Ambassadors

Through the Ambassadors Program, retired city officials (both elected and staff) visit with member cities throughout the state on behalf of the League. Ambassadors work to ensure members are aware of the services available to them through League membership, and that member needs are heard and addressed.

Ambassadors visit member cities most often by making an appointment with the city in advance. They are also available to make a visit upon a city's request. To request a visit, contact the Ambassador in your region:

Larry Bakken
Provides services related to dispute resolutions and community foundations.
(651) 523-2189 or (612) 730-9973
lbakken@gw.hamline.edu

Bill Bassett
Cities in the counties of: Blue Earth, Le Sueur, Nicollet
(507) 243-4346
wbassett@hickorytech.net

Severin J. Blenkush
Cities in the counties of: Todd, Morrison, southern half of Crow Wing, Wadena
(320) 594-6494
sevsanjo@charter.net

Jerry Bohnsack
Cities in the counties of: Aitkin, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, northern half of Crow Wing
(218) 534-2983 or (612) 756-4206
jerry.bohnsack@gmail.com

Bill Craig
Cities in the counties of: Carver, Hennepin, and Wright
(763) 497-3577
peggcr@aol.com

Bob Derus
Cities in the county of McLeod
(612) 916-3790 (cell)
bobderus@gmail.com

Ray Ecklund
Cities in the counties of: Beltrami, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, Roseau, northern Cass County
(218) 281-1229
raye@gra.midco.net

Les Heitke
Cities in the counties of: Grant, Douglas, Stevens, Pope, Traverse, Big Stone, Lac Qui Parle, Chippewa, Swift, Meeker, and Kandiyohi
(320) 282-8697 (cell)
(320) 235-8726 (home)
lesjheitke@gmail.com

Larry Jerviss
Cities in the counties of: Wabasha, Dodge, Olmsted, Winona, Mower, Fillmore, and Houston
(507) 459-5635
ljerv@acegroup.cc

Paul McLaughlin
Cities in the Counties of Renville and Yellow Medicine
(320) 522-1705 (cell)
paul@redred.com

Sam Shult
Cities in the counties of: Brown, Cottonwood, Jackson, Nobles, Pipestone, Rock, Sibley, and Watonwan
(507) 647-2295
sshult@hotmail.com

Paul Sparks
Cities in the counties of: Faribault, Freeborn, Martin, Rice, Steele, and Waseca
(507) 377-0449 (home)
(507) 383-1698 (cell)
ptsparks@charter.net

Tom Thelen
Cities in the counties of: Stearns, Benton, Sherburn, Pine, Carlton, St. Louis, Lake, and Cook
(320) 243-4615

Bob Thistle
Cities in the counties of: Anoka, Ramsey, Washington
(763) 755-3563
r.thistle@comcast.net

Linda Weber
Cities in the counties of: Lincoln, Lyon, Redwood, and Murray
(507) 342-5793 or (507) 227-1755
linweber60@gmail.com

John Young, Jr.
Cities in the counties of: Becker, Clay, Clearwater, Hubbard, Mahnomen, Norman, Otter Tail, Wilkins
(218) 483-3484
cschenck@arvig.net