Chair - Steve Johnson (he/him)
Steven B. Johnson is a local leader passionately engaged in the general community
with an extra sparkly zest for our Pride Community.
He is dedicated to creating a sustainable, inclusive collection of diverse viewpoints and ensuring equitable resources for all. What drives his daily journey? Working with individuals and groups that understand the bigger picture, knowing that a brighter future will lead us to an amazing future.
Outside of the Pride organization, Steve is a parent, helps with numerous non-profit organizations, and serves on the city council of Virginia, MN.
Steve's motto is: always remember, kindness matters!
Vice Chair - Lisa Gunderson (she/her)
Lisa Gunderson was born and raised on the Iron Range and graduated as an original Golden Bear from Eveleth Senior High. She moved to the twin cities to attend college at the U of MN and has just recently moved back home.
Professionally, Lisa has worked in health care, in particular laboratory medicine, education, quality and research for the majority of her career and currently works for Essentia at the Virginia Hospital Laboratory. She has many volunteer hours to her credit, including work with the MN Red Ribbon Ride, which is a multi-day bike trek that raises money for agencies that work with people living with AIDS/HIV, and the Special Olympics of MN where she has been a coach, volunteer and proud parent and friend of some amazing athletes.
“I grew up during a time when gays were so closeted we didn’t even tell ourselves we were gay. As acceptance for the gay community began to grow, one-by-one my friends and I came out to each other and discovered that the majority of us in my core group of high school friends are gay – that was a huge bond that drew us together. I have seen a lot of positive changes in attitudes toward the LGBTQIA community but still recognize there is much work to do in order to reach full acceptance and I plan to be part of the change.”
Secretary - Mandy Schwemmer (she/her)
Bio is coming soon.
Treasurer- Beth Christensen (she/her)
Beth has lived on the Iron Range since 1994. As a community banker, she has assisted diverse people achieve their life goals, from saving for the future to buying their new home.
Beth is an Adult Fan of Lego, an avid Dungeons and Dragons player, a crafter and sewist, and a nerd of many stripes.
As a board member of Range Iron Pride and proud member of our community, Beth hopes to foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere at all our events.
Director - Wendy Dickhausen
Bio is coming soon.
Director - Vanessa La Mar
Bio is coming soon.
Director - Steph Phelps
Bio is coming soon.
Director - Isa Mattila
Bio is coming soon.