Meet the Arcola Board

Jill Greenhalgh – Board Chair

Returning after 20 years, Jill describes herself as a “Communitarian” and has served on the board or steering committee of many St Croix Valley nonprofit organizations. She first became involved with what is now Arcola Mills over twenty years ago. She is honored to be rejoining the efforts to breathe new life into this beautiful resource. Jill is the foundation director for the Horst Rechelbacher Foundation in Osceola, Wisconsin; previously she worked in higher education. Jill has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and religion and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas. When not volunteering or working with nonprofits, Jill enjoys baking, creative activities and exploring the abundant parks and natural areas found in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. 

Reese Glaser – Vice Chair

Although Reese resides in St. Paul, he works throughout all of Washington County.   Just coincidently, as a crew leader for Sentence to Service, Reese discovered the Arcola Mansion and instantly fell in love.  So, when given the opportunity to join the board and support this truly magical place, Reese jumped at the opportunity and we are glad he did!  Reese enjoys his travels throughout  Washington County and is amazed at how beautiful it is and all it has to offer.  When he’s not on the move, Reese can be found camping alongside a small lake with a roaring bonfire and his camera.

Steve Mower – Treasurer

Steve is the 2x great nephew of John and Martin Mower, the founders of Arcola Mills.  Steve was born and brought up Maine and was part of the Mower family that stayed in Maine to continue farming the “homestead”.  Steve’s interest is not only the preservation of the Arcola Mills property and Mower Mansion, but learning more and more about the extensive history in this area as well.  Steve lives in Somerset and works in Hudson.  Steve is involved with the sales, marketing, and export of cattle genetics around the world.   When not traveling or digging up history, Steve loves variations of jazz, food & culture, and cattle breeding history & development.  

Kerri Kolstad – Secretary

Through her business, Wahoo! Adventures, Kerri helps people “Get Outside and Play”.  So, when she was asked to join the board at Arcola Mills, it was the perfect fit with its beautiful location and opportunity to help get Arcola guests on the river and learn the history.  Although Kerri grew up in the Bemidji area, her husband Dave and dog Addy live in White Bear Lake and have spent over 25 years paddling the river.  Kerri was introduced to Arcola Mills back in 2011 through Community Thread’s “Spring into Service” volunteer initiative and helped removed buckthorn.  She knew it was special then and is excited to be more engaged by sharing the mansion and lumbering history with others.

Fitzie Heimdahl

Fitzie is lucky enough to have been raised and still live in the St. Croix Valley so knows firsthand that arts, culture, history, and the environment are important to the community.  Fitzie is involved personally and professionally with organizations and initiatives that are uniquely special to the St. Croix River Valley.  As a historian, preservationist, environmentalist, and patron of the arts, Arcola Mills has a special place in Fitzie’s heart.  Fitzie works at the Wisconsin Historical Society as the State Historical Marker Program Coordinator. Fitzie is excited to see how this program can tell the many stories of the state.  In his free time, Fitzie enjoys hiking, bike riding, exploring new places, visiting historic sites (of course), and trying new food. 

Brian Larson

Brian Larson is an architect in Stillwater, and was involved in early planning & design for the Arcola Mills site and buildings. He serves on the Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission, is a consultant for the Excelsior Planning Commission, and a Trustee of the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, Iowa. Brian enjoys paddling the St. Croix and BWCA, and spending time at family cabins up north. Brian is a new board member and looks forward to working with the organization on the next phases of Arcola Mill's development.   

Debra Kelley

Debra Kelley, PhD, excels at leading organizations, innovation/design thinking and building comprehensive branding and communications programs. She has more than 30 years’ experience gained in government agencies, professional services firms, nonprofits, corporations, medical/healthcare, arts and educational institutions. Her strengths include research, planning, strategy and developing effective multifaceted branding/identity programs, diversity and inclusion programs, and communications and marketing media. Kelley also has taught communications and mass media at the University of Minnesota, Florida Gulf Coast University and currently at St. Catherine University in St. Paul. She is certified in Diversity and Equity from the University of Minnesota and has served on many boards for nonprofit organizations and associations.

Alexa Eickschen

An enthusiast for all things outdoors and a lover of history, Alexa fell in love with Arcola the minute she passed through the gates. Doesn’t everyone? In search of the perfect outdoor location for her wedding in 2016 Alexa found Arcola and has been volunteering and serving on the board ever since. Alexa enjoys practicing and teaching yoga, kayaking, hiking, fly fishing, and spending time with her two young kids, two pups,  family, and friends.  She believes in Arcola’s  mission statement of Educate, Preserve, and Renew – and enjoys working with the numerous organizations who are invested in the Arcola site.