State Leadership Team

As a member of the State Leadership Team, I have the privilege of serving in the role of state director of the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  Program. My work includes strategic planning to help our program stay relevant in changing times, ensuring financial sustainability, and sharing all the impressive and impactful work volunteers do with all of our stakeholders.  It is very important to me that we continue to make sure that all are welcome to our program, everyone. Another part of my job at the U of M is as director of education at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. My hobbies include gardening, cooking (and eating!), and photography. 

Contact: email kenny003@umn.edu 

As a member of the State Leadership Team, I prepare and share materials with stakeholders that demonstrate the public value of our program, like the annual state reports. I also serve as the Coordinator At-Large for program members that are not affiliated with a specific county program. I live in Brainerd, where I like to grow perennials, especially hostas – large and small. I enjoy baking (I have a collection of Bundt pans!) and cross-stitching. 

Contact: email froem022@umn.edu or call 218-828-2323

As a member of the State Leadership Team, I work to provide program coordinators and volunteer leaders the tools they need to engage with volunteers. I also serve as the Program Leader for Extension educators and program coordinators in Anoka, Carver-Scott, Chisago, Crow Wing, Hennepin, Otter Tail, Ramsey, Rice, Steele and Washington counties. I live in Minneapolis and love hiking, kayaking, camping, and bluegrass music. 

Contact: email dhgreiwe@umn.edu or call 612-625-9864

As a member of the State Leadership Team, I create and manage educational materials for the Master Gardener Volunteer Program, including the Core Course, Community Engagement Toolkits, and Hot Topics. In my free time, I tend to my horde of houseplants, work on landscaping in my new yard, and spend time outside with my husband and very energetic Australian Shepherd, Leonard.

Contact: email wagn1400@umn.edu

My role on the State Leadership Team has changed and continues to grow. For several years, I haveI worked “behind the scenes” editing materials for the Core Course and serving as an interim for positions in transition. Beginning this year, I have been coordinating the Strategic Planning Process for 2022-2027. It is very exciting to be able to work with such an excited and dedicated group of volunteers and staff as we chart the course for the future. Strategic Planning is one of my favorite things to be involved with; we have the opportunity to listen to each other and “dream big” and then the joyful puzzle of figuring out a path to get there! My hobbies include ensuring my children, ages 9 and 12, get muddy and sticky frequently, agate hunting, reading and travel.

Contact: email span0003@umn.edu 

My role with Extension started in 2004 as Executive Office & Administrative Specialist in the Mankato Regional Office. In 2021 my role changed to also support the Master Gardener Volunteer Program. I feel fortunate to support this great and prosperous program!  Growing up on a farm, we always had a big garden. I inherited a love for gardening  and carry on the tradition of canning many jams, jellies, vegetables, and pickles. I love spending time with family and friends. My hobbies include flower and vegetable gardening, biking on the state trails, reading, sewing, fishing and travel.