We work hard, laugh often, & care deeply about this place we call home.

Amber Burns joined the foundation in 2022. She graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2011 with a bachelor of fine arts degree in arts education. She has taught visual art, dance and theater at Marshall School, the Duluth Playhouse and many organizations around Duluth. In 2018, she finished her master’s degree in arts development and program management from the University of Denver. She is passionate about advocating for the arts and youth as well as helping the local community.

Mary Calantoc recently moved back to Duluth after spending the last 10 years in Honolulu, Hawaii. She was born in Hawaii but grew up here in the Northland. She is a 1999 graduate of Duluth East High School. After a brief stint as a high school music teacher in San Diego, CA, Mary has worked in non-profit arts management for over 18 years and is thrilled to be part of the team at DSACF. In her spare time, you can find Mary singing with the choir at St. Paul’s Episcopal or spending time with her family and new puppy Saimin.

Anika Eide joined the foundation in 2021. She has passion for social justice and for art as a means of healing. After earning her bachelor of arts and master of fine arts degrees in creative writing from Hamline University, she served as mentor coordinator and creative writing mentor with the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop from 2013 to 2015. Anika spent five years working in the veterinary field in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She became a certified veterinary technician and remains committed to the care of domestic and wild animals. She loves spending time with her family, her partner and her old cat, Simon. She enjoys hiking, writing, reading, camping, traveling and cooking.

The Board of Trustees named Shaun Floerke as the foundation’s leader in 2021 after he had served 16 years as a Duluth-based judge in Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District. As a judge, Shaun was a national leader in trauma-informed practice and strove to model and hold space for respect and dignity. He worked with other stakeholders to develop more thoughtful resources that considered equity as well as sustainable solutions for people and communities. Shaun founded and presided over the South St. Louis County DWI Court, a national academy court with the National Association of Drug Court Professionals; the South St. Louis County Safe Babies Court; and the Duluth Domestic Violence Restorative Circles Process. He has been a national leader and trainer in how courts handle cases involving substance abuse disorder, mental health and domestic violence. He has trained across the nation and internationally on recovery and resilience for individuals, systems and communities. Shaun holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and a law degree from the University of Minnesota. He and his wife, Sara, have five children and live in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood.

Paige Freese joined the foundation in May 2022 as the organization’s accounting associate. She later was named interim finance director and, in January 2023, became finance director. Paige earned her bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting and management from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. While at UWS, she spent time studying and living in Scotland. She loves spending time with her family and friends in the area and traveling whenever she can. She also enjoys reading, hiking and crafting.

Corbyn Goodermote is a recent graduate from the University of Minnesota Duluth, graduating with a degree in Communication and the passion for people-focused environments and a strong commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering connections. Throughout undergrad, she immersed herself in leadership roles, being a part of UMD Cheerleading, Student Government Association, and contributing to campus life through her work at the Rec Center and Sport Clubs office. Corbyn is thrilled to be part of the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, where she has the opportunity to work alongside an inspiring team of professionals, continuing her journey of learning and having community impact. She remains dedicated to focusing on people-oriented experiences wherever her career path may lead, always striving to make a positive difference in the lives of others. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, exploring Duluth and the North Shore, making art and collecting quilts. She can also often be found attending concerts and listening to music!

Kursula Harris brings to the foundation a background and expertise in operations management and administrative support. As an adult student, she earned her bachelor of science degree in kinesiology, with a minor in psychology, from Pennsylvania State University. Kursula has six siblings, and one of her favorite things to do is spend time with her nieces and nephews. She also enjoys volunteering in the community, working on DIY projects, hiking and traveling the world.

Holly Herstad is a lifelong Duluthian and a Duluth Central High School graduate. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Holly has three wonderful children, two grandchildren and many family members who reside in the Duluth area. She spends her time trail riding, gardening, raising chickens, goats, pigs and turkeys. She enjoys giving farm-fresh food to family and friends.

Abby holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Communications from the University of Minnesota – Duluth. After relocating to the Twin Cities post-graduation, she found herself missing the community and lifestyle of Duluth. In June 2024, Abby made the trip north to move back to Duluth. She enjoys supporting the Foundation’s operations because it enables her to give back to the community that means so much to her. Outside of work she loves spending time with her dog, Archie. She spends her time golfing, learning pickleball or enjoying a coffee on her porch.

Kyle Picha brings a unique blend of creativity and precision to his role as Accounting Associate at the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation. With a background in church music and professional theatre—including work with the Duluth Playhouse—Kyle understands the power of community, storytelling, and shared experiences. Beyond numbers and the arts, Kyle is deeply committed to being an engaged and responsible citizen. He believes that strong communities are built through kindness, service, and connection—values that align perfectly with the foundation’s mission. A true enthusiast of Duluth’s rich history, Kyle has a special love for Glensheen Mansion and never passes up the opportunity to explore its stories. And for a fun twist—he once appeared on The David Letterman Show! Kyle is honored to support the foundation’s work in strengthening communities and creating opportunities for all.

Peter joined the Community Foundation in 2025 with a passion for working within the community and building relationships with the people and land around him. After growing up in Minneapolis and graduating from Montana State University with degrees in Economics and Business, he is now grateful to call Duluth, and its engaged and beautiful community, home. Prior to working at the Community Foundation, Peter spent seven years working in the philanthropic sector, most recently as a senior manager at Foundant Technologies, a philanthropic software company that helps maximize the impact of the philanthropic sector. He’s worked directly with community foundations of all sizes throughout the US and Canada to help solve the unique challenges they face and is grateful for the opportunity to now focus on helping steward the place he lives. When not at work, Peter enjoys sharing good cooking and baking with friends and family, running through Duluth’s parks and trails, and reading books by the lake.

Jessica Peterson joined the Community Foundation in 2023. Jessica has worn many hats in the nonprofit sector over the past fifteen years. She previously worked as Development Director at the Depot Foundation in Duluth, where she helped expand fundraising, grow community impact and support arts and culture nonprofits. She also founded Yellow Tree Theatre in 2008, where she served as Development and Communications Director and Associate Artistic Director for twelve years and was key in distinguishing the organization as a top professional Twin Cities theater. Throughout her career, she also has worked as a professional playwright, essayist, actor and creative writing instructor. Jessica holds a degree in English Literature and Theater from UMD and an MFA in Creative Writing from Hamline University in St. Paul. Mom to two teenagers and a proud graduate of Denfeld High School, Jessica is also an adjunct professor at UMD where she teaches playwriting. She loves working at the Community Foundation and helping to connect generous individuals and nonprofits with opportunities to leave a meaningful legacy in the communities they love.

Carly joined the Community Foundation in 2024, bringing over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector. Her professional journey began with volunteer management at the American Red Cross in Madison, Wisconsin, and continued as Program Director at the Park County Community Foundation in Livingston, Montana. She then focused on community engagement with UW-Superior and led communications and marketing at the Entrepreneur Fund in Duluth, Minnesota. Carly holds a Bachelor of Science in Community and Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Inspired by seeing many nonprofits doing great work that goes unnoticed, she turned her focus to communications and marketing. She is passionate about amplifying the impact the Community Foundation, local nonprofits, and philanthropists are making across the region. Carly is a native Duluthian and loves raising her family on the shores of Lake Superior. She can usually be found on the lake walk, sipping a chai tea latte at a local coffee shop, or exploring the community she loves.