Staff & Board

Melissa has over a decade of experience in Entrepreneurship-Led Economic Development, everything from starting her own business, to managing small business, to consulting small businesses and doing economic development for small business development programs. She holds her CEcD and EDP certifications from the International Economic Development Corporation, as well as a bachelor’s degree from UW-Eau Claire in Marketing.

Amanda is a lifelong resident of Western WI. She grew up on a hobby farm in River Falls with her five older siblings. She graduated from UW-Stout in Education and a Business minor. She has served as a Director at Trinity Early Childhood Academy and as an Administrative Assistant at the Hudson School District. Outside of work, she loves to be up north on the lake, traveling, trying new things and cooking with her husband! She is excited to partner with the community, businesses and incoming families in the St. Croix Valley.

Neil Kline is the Executive Director of Family Friendly Workplaces, a 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on addressing western Wisconsin’s long-term workforce shortage. In addition, Neil serves as the Development and Communications Manager for Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley in Baldwin. Neil is deeply involved in various organizations across western and northwestern Wisconsin, including as a Village Trustee in Osceola, where he lives.

Scott brings 34 years of experience in the financial services industry. He is currently with First National Bank River Falls and focuses on commercial banking in the western Wisconsin market. He is involved with the River Falls Sunshine Fund, a local student lead non-profits, Rotary, and serves on the River Falls City Council as President. He was also past Board Chair of the River Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Tom is a business, real estate and municipal attorney with Eckberg Lammers, PC a law firm with offices in Hudson and Stillwater, MN. He has worked in the St. Croix community for the past five years advising businesses in various transaction and serves as the civil city attorney for several communities.

Maren Valentine is the founder and owner of Oso Clean Janitorial Service, serving St. Croix and Pierce counties since 2013. She also works as a Business Consultant with the River Falls Small Business Development Center at UW-River Falls. Her extensive experience in trades, architectural coatings, and sales is complimented by her MA in Liberal Studies from UW-Milwaukee and her BA in Women and Gender Studies from UMN- Twin Cities. Maren enjoys spending time with her family, friends, dogs, and resides in Kinnikinnick Township. 

Sheri Marnell, Ph.D., is the Director of the St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center, a non-profit business incubator. She has helped over 40 businesses grow. She enjoys talking ‘business’ to anyone and everyone, loving to learn about new businesses and tour facilities, she has been through hundreds in her career. She has been with the Universities of Wisconsin since 2016. Before Higher Education, she spent 16 years at Target HQ in various leadership roles, driving innovation, organizational change, and delivering solid results. She has a BS in Apparel Design & Development, MBA, and Ph.D. in Business Management, research on Leading Innovators. Sheri and spouse Tim are both Hudson grads and moved back in 2005 where they are raising/raised their 4 children. In Sheri’s free time she is with her family/ friends, on an adventure, traveling, trying new things, playing cards, puzzles, and anything outdoors.

Steve Massey is the President at Westfields Hospital & Clinic in New Richmond, Wisconsin. He has been in that role since August, 2011. He has led the organization through a number of strategic initiatives, including the joining of Westfields Hospital and New Richmond Clinic to form Westfields Hospital & Clinic in 2013, significant capital investments into the campus, and several new services being added including orthopedic expansion in partnership with TRIA, retail pharmacy and urgent care. Under his leadership, Westfields Hospital & Clinic was named a top 20 Critical Access Hospital by the Chartis Center for Rural Health and the National Rural Health Association for five straight years (2019-2023). Steve received his undergraduate degree from Missouri State University. He has a master’s in healthcare administration from the University of Minnesota. Steve, his wife Nicole and live in New Richmond and have three sons. He has served on the New Richmond Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, including the role of president. He has served on the New Richmond Youth Hockey Association Board and volunteers at Grace Place, a local transitional housing organization.

Mike is a co-founder and principal of Velocity Public Affairs. He has over 20 years of experience helping clients manage issues, crisis events, address challenges, and maximize opportunities that involve creating and executing effective communications. Mike provides public affairs, media relations, crisis communications, grassroots advocacy, online content strategy, and marketing support for businesses, nonprofits, government entities, and advocacy organizations. 

He has served as communications director for St. Paul mayor Norm Coleman, deputy communications director for governor-elect Jesse Ventura’s transition office, deputy communications director for the Minnesota Republican Party during the 1998 campaign season, and deputy press secretary for Minnesota governor Arne H. Carlson. He has also provided media relations counsel to political campaigns and elected officials. Mike has strong connections with Twin Cities media that he leverages to help clients target the appropriate media contacts and outlets. 

Bob is the Chairman of the St Croix County Board of Supervisors. He has previously served on the EDC Board. Educated as an attorney, he worked for roughly forty years in the Washington DC area to include lengthy periods with the U.S. Senate, the Federal Judiciary, and as a consultant with the World Bank and USAID on international projects. He also had a military career in the Army including service in the first Gulf War and later as Director of Strategic
Defense Education for a major military association. He is Vice President of the Wisconsin Association of Scholars and on the board of Free Speech for Campus Inc. He and his wife, Patricia, live south of Hudson in Troy Burne. They both enjoy golf, history, reading and travel.

As a financial professional with Principal®, Holly Bloom passionately serves individuals, families and businesses establishing life-long relationships built on exceptional service. She specializes in seeking out strategies that provide her clients with solutions designed to help maximize their well being.

As founder and owner of several family businesses herself, Holly has lived firsthand the challenges that come with juggling am employee team, finances, operations, etc., inspiring her to obtain her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She thrives on providing knowledge, education and solutions that week to relieve burden and provide value for her clients allowing them to focus on what they enjoy and do best.

In addition to her Securities licenses, she carries home, auto, health and business liability insurance certifications. She continues to educate herself as an active member of the St. Croix Valley Employers Association amongst many other organizations.

Holly enjoys volunteering in her community, donating to organizations that support the physical, emotional and financial needs of families and children.

In her free time, she loves hiking, golfing, fishing, hunting and just about anything else outdoors. Holly resides in River Falls, WI with her husband, Tony; son, AJ and daughters, Rudi and Dylan actively building their dream hobby farm. 

Chad serves as the Senior Project Manager and Co-Owner of Derrick Building Solutions, LLC, where he leads commercial construction, design-build, and development projects throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. With more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry, he specializes in project planning, budgeting, business development, and client relations.

Throughout his career, Chad has successfully managed a diverse range of commercial, industrial, educational, religious, and municipal construction projects. He is passionate about helping organizations bring their vision to reality through strategic planning, collaboration, and innovative building solutions.

In addition to his professional responsibilities, Chad is actively involved in Joe.al and state business, community, and industry organizations. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Wisconsin and the New Richmond Chamber of Commerce, and participates in various civic, church, youth sports, and regional economic development initiatives.