Sara Thatcher
“Since I was first introduced to Neighborhood House in 2012, I have been impressed with the organization’s holistic approach to serving St. Paul families. I have been involved ever since, volunteering at the food market and serving on the Revel for a Cause committee. I’m eager to continue serving Neighborhood House in a new capacity as a board member.”
Sara is an Account Director at Goff Public. Sara is a persuasive, sophisticated communicator. She combines her deep knowledge of traditional media strategies with emerging and new techniques to help clients build comprehensive communications plans. Sara is also a key member of Goff Public’s media training and crisis communications teams.
A passionate advocate for her community, her experience includes extensive work with local and tribal governments, philanthropy, health care, and higher education institutions. The common thread through all of Sara’s work is a particular focus on helping citizens better understand and connect with their community and their government.
Sara is an avid marathoner who also loves hiking, photography and sipping local brews on any patio she can find.
Saray Garnet-Hochuli
Saray Garnett-Hochuli is energized when fulfilling her passion of helping others grow and prosper professionally and personally.
Saray has strong community and enterprise involvement as a mentor, guest panelist, and committee member in the City of Minneapolis 29%, the International Association of Assessor Officers, past president of Region IX of the Minnesota Association of Assessor Officers, and as co-chair of the Minneapolis Black Employee Network.
“Last summer, I volunteered at Neighborhood House and loved it. I believe in the work that is created and practiced here. If a person wants to change their trajectory in life, Neighborhood House provides space, resources, tools and community for that to happen.”
She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Housing (Policy and Community Development) from the University of Minnesota. Saray is a life-long resident of the Twin Cities and lives in St. Paul’s West Side neighborhood with her husband Simon and their three very active children who attend Linwood-Monroe Elementary and Middle School.
Rebecca Kanninen
Rebecca Kanninen is a partner at Lockridge, Grindal, Nauen and leads the firm’s Minnesota-based lobbying team as partner in charge of state government affairs. With more than 18 years of government relations experience at LGN, she is known at the Minnesota State Capitol as a leader and bipartisan political strategist who is well-respected for her thoughtful approach to positively position the firm’s clients for success.
Rebecca was named one of the top 50 Women in Business by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal in 2014. She currently serves on the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce PAC board, the William Mitchell Alumni board and is a long-time member of the Minnesota Government Relations Council and the Public Affairs Council. She is active in supporting the Minnesota’s arts community and mentoring young professions interested in Government Affairs as part of the William Mitchell College of Law mentor-mentee program.
Rebecca is a new member of Neighborhood House’s board of directors. “I’m thrilled to join the board of Neighborhood House. The commitment to help families move from ‘survive’ to ‘thrive’ is an inspiring model for us all to emulate. I look forward to the work ahead to follow through on that commitment to our neighbors in St. Paul.”
2/27/19
