2026-2027 Board of Directors
Officers
Cheryl Bailey, Co-President
Why the League?
I became a St. Paul League Board member after a long-term member urged me to participate. She counseled me, correctly, that I’d feel more a part of things and learn the ins and outs of the organization more quickly if I served on the Board.
Why Saint Paul?
I grew up in Falcon Heights and, after traveling throughout the country, circled back to my old haunts. I lived in the Como neighborhood for almost twenty years, and now Union Park, and I’ve loved watching my two sons get a first-rate education in the St. Paul Public Schools in French Immersion. I can live anywhere, but I choose St. Paul for its character, and its League, of course!
Nichole Fairbanks, Treasurer
Why the League?
I joined the League because I believe voting gives people a voice to choose the elected officials who make the decisions that shape their communities. The League’s educational and voter registration programs directly support this belief.
Donna Petersen, Secretary
Why the League?
The League has been promoting and securing the right to vote for all people for over a century. This legacy gives us great strength as we observe these rights being tested. There is nothing more fundamental to a democracy than for each citizen to have a vote and a voice.
Why Saint Paul?
This city is at once the seat of power in the state and a collection of incredible neighborhoods filled with good people who care about their community. It is a magical place!
Directors
Melissa Finnegan, Co-President
Why the League?
I've lived and worked in the political arena for my entire professional career and I believe that the system works best when we all participate. I believe deeply in the League's mission to encourage voting across all groups, and to educate voters on issues that matter to them, in a nonpartisan way. Democracy matters and the more people we have engaging in the process, the more reflective our system will be of what the people really need and want. Plus, everyone involved in the League is amazing and fun to work with!
Why Saint Paul?
I came to St. Paul in the fall of 2000 to attend the University of St. Thomas and never really left! I love the almost small-town vibe that I get here and how so many neighborhoods are steeped in history. I love the diversity of businesses and people on the East Side, where I live, as well as our top-notch park system! I like having all the opportunities offered by a "big city" while feeling connected to my community.
Nona Beining, Advocacy Committee Co-Chair
Why the League?
I joined LWV to meet people and make a difference in the local community.
Why Saint Paul?
I moved to Saint Paul in 2020 for a job at Securian Financial. I knew that if I wanted to make friends here, the League would be a great place to start. I didn't really need to look much further. It's sometimes hard to find the time to fit LWV activities in, but it's absolutely worth the effort!
Veronica Foltz-Richardson, Community Education Committee Co-Chair
Why the League?
I joined the League because I was feeling powerless within the grand political machine, and I know the League has a long legacy of fighting for voting rights and fair elections. I wanted to be part of that.
Why Saint Paul?
I've lived and worked in Saint Paul for 6 years now, and Minnesota my entire life. I love the community I've found here and want to strengthen it however I can.
Morgan Kaardahl, Membership Committee Chair
Why the League?
I joined the League to find a community of passionate people and become involved in issues that matter.
Why Saint Paul?
St. Paul is a wonderful and diverse community that, even while being a large city, has a wonderful sense of community and caring about our fellow citizens. I have left multiple times and always find myself coming back.
Margo Osadchuk, Community Education Committee Co-Chair
Why the League?
I was looking for an opportunity to get involved in preserving our democracy. I was attracted to the League due to its commitment to non-partisanship, engaging voters, and providing critical, meaningful, and constructive information to the community.
Why Saint Paul?
I have lived in St. Paul my entire adult life. I am proud of this community for the support it provides to its diverse population and to people in need.
Christina “Tina” Sarkes, Advocacy Committee Co-Chair
Why the League?
My Aunt Roselen was a member in Illinois, and I grew up hearing wonderful things about the organization. Once I became an empty nester, I joined to support voter registration drives.
Why Saint Paul?
I’ve always loved its old-world feel and the diversity of its people, culture, and nature.
Chris Schnieders, Voter Service Committee Co-Chair
Why the League?
The League is a great opportunity to interact with the community on many levels and expand my awareness and appreciation of others' perspectives.
Why Saint Paul?
This historical, geographic, and cultural jewel is a privilege to explore on so many levels.
Mary Voight, Voter Service Committee Co-Chair
Why the League?
I returned to working with LWVSP to be with old friends, as well as to be part of the recent, exciting, and rapid growth in civic engagement in the Twin Cities. I want to work actively to preserve and protect our democracy.
Why Saint Paul?
I grew up on the East Side of St. Paul and I raised my three children here, so I am deeply invested in this city. I taught in the public and charter schools, and I have visited all the branch libraries.
Patty Yunk, Board Member at Large
Why the League?
We live in a democracy that can only exist if citizens participate. For that to happen, we need to ensure all citizens eligible to vote are not impeded in exercising that right. It’s not a Democratic or Republican issue. It is the country’s obligation. The LWV provides the platform to help make sure the right to vote is upheld.
Why Saint Paul?
I recently moved to St. Paul to be near my daughter and her family.
Beatrice Owen, Immediate Past President
Why the League?
The LWV's mission to protect and expand voting rights is the key to my involvement in the League. Our democracy thrives when its citizens participate.
Why Saint Paul?
The city is vibrant and has much to offer its residents.
Off Board Members
Amy Perna, Advisor
Amy is a former President of LWVSP and has served in various capacities since 2016. She currently advises on communications and St. Paul candidate forums, as well as helps with technical and roster support. Amy is the Executive Director of the League of Women of Voters Minnesota.
Amy Mino, Communications & Development
Amy is a former President of LWVSP and has served the organization in various capacities over the last 16 years. She now assists the Program Committee with communications and coordinates the annual fundraising drive, as well as advises the board as needed. Amy works as the Executive Director of the Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul.
Hayden Kilkenny, Development
Hayden manages the annual fund drive. She is also an active member of the St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Admin & Communications
Patrick Finnegan, Admin & Communications Coordinator
Patrick is the founder of FinneComm, a consulting practice serving mainly academic institutions and nonprofits. He is a writer, editor, and administrator with over two decades of experience in Minnesota’s human rights community. Patrick’s late grandmother, Norma Finnegan (1926 - 2022), was a dedicated member of LWVSP for decades.
Bylaws & Education Fund
The League of Women Voters of St. Paul operates with a clear mission: to encourage the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influence public policy through education and advocacy. Our nonprofit structure (the League of Women Voters of St. Paul Education Fund is a 501(c)(3) entity) ensures that our educational programs are fully supported, and that donations to support these programs are tax-deductible.
Our bylaws serve as the foundation of how we govern ourselves as a member-led, nonpartisan organization. They outline how decisions are made, how leadership is elected, and how we ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in all our work.
These guiding principles keep the League strong and effective, enabling us to carry forward more than a century of civic engagement in St. Paul.