The Winona Community Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of two new members to their Board of Directors: Cecilia Manrique and Mark Peterson. They will join current board members: Dave Jensen, Sara Smith Brandon, Jackie Czaplewski, Ann Gibson, Jacob Woodworth, Maurella Cunningham, Annmarie DeMarais, Hayley Hornberg, Kevin O’Reilly, Bob Quinlan, Cindy Telstad, and Jolene Vaselaar.

Dr. Cecilia G. Manrique retired from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2019 after more than 30 years of service in the Department of Political Science/Public Administration where she was a tenured professor and former chair of the department. Manrique was a member of the American Political Science Association, Wisconsin Political Science Association, and also served for many years on the International Leadership Council of the Golden Key International Honour Society.

Mark Peterson was born and raised in Mankato, Minnesota. He served for 37 years as the Executive Director of the Winona County Historical Society, was an adjunct in the History Department at Winona State University for 19 years, and from 2013-2020 served as mayor of Winona. Peterson also has extensive experience serving on boards and committees in Winona.
As new board members are welcomed this year, the Foundation also says goodbye to seven-year member Kathleen Peterson, six-year member Aaron Young, and two-year member Rebecca Franzen. The Foundation expresses gratitude for their service to the Foundation and to the community as a whole.
The following members have been elected to serve as officers for 2025: Dave Jensen, Chair; Sara Smith-Brandon, Vice-Chair; Jackie Czaplewski, Treasurer; Ann Gibson, Secretary; and Jacob Woodworth, Past Chair.
The Winona Community Foundation is a catalyst for igniting generosity and building the vibrant and enduring place we call home.