Health Care Coalition funding is at risk! We need your help. Since 2002, our staff have led the Northeast Healthcare Preparedness Coalition, bringing together healthcare facilities and response partners across seven counties and three tribal nations in Northeast Minnesota. When we plan together, train together, and respond together, we build a stronger, more resilient healthcare system. Now, the federal grant that funds our Coalition, and all eight Coalitions across Minnesota, is in jeopardy. More Info »

Board of Directors

President – Sue Bengtson: St. Louis County
Hibbing Community College
Business/College/Training Facility Representative
Currently Serving Term Ending 6/30/2027

Vice President – Lucas Goodin: Carlton County
MED STAR Education
Fire/Law/EMR Representative
Currently Serving Term Ending 6/30/2027

Secretary – Nathan Myers: Koochiching County
International Falls Fire & Ambulance
Ambulance Representative
Currently Serving Term Ending 6/30/2025

Treasurer – Joe Newton: Itasca County
Essentia Health EMS
Ambulance Representative
Currently Serving Term Ending 6/30/2026

Karla Pankow – Cook County
North Shore Health Ambulance
Level IV Trauma Center Representative
Currently Serving Term Ending 6/30/2026

Mindy Olander – St. Louis County
Life Link III
Ambulance Representative
Currently Serving Term Ending 6/30/2025

Marlyn Halvorson – Carlton County
Carlton County Sheriff’s Office
Fire/Law/EMR Representative
Currently Serving Term Ending 6/30/2025

Corey Larson – Carlton County
Cloquet Area Fire District
Fire/Law/EMR Representative
Currently Serving Term Ending 6/30/2025

Erik Jankila – St. Louis County
Hibbing Fire Department
Fire/Law/EMR Representative
Currently Serving Term Ending 6/30/2026

Sharon Lepak – St. Louis County
Essentia Health – St. Mary’s Medical Center
Level I Trauma Center Representative
Appointed Position

Jonathan Shultz – St. Louis County
St. Luke’s Hospital & Regional Trauma Center
Level II Trauma Center Representative
Appointed Position

Stan Sadenwasser – St. Louis County
St. Luke’s Hospital & Regional Trauma Center
Level II Trauma Center Representative
Appointed Position

Karen Wright – St. Louis County
Essentia Health – St. Mary’s Medical Center
Level I Trauma Center Representative
Appointed Position

Rick Goutermont – Lake County
County Commissioner Representative
Appointed Position

Vacant – Douglas County
Douglas County Representative
Appointed Position

Vacant –
Level III Trauma Center Representative
Elected Position

Vacant –
Ambulance Representative
Elected Position