a SAVE board member provides an opportunity to build broader community safety nets through education for people struggling with resiliency.

MJ (Weiss) Blair

I am passionate about using my voice and my daughter Kayla’s story to advocate for suicide prevention barriers on tall public structures. I am excited to be part of the national barrier coalition as we expand Kayla’s HOPE and incorporate broader goals, like the passing of the Barriers to Suicide Act. Our accomplishments so far are actively saving lives.

Brent Boydston

Market and financial challenges that our rural communities are facing today and a lack of access to mental health resources is something I care deeply about. Growing up in a rural community, I have seen how it can be touched when someone takes their own life. I want to do everything I can to prevent this from happening.

Mark Burnstein

I feel the pain of the loss, and survival is painful, too. Maybe I can help with others relating to this terrible event.

Shannon Carbone

I lost my father by suicide in 2006. Reducing the stigma around mental health awareness is very important to me and being involved in this space.

Leah Erickson

SAVE has been an integral part of my family’s life since my brother died by suicide in 2007. SAVE helped us through the initial shock and has continued to support us through the ever-present grief. I serve to provide the same comfort for other suicide survivors, or better yet, to completely prevent suicide. It is ok to not be ok, but remember, you are loved.

Camille Haley

Mental health and suicide have significantly impacted my family and loved ones, and the construction industry has a suicide rate 2.4 times higher than other industries. Hill & Wilkinson realizes the necessity of robust benefit offerings and support systems to increase awareness and eliminate barriers to accessing critical mental health care.

Brian Hubbard

Having seen first hand too often the devastating impact suicide has in the communities I’ve served in, I’m committed to being part of the solution.

Bill Huepenbecker

I hope to use my government relations and public affairs experience to support SAVE’s mission, and help the organization advocate for suicide prevention and raise suicide awareness. Also, to help move forward the identified initiatives that are needed to advance this important work.

Cindy Koebele

A few months after the tragic loss of a dear friend, SAVE’s Executive Director, Erich, approached me about joining the board. I knew it was a perfect fit for me.

Brooke R. Lee

I am always seeking avenues to better serve the communities that I live and work in. While I am not a suicide loss survivor directly, I have supported several friends, colleagues and community members to this end. I believe that knowledge and education are force-multipliers, and I am eager to help SAVE achieve and build on its mission.

Catherine “Cat” McKenzie

In my industry we do story after story about how depression and suicide are becoming more and more common, especially among young people and people of color. If I can help get those numbers down, I’m IN!

Rich Narendran

SAVE’s mission is near to my heart and those whose lives have been impacted by suicide. I am hopeful our service can save the lives of others.

Jonathan Oppenheim

The construction industry is in crisis regarding mental health and suicide. I feel an obligation to drive awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness as well place suicide prevention on the forefront of industry safety and loss prevention.

Maria Reeve

Maria built her career as a news leader at the Houston Chronicle, Star Tribune and St. Paul Pioneer Press. She returned to the Star Tribune in late 2023 with a deep affection for the Twin Cities community and her newsroom.

Derek Sharrer

What struck me was the organization’s thoughtful, caring and pragmatic approach to saving lives through education and prevention, as well as improving lives by caring for those who’ve lost loved ones.

Dione Spiteri

I have lost friends who could have been saved through education and awareness. I am committed to any efforts that help people in vulnerable places get to a place where they love the life they are living and have resources and support. I believe most suicides are preventable and will dedicate all my time and energy to help.

Tricia Taylor

Having experienced loss due to suicide a few times in my life and actually just recently, I want to be a part of a group that can help others learn how to recognize and recover through education.

Edwin Torres DeSantiago

I joined the SAVE board to address the severe mental health challenges in our Latino, immigrant, and undocumented communities, where cultural stigma often prevents seeking help. Breaking this stigma is vital for our collective well-being.