STEPHEN PODOBINSKI (he/him)

Chair, Board of Directors
CEO, Chops Charitable Gambling Operation

Steve originally joined Chops in 2003, marched tenors for six years, and was honored with both ‘Rookie of the Year’ and ‘Member of the Year’ awards during that time. Learn more about Steve »

MICHAEL FISCHER (he/him)

Secretary, Board of Directors
Chair, Governance & Gambling Oversight Committee

Michael is a visionary and strategic Human Resources Executive with extensive experience helping organizations grow inclusive cultures. After a long and distinguished career, Michael is giving back to the community through board service. Learn more about Michael »

EM ANTIN (all pronouns)

Treasurer, Board of Directors

Em has a background in percussion, political science, & nonprofit management. They currently teach private lesson students on most percussive instruments. Em's style is one of using both traditional music and modern music to allow the student to develop a passion to play all musical forms. Learn more about Em »

VIWATH "VI" CHAN (he/him)

Member-at-Large, Board of Directors

More information about Vi coming soon! Learn more about Vi »

MEGAN DUEVEL (she/her)

Member-at-Large, Board of Directors
Chops Winterguard & Drum Corps Alum

Megan has marched with Chops Inc since 2016 as part of its Drum Corps (Euphonium), Winterguard, and Colorguard programs. Learn more about Megan »

JOSEFINA GERÓNIMO(ella/she/her)

Chair, Nominating Committee 

Excited to establish new roots in Minnesota after moving from South Lake Tahoe, CA. Lives in Minneapolis with her partner Erik and adventurous cat named Felix. Learn more about Josefina»

JEANNE HERRMANN (she/her)

Member-at-Large, Board of Directors

Jeanne Herrmann is a passionate, results-driven, executive-level leader with expertise in business operations and a demonstrated record of successfully building organizations. Learn more about Jeanne »

BRUCE JASKULKE (he/him)

Member-at-Large, Board of Directors
Chops 2005 Class A DCA Champion

Bruce has been involved in drum corps since 1982, when he played Contra Bass with the St. Peter-based Govenaires.  Learn more about Bruce »

JON KING (he/him)

Member-at-Large, Board of Directors
Volunteer, Chops Pan Programs

Jon has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of St. Thomas.  He has over 30 years professional experience in the Criminal Justice and Public Safety fields.  Jon has worked for non-profit and State and local governments. Learn more about Jon»

KATHY LISKA-JACKSON (she/her)

Member Ex Officio, Board of Directors
Gambling Manager

Kathy been Chops’ charitable gambling operation’s manager since 2018, co-director since 2019, and has provided org-wide coordination services since 2016. Learn more about Kathy »

BRANDON MICKELSEN (he/him)

Member-at-Large, Board of Directors

Brandon is an associate attorney at the Lathrop GPM law firm in Minneapolis. Brandon brings to the Board a background in public service and a dedication to giving back to the community. Learn more about Brandon »

LAURA MURPHY (she/her)

Chair, Finance Committee

Laura Murphy joined the Chops Board because of her deep commitment to serving non-profits and her life-long belief that music education in schools is integral to making our community a vibrant place.  Learn more about Laura »

MEGAN O'LEARY (she/her)

Member Ex Officio, Board of Directors
Executive Director

Megan joined the Chops' family in 2020 and brings with her a long history of successful organizational development in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Learn more about Megan »

NICHOLE THOMAS (she/her)

Member-at-Large, Board of Directors

Nichole Thomas is the Director of Human Resources at Cookie Cart, where they teach life, leadership, and employment skills to teens of color through on-the-job and classroom experiences in nonprofit bakeries. Learn more about Nichole »

CATRICE WILLIAMS (she/her)

Member-at-Large, Board of Directors

Catrice is the current Director of Wealth Accumulation at Urban League Twin Cities in Minneapolis. She joined the Chops board of directors in 2022, and also serves on the board of City of Lakes Community Land Trust.  Learn more about Catrice »