Board of Directors

Tom serves as senior attorney at The Nature Conservancy. Previously he was an attorney at Best & Flanagan, working in the areas of real estate, civil litigation, and environmental law. Tom earned his Master of Laws degree in environmental law. He served on the NEC’s board since 2011.*

Amanda directs real estate development for the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities. Novak served previously as associate vice president of development at CommonBond Communities. Novak earned her bachelor's degree in biology and environmental studies from St. Olaf College, Northfield, and her master's in urban and regional planning from University of Iowa. 

Nancy is the outgoing mayor of Eden Prairie, a role she served 2002–2006 and 2011–2018, after serving on the city council 1994–2001. Tyra-Lukens earned a master’s degree in nutritional biochemistry from the University of Michigan, and a second master’s in finance and business administration from the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota. 

LisaBeth leads the community development division of the Metropolitan Council, where she has worked as a regional planning expert for over a decade. Barajas earned her bachelor's degree in environmental studies and geography at Gustavus Adolphus College, and her master’s in urban and regional planning from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. 

Julia is vice president of mission advancement at Volunteers of America Minnesota and Wisconsin, bringing more than 15 years’ experience in nonprofit administration. She earned her Master’s degree from Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Julia has served on CEE’s board since 2009.

Jimmy serves as senior director of community development at Pillsbury United Communities, building local partnerships to co-create land-based solutions to challenges facing historically underinvested communities. He brings deep experience in real estate development and business, paired with a deep commitment to racial equity. Jimmy joined CEE’s board in 2021.