Open Board

I discovered my joy of running in 2003 when I ran my first 10K. I participated in several 5K and 10K’s recreationally over the next few years. In 2017 I ran my first marathon, Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth. I also ran the Twin Cities Marathon that October but then suffered some knee injuries and had to scale back. I completed a few 5K and 10K’s, Grandma’s Marathon and the TC10 mile in 2018 and the Rock and Roll half marathon in DC in 2019 but recurring knee issues have sidelined me for a while. I’m also doing the virtual TC 10K this fall, although it will be more fast walking than running. I’m slowly getting healthy again and my goal is to build up to running 5Ks and 10Ks this year.

I bring a multitude of experiences serving on several boards, primarily with nonprofits at both the local and national level. This includes ‘working’ as well as ‘strategic’ boards, focusing on governance, policy and monitoring. I have had the privilege of serving in multiple leadership positions during my career, including president, vice-president, chair, vice-chair and treasurer. Currently I serve on the board of Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union and the Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship Program board.

My special talents are strategic planning, organizational development, training and development and work in the field of volunteerism, community involvement, equity and inclusion and racial justice.

Initially I would like to focus on advocacy and how creating a more diverse and inclusive membership could strengthen the organization. Unfortunately running is perceived by many I know as an elitist activity and cliquish. My interest is in creating a space for running to be embraced by more of our disenfranchised communities.

Open Board

I am a fitness/runner wanna be! I believe in providing healthy fun activities for communities. I have raised 3 boys all of which are farm boys that were heavily involved in sports and continue to be active. I believe in organizations working together as a whole to provide guidance in providing activities such as the various running events that are listed with Run Minnesota.

I currently work for the YMCA of Worthington as the Administrative Services Director. In that position I am responsible for special events which include the annual 10K/5K Run & 5K Walk held every September.

I have been the Tournament Director & Treasurer for The District 4 Hockey for 9 years where I have brought us out of running in the red to being able to financially support the local associations with special training and clinics as well as oversee all of the District tournaments for 9 different associations. I was asked to take on this position after the District Director saw what I was able to accomplish within the local association that I had been involved with for over 15 years.

I have been heavily involved in a number of other non-profit organizations in the area and believe in the work that most of them serve.

I have a degree in non-profit leadership and see the value in this type of work and understand the business end of these types of organizations.

I do not have a specific interest in any one area of focus. I have experience in several of the areas; currently involved in Governance in other organizations as well as professionally. Foundation – I am a grant writer and work on the other end of regularly.

Race – I am a coordinator for my local race.

Promotions/Publications/Programs – have worked on these both as a volunteer and professionally. 

I am open to serving in any way that my skills would be most helpful.

Treasurer 

Diana Jacks is a Tax Manager at Boulay, PLLP with a partnership tax focus where she provides tax compliance and consulting services for real estate, manufacturing and construction, and private equity clients.

Diana joined Run Minnesota to give back to the running community in hopes that others will too discover their passion for the sport.  Diana enjoys time spent on the trails whether its running, hiking, or backpacking and aspires to one day be an Abbott Six Star Finisher.

Vice President

I started running in 2011 to capitalize on the sense of camaraderie witnessed at various events. I gave triathlon a try in 2014 and enjoy participating in both types of events including Run Minnesota sponsored races. Running brings together all types of individuals and I appreciate the role that Run Minnesota plays in supporting the community.

I currently work as the Chief Operating Officer at BRIGHT Research Partners, a medical device focused clinical research organization. I am responsible for all aspects of the business to include strategy, marketing, finance, human resources, and business development. I have 30+ years of business experience and most of the skills I’ve learned are relevant to the Run Minnesota.

I currently serve on the promotions committee as well as the newly formed diversity, equity, and inclusion committee. I have a strong interest in broadening the reach of Run Minnesota and increasing its membership.