Meet the 2026 Copper Shores Board and Committee members

In addition to the full and part-time staff that keep day to day operations running smoothly, Copper Shores Community Health Foundation is privileged to be guided and supported by the community-minded individuals, business owners, educators, local leaders and change makers that serve on the Board of Directors and various Committees.

Board of Directors

Directors advise Copper Shores’ administrative staff, oversee committee activities, and vote on matters regarding the long-term operations and responsible growth of Copper Shores.

• Bernadette Yeoman-Ouellette - Chair
• Brent Peterson - Vice Chair
• Eli Karttunen - Treasurer
• Ann Clancy-Klemme - Secretary
• Michele Blau
• James Bobula
• Tommy Gilpin
• Jamey Markham
• Savanna Rivest
• Nick Roberts
• Guy St. Germain

The Foundation’s newest Director is Nick Roberts, a City of Houghton police officer with more than 32 years of service, including the last 18 as a Lieutenant. Roberts has spent his career working with community programs, helping protect victims of crime, aiding people experiencing mental health issues and supporting those with emergency needs. As a former board member for Dial Help and current board member of Community Action Agency and Copper Country Mental Health, Roberts has proven to be a natural fit as a Copper Shores Director. Over the years, Roberts has been involved in a number of community education initiatives, including his current work as a Red Cross and Behavioral Health Emergency Partnership Training instructor.

“I’m very happy to be a member of Copper Shores’ Board because their mission aligns so much with the areas that I think are vitally important,” said Roberts. “I’m excited to be a part of the organization, and to help them with their goals to move forward and expand.”

Executive Committee

As the leadership of the Board of Directors, the members of the Executive Committee advise Directors on matters brought before the Board for voting and decision making.

• Brent Peterson - Chair
• Ann Clancy-Klemme
• Eli Karttunen
• Bernadette Yeoman-Ouellette

Donor and Community Relations Committee

The Donor and Community Relations Committee provides guidance to the Marketing and Donor Relations department on event coordination and community member outreach, cultivates individual and institutional donors, and creates plans for fund development and annual integrated communications.

• Bernadette Yeoman-Ouellette - Chair
• Molly Mikesch
• John Oberdick
• Savanna Rivest
• Bruce Rukkila

Finance and Investment Committee

The Finance Committee reviews and approves all payables and receivables; develops, reviews and makes recommendations for annual budgets; monitors financial performance and oversees the investments and financial assets; ensures appropriate internal controls, financial policies and procedures are in place; and provides guidance to the Board as needed.

• Eli Karttunen - Chair
• Michele Blau
• Sheila Milligan
• John Oberdick
• Brent Peterson
• Alex Roy (new!)
• Guy St. Germain

Grants Management Committee

The Grants Management Committee advises the Grants Manager on all outgoing grants and scholarships from Copper Shores, reviews all grant and scholarship applications, and votes to select grant and scholarship recipients.

• Ann Clancy-Klemme - Chair
• Michele Blau
• James Bobula
• Jon Leinonen
• Guy St. Germain
• Sam Tidwell
• Bernadette Yeoman-Ouellette

Bridges Steering Committee

The Bridges Steering Committee, made up of community leaders, educators and graduates of Copper Shores Bridges, guides Bridges program staff on the efficacy of program operations; ensures Bridges is accessible and welcoming to all participants; and builds awareness, understanding, partnerships and trust within the community.

• Nick Roberts - Chair
• Alysa Cherubini-Sutinen
• Amanda Clouthier
• Robert LaFave
• Michael Messner
• Curt Pennala
• Jeff Ratcliffe
• Joshua Saarinen
• Heather Store

Multidisciplinary Team

The Multidisciplinary Team, comprised of local mental health professionals, law enforcement officers, CPS agents, prosecutors, forensic interviewers, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners and Victim Advocates, reviews each case at the Child Advocacy Center, advises Copper Shores Victim Support on best practices, and continually refines the interview process to ensure children and families receive comprehensive, individualized support.

• Virginia Lambert
• Ayla LaRoe
• Kristine Martens
• Kim Green
• Leslie Griffith
• Carrie Sullivan
• Melissa Helppi
• Courtney Darcy
• Nonie Riutta
• Charlie Klein
• Jeremy Cleary
• Tammi Sleeman
• John Donnelly
• Jason Meneguzzo
• Daniel Helmer
• Hilary Baker

Elder Nutrition Committee

The Elder Nutrition Committee advises Copper Shores Meals on Wheels in decisions regarding the expansion of services to more seniors across Houghton County.

• Michael Lydon
• Carol Korpela
• Drew Cramer
• Jared Howard

Outgoing Directors

The Foundation thanks Jim Kotajarvi for his time and talents serving on the board, and wishes him well on his next endeavor.

Joining the Board and Committees

All Copper Shores Board and Committee members give their time and skills without compensation. If you are interested in applying to become a Director or Committee member, visit the Join the Board page on the Copper Shores website.