My wife, Molly Reinemann, and I joined the UUFM in February of 2023, so I am not a long-time member. That said, I feel that we both have found a real “forever home” with the Unitarian Universalists. We are both attracted to the welcoming, inclusive atmosphere of UUFM and we appreciate the diversity and openness of the community at UUFM and feel more welcomed and engaged than we have in any previous congregation, and we appreciate that very much.

We relocated to the Mankato-St. Peter area to be closer to family after leaving my long-term in career in the Twin Cities, where I worked as a regulatory consultant supporting large-scale energy infrastructure projects. Since moving to our adopted home I have devoted a tremendous amount of time and energy to alleviating human suffering with American Red Cross disaster responses program, working across the Country to provide aid and comfort to those affected by disasters. I am currently a senior level operational planner, developing plans and budgets for all manner of National disaster responses while still serving locally to respond to single family fires and local disasters in Southern Minnesota. I also have a hobby-job at a local hardware store, where I help to teach high-school kids how to be employable and how to view relatively simple, entry level retail work as a chance to serve others and learn about themselves.

My goal in this position is to use my experience and knowledge to advance the mission of the UUFM and to broaden UUFM’s reach and impact in the Mankato area.