Founder and CEO
Joe Cavanaugh is a nationally-renowned speaker promoting timeless values and personal character to audiences of all ages. Whether it is at the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, a commencement speech at his alma mater, a conference with business leaders or in a room filled with 200 teenagers, Joe loves to be in front of a crowd sharing the message that character matters. His message is guided by the belief that character is the thread that will reweave the frayed fabric of our society.
In 1987, Joe founded Youth Frontiers (YF), a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization that provides experiences that inspire character, civility and community. YF has impacted more than 2 million youth, educators, and community members and has received national acclaim because of its powerful programs. Joe also leads YF’s newest division, Leadership Frontiers, which focuses on inspiring character-driven leaders in all sectors.
Joe has been featured on local, regional and national media programs including a 90-minute PBS television special titled, “Respectfully, Joe Cavanaugh.” Additionally, he has been recognized by the late General Colin Powell of America’s Promise as being “a leader in our nation’s effort to rescue America’s young people.”
Joe received his B.A. degree in Humanities from Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, where he also was given an Honorary Doctorate in 2016. He was also named Social Entrepreneur of the Year by Saint John’s in 2012.
Joe and his wife, Jane, live in Edina, Minnesota. Their daughter, Tess, is attending the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota.
Ann Miller
Strategic Excellence Manager, Liberty Diversified International
Joe Cavanaugh
Founder & CEO, Youth Frontiers, Inc.
Jon Reissner*
President, Activar
Karen Hohertz-Jacobs
Sr. Director, Omnichannel Operations and Services, Enterprise Project Management Office, Best Buy
*board chair
Tim McNeal
Partner, RSM US LLP
Alex Goodwin, Foundation & Community Engagement Manager, Deluxe Corporation
Brian Kelly, Founding Partner, Refine Wealth Strategies
Dwight Johnson, Retired Chrysler Corporation Executive
Eric Iverson, Equity Specialist, Mounds View High School
Heather Teskey, VP Marketing, Andersen Corporation
Isadora Blanche, Community Impact & Inclusion Senior Manager, Winnebago Industries
Jackie Herd-Barber, Community Volunteer
Jen Roe Darling, President & CEO, Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation
John Reeves, Principal, St. Michael-Albertville High School
Kevin Rotman, Audit Senior Manager, Deloitte & Touche
Mark McIlmoyle, Education Leader
Mark Newsome, Chief Financial Officer, Advenshure, LLC
Dr. Michael Lovett, Adjunct Faculty, University of Minnesota & University of St. Thomas
Michael Gordon, Practice Group Co-Chair/Partner, Taft Law
Michelle McKenna, Counselor, Brookfield East High School
Mitch Dorr, Director of Activities, ROCORI School District
Paige Roberts, Principal, Reeder Elementary School
Paul Omodt, Owner and Principal, Omodt & Associates Critical Communications
Renato Westby, Director of Strategy and Impact, Common Hope
Ryan Vandewiele, Chief Legal Officer, Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc.
Sherri Schendzielos, Assistant Principal, Blaine High School
Tal Ganani, Knowledge & Innovation Attorney, Paul Hastings
Tiffany Ogle, TV Host, The Morning Blend
Tom Langseth, Vice President of Wealth Management, Blaze Credit Union
Will Berigan, Wealth Advisor and President, Shamrock Wealth Management