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:
Dean Anderson, Chair of MREF Board
Partner, Anderson & Burgett, Willmar
Galen Kabe, Vice Chair of MREF Board
Retired CFO, Miller Companies, St. Joseph
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, Chestnut & Cambronne, Minneapolis
Steven Laraway, Owner, Laraway Financial Planners, St. Cloud
Troy Molitor, Investment Representative, Edward Jones, Sartell
Dr. Steven Mooney, Minnesota Chair in Real Estate, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud
Sondra Reis, Associate Director, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, St. Paul
Laurie Rivard, Principal, Lowry Hill, Minneapolis
Brian Schoenborn, MREF Board
Partner, Leonard, Street and Deinard, St. Cloud
John P. Sullivan, Secretary of MREF Board
Owner, Navillus Land Co., Baxter
Lee Torborg, Retired Owner, Torborg Builders & Apartments, St. Cloud
Don Watkins, Retired CEO, Tanner Systems, St. Joseph
Dave Werschay, CEO, Werschay Homes, St. Cloud

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
Shelly Bauerly Kopel, Ex-Officio of the Minnesota Real Estate Foundation
and Board Chair of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation