Greater Stillwater Chamber Foundation Announces the Newest Class of Leadership in the Valley

Stillwater, MN – The Greater Stillwater Chamber Foundation (Chamber Foundation) is proud to announce the newest class of Leadership in the Valley (LITV), its signature community leadership program designed to inspire, educate, and connect emerging and established leaders across the St. Croix Valley region.

The 2025-2026 class represents a diverse group of professionals, community members, and business leaders committed to making a positive impact in the St. Croix Valley. Participants were selected through an application process and will embark on a nine-month journey of growth, collaboration, and service. The LITV program welcomes the cohort with a reception on September 10 and Kick Off Day on September 11 and continues with a monthly program day through May 2026, wrapping up with the Graduation Ceremony on May 14, 2026.

During the program, class members will:

• Explore key sectors of the Valley, including business, government, education, healthcare, and nonprofits.
• Engage in leadership development sessions led by local experts and thought leaders.
• Participate in team-based community projects that address real challenges facing the region.
• Build a strong network of peers and mentors dedicated to shaping the future of the St. Croix Valley.

“We are thrilled to welcome this dynamic group of leaders into the LITV program,” said Robin Anthony, President of the Greater Stillwater Chamber and its Foundation. “Leadership in the Valley equips participants not only with leadership skills, but also with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our community. We can’t wait to see the impact this class will make.”

The 2025-26 Leadership in the Valley class includes:

• Elizabeth Bechel, City of Stillwater
• Matt Born, Bridgewater Bank
• Kim  Borton, Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation
• Jenny Brelje, St. Paul Lutheran Church
• Kristine Carlston, Stillwater Area Schools
• Sam Clark, First State Bank and Trust
• Alison Egger, City of Oak Park Heights
• Michelle Goff, Washington County Sheriff's Office
• Josh Gow, Stillwater Police Department
• Angela Graham, Lakeview Health Foundation
• Cathleen Hess, Community Thread
• Julie Hultman, City of Oak Park Heights
• Karen Keenan, Valley Friendship Club
• Lezlie Kelzenberg, Diasorin Inc.
• Monika Kleinschmidt, Game World
• Scott Kragness, Metro East Commercial Real Estate
• Cody Kroening, Royal Credit Union
• Heidi Nelson, Heidi Anne Nelson LLC.
• Jacalyn Norbury, Stillwater Police Department
• Joe Raleigh, Lake Elmo Bank
• Jenna Schmid, City of Stillwater
• Mark Schwartz, Market & Johnson
• Matt Shelton, Johnson Boog, LLC.
• Jason Stopa, City of Lake Elmo
• Wendy  Tremblay, Wild Rivers Conservancy
• Lily Van Allen, Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce

Since its inception, Leadership in the Valley has graduated 132 leaders who continue to serve and strengthen the St. Croix Valley through professional excellence and civic engagement, as part of the LITV Alumni Alliance.

For more information about Leadership in the Valley, visit the Chamber’s website.

About the Greater Stillwater Chamber Foundation
The Greater Stillwater Chamber Foundation is dedicated to building a vibrant, thriving community by supporting leadership development, education, and community initiatives throughout the St. Croix Valley. Through programs like Leadership in the Valley, the Foundation empowers individuals to grow as leaders and contribute to the long-term success of the community.