The Team

Jonathan Van Horn - President

Jon is partner in the law firm of Dorsey & Whitney LLP, where he practices in the area of corporate mergers and acquisitions. Jon’s parents taught him how to cross country ski on the Kettle Moraine trails of southern Wisconsin and the logging roads of northwest Wisconsin. Jon, along with his wife, Gail, and two elementary school-aged sons live in Golden Valley, a short walk from Wirth Beach and the Quaking Bog, and are year-round users of the skiing, hiking and biking trails of Theodore Wirth Park.

Board Committees: Finance and Audit, Governance

Judd Larson - Treasurer

Judd is the Chief Financial Officer at Environmental Initiative (EI), whose mission is to build partnerships to solve environmental problems. He spent 20 years in the corporate sector before jumping to EI and the non-profit sector in 2000. Judd enjoys helping EI and the Loppet create sustainable and profitable business models. Judd is a year-round bicycle commuter and has spent countless early mornings hiking Wirth park with golf clubs on his back. Judd lives on the east side of Lake Calhoun along with his wife and their high school aged daughter.

Board Committees: Finance and Audit

Mindy Benton

Mindy grew up on a small farm in Scandia where she learned to love the outdoors. She works as a Podiatric Surgeon for Allina Health and is the residency Program Director for Foot and Ankle Surgery at HCMC. All members of the Benton family have participated in Loppet Nordic training and events. Mindy is motivated to help children and young adults make a strong connection to health and to the environment with the Loppet Foundation.

Board Committees: Program

Mia Como

Mia has worked in financial analysis, most recently for Minnwest Bank, and with nonprofits both as staff and board member. She grew up enjoying Minneapolis’ parks and has hiked in over 20 national parks. Mia lives with her family in the Bryn Mawr neighborhood of Minneapolis, where they love to hike, bike, and be outdoors.

Board Committees: Finance and Audit, Fundraising/Development

Penelope Greene

Penelope and her family embrace life in Minnesota through participation in Loppet Foundation events and programs. She is an avid rower with the Minneapolis Rowing Club. A former business owner and consultant, and an experienced leader in not-for-profit organizations, Penelope looks forward to working with the Loppet Foundation to bring the benefits of excellent recreational programming to the Minneapolis community.

Board Committees: Fundraising

Leroy Leftwich

Leroy is retired after 39 years as a Manufacture and Safety Engineer at 3M. He has participated the last five years in the City of Lakes Loppet races and enjoys other activities such as road biking, running, and Nordic walking. His desire to be on the City of Lakes Loppet Board is the help promote Nordic actives in the elementary schools and other youth programs.

Board Committees: Finance and Audit

Bill McKinney

Bill McKinney is Vice-president of Strategy and Long Term Development at Thrivent Financial, the country’s largest fraternal benefit society. Bill grew up in Eastern Kentucky, earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota and an MBA from the University of Minnesota. Bill lives in Minneapolis with his wife Amy and their children; Ellie, Finn, and Mette. He is an avid endurance athlete who has completed two Ironman triathlons and several half and full marathons.

Board Committees: Fundraising/Development

Joe Pohlad

Current CEO of Go Media, Joe Pohlad is a longtime Twin Cities resident and sports enthusiast. Having spent most of his career working for the Twins, his recent venture into media is what introduced him to the Loppet Foundation. Joe’s motivation to be a part of the Loppet’s board stems from a belief that an active lifestyle and connection to the outdoors is central to keeping all of us, but especially our kids, well rounded. When he’s not working or volunteering, he enjoys spending his free time running, playing tennis, and teaching his six-year-old how to cross-country ski.

Carl Shaffer

Carl has been involved with Loppet activities for many years, including participating in the Classic Loppet, Tri-Loppet, and Trail Loppet, working a course venue at the Loppet, running paddle clinics for the Tri-Loppet, and doing course marking for the Trail Loppet. Additionally, Carl coaches a high school nordic ski team that has many high school skiers participating in LNR. During the day, Carl runs a company that sells and services overhead bridge cranes that service the manufacturing industry.

Board Committees: Fundraising/Development, Program

R.T. Rybak

Mayor R.T. Rybak has been a longtime supporter and racer in the Loppet community. As Mayor, Rybak was responsible for calling the first public meeting on silent sports which drew together skiers, mountain bikers, paddlers and other outdoor enthusiasts to network and brainstorm ways to celebrate Minneapolis as a silent sports city. Rybak has encouraged and supported the efforts of the Loppet Foundation since its inception. He can often be seen skiing the City of Lakes Loppet and paddling in the Tri-Loppet.