About Us

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The Minnesota Real Estate Foundation (MREF), which was formed in 2003, is centrally located in St. Cloud, Minnesota. We work with organizations and individuals throughout Minnesota and beyond.

We are governed by a board of directors from around the state who have extensive knowledge and skills in the areas of banking, real estate development, law, financial planning, accounting, fundraising and nonprofit management. The MREF is a supporting organization of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation.

Our current board members are:

Dr. Stephen Mooney, Ph.D., Chair of MReF Board, Minnesota Chair in Real Estate, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud

Galen Kabe, Treasurer of MReF Board, Retired CFO, Miller Companies, St. Joseph

David Werschay, Secretary of MReF Board, CEO, Werschay Homes, St. Cloud

Dean Anderson, Partner, Anderson & Burgett, Willmar

Kevin Close, President, Close Converse Commercial Properties, Brainerd

Lee Hanson, Attorney, Gray Plant Mooty, St. Cloud

Jack Happe, Real Estate Broker/Investor, Sartell

Jim Janochoski, National Sales Manager, Cold Spring Granite, Cold Spring

Jennifer Lammers, Attorney, Briggs and Morgan, Minneapolis

Troy Molitor, Investment Representative, Edward Jones, Sartell

Sondra Reis, Associate Director, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, St. Paul

Laurie Rivard, Principal, Lowry Hill, Minneapolis

Brian Schoenborn, Partner, Leonard, Street and Deinard, St. Cloud

John P. Sullivan, Owner, Navillus Land Co., Baxter

Lee Torborg, Retired Owner, Torborg Builders & Apartments, St. Cloud

Jean Vukas Roberts, Vice President, Development, Minnesota Community Foundation, St. Paul

Don Watkins, Retired CEO, Tanner Systems, St. Joseph

Mark Wilson, of Counsel, Henson & Efron, P.A., Minneapolis


In addition we have an outstanding staff:

Steve Joul, President of the Minnesota Real Estate Foundation and the Central Minnesota Community Foundation (Ex Officio member of the Board)

Mike Burton, Real Estate Officer

Jerry McCarter, Professional Advisor Relations Officer

Connie Viere, CPA, Finance Officer for Central Minnesota Community Foundation

Melissa Walrath, Administrative Assistant

Brian Myres, Ex-Officio of the Minnesota Real Estate Foundation and Board Chair of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation