Board Members
Project Get Outdoors Board Members represent various agencies and organizations that are committed to youth development, natural resources conservation and human health. Board members serve one year terms and can be re-elected each year at the annual board meeting held in December.
Executive Board Members
Larry Gates - President
Kellogg, MN
Larry is a parent, farmer and retired DNR watershed coordinator.
Maria Acosta - Vice President
Wabasha, MN
Maria is a parent, volunteer for Project Get Outdoors and works for Wabasha County Social Services.
Kate O’Grady
Winona, MN
Kate is a parent, teacher, and naturalist for MN State Parks.
Jon Holger - Treasurer
Preston, MN
Jon is a youth sports coach, retired teacher, and a naturalist for MN State Parks.
Members at Large
John DeStazio
Rochester, MN
Parent, farmer and former District Executive for the Gamehaven Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Sara Grover
Preston, MN
Sara is a parent, tree farmer, naturalist for MN State Parks and the founder and coordinator of Project Get Outdoors, Inc.
Samantha Grant
Rochester, MN
Sam is a parent and regional extensio educator for the U of MN Extension Service
Andrea Lorek Strauss
Rochester, MN
Andrea is a parent and regional extension educator for the U of MN Extension Service.
Dave Palmquist
Winona, MN
Parent and naturalist for MN State Parks.
Ann Rethlefsen
Winona, MN
Parent, former classroom teacher, and professor of teaching methods courses at Winona State University.
Ellen Rollie
Spring Valley, MN
Ellen is a parent, nurse and social worker for St. Charles Public Schools.
Cindy Samples (Liaison for Fish and Wildlife Service)
Winona, MN
Cindy is a parent and ranger for the US Fish & Wildlife Service Upper Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Refuge
