Board Members
Mary Planten-Krell
Board Chair
I was born and raised in Michigan where I attended the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health. I studied Health Education and Maternal and Child Health. I've held several leadership positions in reproductive health in Michigan, New York and here in Minnesota, where I’ve lived ever since. I’m married and have 2 step-daughters and 6 grandchildren who lived in the Netherlands. After retiring about 10 years ago, my husband and I relocated to Silver Bay where we built a small house overlooking the shore. I love nonprofit organizations and have been on NSAP’s Board for about 6 years. I’m an avid flute player and play with groups in Duluth.
Peg Robertsen
Vice Chair
I moved to Silver Bay in 2001 from Southeast Alaska so that my husband Steve and I could continue our natural history careers with the Superior National Forest. We raised one son, Al Robertsen, who graduated from William Kelley HS and is now an environmental engineer in the Twin Cities. I began volunteering for NSAP in 2005 with home visits and I credit the organization for introducing me to one of my dearest friends – a gentleman in his nineties (now passed) who spent his youth planting trees and fighting fires on the North Shore as a Civilian Conservation Corps enrollee. I see NSAP providing critical support to older adults and love that it creates intergenerational opportunities and community connections. It has been a privilege to serve as a board member since 2024.
Randall Walz
Treasurer
I have lived in the area with my wife since 2013, and we have two wonderful children with whom we love sharing our passion for the outdoors. I have a long history of working with and for nonprofit organizations. Through that work, I have come to deeply appreciate the value and importance of community involvement. In my role with North Shore Area Partners, I am committed to strengthening connections that support our community.
Erin Thompson
Secretary
I have lived in the Silver Bay area since 1995. My husband, Paul, and I have 3 beautiful daughters named Ava, Bella, and Josie. I am a Licensed Practical Nurse, and a Life Enrichment Director with a special focus on Alzheimer's and similar dementias. I am also a certified Virtual Dementia Tour Advanced Trainer. I love to spend time with family and friends, crafting, playing games and spending time at the cabin, fishing, kayaking, and being outdoors. I have been a board member since 2024.
Bev Yoki
I grew up in Upper Michigan. Upon graduating from Ishpeming’s Baccalaureate High School, I moved to Minneapolis. There I worked at Investor’s Diversified and Augsburg Publishing Company. The following year I married my husband and moved to Clearbrook, where he taught high school. I worked at Alcoa Aluminum, a dream job.
My husband and I moved to Silver Bay 59 years ago and made it our home. We both taught at William Kelley High School. I served on the National Ski Patrol as a volunteer patroller and first aid instructor for 38 years. Now we volunteer at NSAP. I love camping, swimming, hiking and skiing.
Tom S.
My wife and I, like so many others, have enjoyed the North Shore for many, many years. We were delighted to move back to the area with our family five years ago. I am a pastor serving one of the local congregations here in Silver Bay. I enjoy doing things with our family and friends - hiking, biking, kayaking, boating, fishing, camping and keep busy running grandchildren to all their events and activities. In addition, we are beginning a huge home renovation project. I do find time to serve on the NSAP board and I’m glad I was invited to do so. The NSAP board and staff are terrific and NSAP does a great job serving older adults in our area.
Dan Johnson
My life started in Adrian Minnesota as I was born into a large family (I was 8 of 9 children). I graduated from South Central High School (Kiester MN) and then attended the University of Minnesota Duluth where I received my degree in teaching mathematics. I taught math for 13 years, which included 11 years at William Kelley, and then went on to get my Master's in Education along with my Administration License. I am currently the Principal of William Kelley Schools and am honored to be on the Board of Directors for NSAP.
Jim Fitzgerald
I have been a resident of Silver Bay for 25 years. I volunteer at North Shore Area Partners, along with my pet volunteer dog, Chance. I am also a member of the Silver Bay City Council.
Gina Thompson
I grew up on the Iron Range and have lived in the Silver Bay area for the past 30 years. My work experience includes human resources, payroll, scheduling and safety, as well as being a Certified Nursing Assistant for 30 years. I enjoy many hobbies, including woodworking, sewing and just about all types of crafting.