MINNEAPOLIS – March 11, 2026 – ServeMinnesota announced today the appointment of John Ellenberger as Chair and Karen Larson as Vice Chair of its Board of Directors. Ellenberger brings more than three decades of executive leadership experience across corporate marketing, nonprofit management, and board governance. He recently retired as Senior Vice President at Land O’Lakes, Inc. and Executive Director of Venture37, the international nonprofit arm of Land O’Lakes founded in 1981. Previously, he held leadership roles with American Medical Systems and General Mills, where he spent 15 years in marketing and general management. Ellenberger earned both his bachelor’s degree and MBA from the University of Minnesota and completed executive programs at Harvard Business School and the Kellogg School of Management. He has served on the Board of Directors of Gillette Children’s and joined the ServeMinnesota board in 2014, and became vice chair in 2022 as well as chairing the Program Development board committee from 2017 to 2025.
“John knows how to build strong organizations that get real results,” said Julia Quanrud, CEO of ServeMinnesota. “He understands our mission, our partners, and our commitment to evidence-based service across Minnesota. I’m excited to have him step into this leadership role.”
Karen Larson brings extensive operational and nonprofit leadership expertise to her new role. She most recently retired as Chief Operating Officer of YMCA of the North, one of Minnesota’s largest nonprofit organizations. Prior to joining the Y, Larson served as Chief Financial Officer for the National Arthritis Foundation, Chief Executive Officer for the Upper Midwest Region of the Arthritis Foundation, and held multiple senior leadership positions with the Star Tribune. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Minnesota Duluth and a master’s degree in finance from the University of St. Thomas. Larson joined the ServeMinnesota board in 2019 and has served as the organization’s national service representative, chairing the finance committee starting in 2025.
“Karen brings steady leadership and deep nonprofit experience,” said Julia. “She keeps people focused and moving forward, and she understands how to turn big goals into action. We’re lucky to have her in this role.”
Together, Ellenberger and Larson will help guide ServeMinnesota’s statewide work to strengthen education, housing stability, recovery supports, environmental stewardship, and workforce development through national service.
About ServeMinnesota
ServeMinnesota is a hub for innovation creating high-impact, evidence-based programs that meet communities where they are, improving lives in Minnesota and beyond. As the state’s Commission on National and Community Service, ServeMinnesota combines national service with research in education, housing, health, environmental conservation, and more. Annually more than 2,000 adults serve their communities through these programs in 78 of the state’s 87 counties. Two of ServeMinnesota’s strategic initiatives, Reading Corps and Math Corps, have received national recognition for their effective and scalable tutoring model. Combining public and private dollars, strong community partnerships, and proven research, ServeMinnesota makes meaningful contributions to the state. For more information, visit http://www.serveminnesota.org
