1000 Friends of Minnesota Welcomes
New President, Jeff Heegaard

January 2005

Last August we informed you that Lee Ronning would be stepping down as President of 1000 Friends of Minnesota. In September we began a search for a new leader.

Lee Ronning and a group of concerned citizens founded 1000 Friends of Minnesota in 1993. Lee has led us with zeal, tenacity, and grace. Appreciation for Lee’s work has been apparent throughout the search process.

The search process has been time well spent. We were impressed with the quality of the candidates interviewed. Our belief in our vision, confidence in our mission and appreciation for what Lee has built have all been enhanced by this process. We are excited by the support and interest we have received from the community. We are reminded that Minnesotans share a deep love for our state and support the role 1000 Friends plays as an advocate for smart and balanced growth.

We are pleased to announce that we have hired Jeffrey Heegaard as Lee’s successor. Jeff comes to us with an interesting blend of business and community experience. Jeff’s most recent position has been as President of Juliana America, a garden supply company specializing in greenhouse kits for home gardeners. He also was a founding partner with HomeStyles Publishing of St. Paul. Jeff has been a successful business leader and also has been deeply immersed in a number of community organizations and projects.

We are confident that Jeff possesses the skills, passion, and judgement to lead 1000 Friends of Minnesota in its efforts to promote smart and balanced economic growth, and to aid local communities as they struggle with development pressures. Jeff will bring us a fresh perspective, and he will bring new and exciting ideas to our organization.

Jeff and his wife Lucy live in Afton. They have three children and a golden retriever. Please join us in welcoming Jeff Heegaard.

Lee will be working with Jeff during the transition period and will continue her affiliation with 1000 Friends as a special advisor.

We sincerely thank you for your support in the past and we look forward to working with you to further the mission of 1000 Friends of Minnesota.

This page was last updated on February 3, 2005