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About Us

Board and Staff

Our Board of Directors

We believe those living in poverty intimately understand the steps necessary to overcome it, and this is reflected in our tri-representational board. One-third is represented by the community sector, one-third by the private sector, and one-third by the public sector:

  • George Stone-CHAIR

    Washington County, Economic Support Division Manager, Community Services Department

  • Kasey Wiedrich-VICE CHAIR

    City of St. Paul, Office of Financial Empowerment

  • Thomas Och- TREASURER

    Finance Lead Analyst for Ramsey County

  • Mai Chong Xiong-SECRETARY

    Ramsey County Commissioner, District 6

  • LaToya Whitfield-MEMBER-AT-LARGE

    Community Member, Shoreview

  • Luvidia Williams

    Community Volunteer

  • Nicole Frethem

    Ramsey County Commissioner, District 1

  • Jessika Thomas-Powell

    Community Member, St. Paul

  • Emma Corrie

    President, Twin Cities R!se

  • Curtis Johnson

    Roseville Area School Board

  • Kiara White

    Head Start Policy Council Liaison

  • Temmy Olasimbo

    Washington County Community Development Association Representative

  • Rachel Smith

    Family Coach at Montessori American Indian Childcare Center

Our Staff Leadership

  • Sonia E. Gass

    Executive Director

  • Ruben Vazquez Ruiz

    Senior Director, Operations and Administration

  • Nicolee Mensing

    Senior Director, Head Start & Early Head Start

  • Brian Fisher

    Director, Energy Conservation

  • Julie Hickok

    Director, Human Resources

  • Tom Moberg

    Director, Information Technology

  • Sandra Pyles

    Director, Energy Assistance

  • Fidelity Goodlaxson

    Interim Director, Financial Opportunity Programs

  • Caitlin Duncan

    Senior Manager, Planning and Administration

Board Minutes


In accordance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), and other relevant statutory requirements, Community Action will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs, or activities. Community Action is both an Equal Opportunity and an Affirmative Action Employer.
We believe it is vital to the Agency and to basic human dignity and welfare to promote economic, social, and educational opportunities for all. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations and/or modifications to qualified individuals with disabilities to allow them to participate fully in employment and/or access our programs and services.

Our Impact in 2023

  • Households Received Energy Assistance

    27,000

  • Children Enrolled in Head Start & Early Head Start

    1,391

  • Households Prevented from Losing their Homes

    332

  • Active Volunteers

    394

© 2024 Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington Counties

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