The advisory board of the Nashwauk Area Community Fund is made up of volunteers from the communities we serve. The positions on board are rotated every three years.
Having members with different backgrounds and expertise broadens the scope and vision of granting possibilities allowing greater impact. We are always looking for different non-profits to support.
I grew up in Pengilly and attended the Nashwauk Keewatin schools where I met my husband Tom. We have three grown children, two of whom live in the area, and eight grandchildren. My husband and I are both retired. I enjoy sewing, reading, traveling and spending time with my family. I joined the Nashwauk Area Community Fund in 2012 as a way of giving back to my community. What I didn't know was how passionate I would become about this fund! Imagine a fund that gives back to the community forever! rgangl@nashwaukfund.org
Ben DeNucci, a fourth generation Iron Ranger, is a small business owner and serves as an Itasca County Commissioner. He is the former Mayor of Nashwauk and president of the Nashwauk Police Commission. Ben earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Facilities Management with a Minor in Business from North Dakota State University. Prior to owning his own businesses, he worked in facilities management for 15 years spending 9 years in hospital facilities management. Ben serves on the Board of Directors for the Nashwauk Library, Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency, Kootasca Community Action, Itasca Citizens Action Panel, Northeast Minnesota HOME Consortium, Regional Solid Waste Task Force, Grand Village Nursing Home, Itasca County DFL, St. Louis County DFL, Northern Counties Land Use Board, Laurentian RC&D, and Arrowhead Procare. He is a member of the Itasca Area Community Education Regional Advisory Council, Itasca County Health and Human Services Advisory Board, Association of Minnesota Counties - District Two Vice Chair, Range Riders ATV Club, Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees, Nashwauk Volunteer Fire Relief, Nashwauk Fire Rescue (volunteer fire fighter/first responder), University of Minnesota Humphrey School Commission on the Aging Work Force and 2017-2018 University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs Policy Fellow. bdenucci@nashwaukfund.org
I grew up in Nashwauk and attended N-K schools. I am a partner in Nashwauk Hank and Ironman Concrete Pumping. I am also involved with the Nashwauk Area Chamber of Commerce and the Ben Watson Pediatric Cancer Foundation. I am married and have 3 children and 4 wonderful grandsons. bvoigt@nashwaukfund.org
I grew up in Buck Lake, graduating from Nashwauk-Keewatin High School and Bemidji State University. I have worked in the banking industry for 20 years, presently working for Security State Bank of Hibbing. My wife and I have two children who are very involved in their schools and community. I am also involved in the Nashwauk-Keewatin Youth Baseball organization and Nashwauk-Keewatin Girls Youth Basketball program. This is my second separate time on the board and I look forward to being part of this fantastic organization. aclusiau@nashwaukfund.org
I have lived in Nashwauk all of my 60 years. My wife, Julie, also is a graduate of N-K. Ours sons: Joe, Tim and Jeremy graduated from N-K and Joe’s wife Rachel did as well. We have three grandchildren: Lily, Mara and Henry. They all attend Keewatin Elementary. We all are proud of our community and share in various groups. I believe in the community fund and am inspired by the dedication of my fellow board members. sdasovich@nashwaukfund.org
I grew up in Nashwauk and am a third generation graduate of Nashwauk-Keewatin School. After high school I went to HCC for a year and went on to work at Merchants and Miners State Bank for 10 years. When I married my husband Wayne, I moved to the metropolis of Pengilly where we raised our three children ~ Terry, Tommy and Travis. I became a ‘stay at home mom’ and now my children are all adults. I have many interests, including crafting, crocheting, beading, reading and volunteering! I have volunteered in the past for many things including Catechism teacher for 12 years, Boy Scout Leader and Scout Master, The N-K Alumni and Friends Foundation (which just joined the Nashwauk Area Endowment Fund). I also served eight years on the Nashwauk-Keewatin School Board.
I am proud to tell people where I grew up. Nashwauk was such a great place to grow up! I am looking forward to volunteering with this great organization and giving back to our community. nroberts@nashwaukfund.org
Retired Educator, Business Owner
Nashwauk-Keewatin School District, SIM Supply
Board Experience
N-K Alumni & Friends Foundation
Educational Committees
Volunteer Experience
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food Shelf
Youth Coaching and Activities
Golf Tournament Organization and Sponsorship
My mission and passion in life have been to provide opportunities for others by creating connections to move in a positive meaningful direction. By being decisive and having the ability to balance “what needs to be done” with the difficulties of everyday life, it is my goal for individuals to attain their goals.
Recently retired from the Nashwauk -Keewatin School District, I have worn many hats. My whole career has been dedicated to helping others. I have served on committees which required me to follow budgets, yet maximizing each dollar spent. Being able to collaborate and to work toward what is best for others, is something I take great pride.
I was raised in Keewatin and have lived in this area my whole life. My husband Ron and I currently live in Goodland. Growing up in a small town has afforded me many experiences which are hard to obtain in large communities. By the same token, I want to provide experiences that are difficult to “come by” in a small town and serving on the Nashwauk Area Community Fund Board will allow me to accomplish this for others.
My undergraduate and graduate degrees (Elementary Education) are from Bemidji State University. My administrative license was obtained from St. Mary’s University. My technology license was acquired from Bethel University.
By initiating the formation of the NK Alumni & Friend’s Foundation I was able to “Pay It Forward.” I will carry this motto as a catalyst while serving on the Nashwauk Community Foundation Board. rsmith@nashwaukfund.org
Raised in Keewatin and a Nashwauk-Keewatin graduate. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, spent 19 years working for Woolworth’s in various cities. Purchased the Keewatin Sinclair convenience store in 1995 and moved back to my hometown. Helping support organizations and groups to enhance the area and its citizens is a great privilege. dkelly@nashwaukfund.org