New changes to the Northspan board and executive committee will shape our work continuing into 2023 and beyond. Following an open application process that attracted many qualified applicants, we welcomed three new board members earlier this year:
Beth Shermoen
Beth Shermoen is director of coordinated early intervention supports and equity at the Northland Learning Center in Virginia, Minnesota. She is the owner of JJEM Education & Consulting, LLC, which provides educators, staff, and school programming with vital techniques geared towards understanding student learning habits, barriers, and individual needs to thrive in school. Through coaching, training, and professional development opportunities, Beth and her team aim to transform and contribute to the way we assess, serve, educate, and support today’s youth. Beth is a collaborative leader who advocates for equity through inclusive practices, access, and opportunity, removal of barriers, and creating safe and welcoming spaces for educational communities and organizations.
Brian Bosley
Brian is a lifelong resident of the Twin Ports and a commercial loan officer at National Bank of Commerce, where he works closely with community organizations and individuals to help them achieve their business and financial goals. Prior to joining NBC, he was an account manager at United Healthcare before transitioning to commercial banking in 2008. He received his bachelor’s degree in organizational management from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2006. He’s active with the Boys & Girls Club of the Northland and Duluth Superior Transportation Association. In his spare time, Brian enjoys golfing and exploring the great outdoors with his family. He grew up in Hermantown.
Claire Peterlin 
Claire is strategic partnerships and ecosystem development manager with The PLUM Catalyst. Her professional experience includes engineering roles in power generation, paper manufacturing, and mining. She spent five years designing workforce programming for several independent school districts and the Northeastern Higher Education District of northern Minnesota. Additionally, Claire worked in utility economic and regional development with Minnesota Power and also served as adjunct faculty in engineering design for Minnesota State University Mankato. In her roles, she has focused on leading collaboration and facilitating learning, reflection, and adaptation based on data and context. She is a graduate of University of Minnesota Duluth and is currently completing her MBA at The College of St. Scholastica.
Executive Committee Updates
Several changes have also taken place within the Northspan executive committee:
- Chair: Kiera Wilson, Park State Bank
- Vice Chair: Jamie Adams, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
- Secretary: Mark Jeffers, Aitkin County
- Treasurer: Meg Thoreson, Solon Springs Mercantile
- Past Chair: Janelle Greschner, Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation
The executive committee leads the board, which is responsible for overseeing and guiding Northspan operations. You can learn more about how the board works together with the executive committee and other Northspan committees here: Northspan Board