Join the SUPC Board of Directors! Our election is coming up in August!
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jacob Southworth (he/him)
Joined in 2021, Subdistrict C
Why I joined
I joined because I like being helpful
Fun Fact
I was the kicker on my high school football team
Favorite District Park
Carty Park
SUPC Board Chair
Jason Shiggs
Joined in 2018, Subdistrict D
Why I joined
To be able to voice opinions that reflect the values of my neighbors in regards to the nonprofit, public, and private investments in District 8, early in the discovery and development phase of any major project
Favorite District Park
Boyd Park
SUPC Vice Board Chair
Jo Ann Buckholz (she/hers)
Joined in 2019, Member at large
Why I joined
I wanted to get involved in the community and learn more about the neighborhood and the decisions being made that affect it
Fun Fact
I am originally from the East Coast and have been in Minnesota for 20 years
Favorite District Business
Nina's Coffee Shop
SUPC Treasurer
Melissa Bear (she/hers)
Joined in 2023, Organization Representative
Why I joined
I wanted to get involved in the neighborhood and get to know people after moving here
Fun Fact
My first car was a 1977 Camaro with glass packs
Favorite Local Business
Red Cow
SUPC Board Secretary
Mercedes Yarbrough (she/hers)
Joined in 2023, Subdistrict B
Why I joined
I live in the neighborhood and am actively engaged
Fun Fact
I am a mom to 4 boys; I made 5 comic books
Favorite District Business
825 Arts
SUPC Communications Chair
Felicia Perry (she/hers)
Joined in 2024, Organization Representative
Why I joined
To represent the Rondo Community Land Trust and support efforts that prioritize equity, affordability, and community wealth-building
Fun Fact
I named my bike “Zuri Nyla Sage” and I’m on a mission to ride 500 miles in 2025
Favorite District Business
Golden Thyme Restaurant & Bar
SUPC Neighborhood Development Committee Chair
Phil Hague (he/him)
Joined in 2021, Member at large
Why I joined
I was new to Minnesota after having been part of community organizations in Chicago. I wanted to meet more of my neighbors and make a deeper commitment to strengthen our vibrant Summit-University community.
Fun Fact
I have a woodshop and am learning to make bowls on my lathe
Favorite District Business
Cheng Heng Restaurant
SUPC Community Improvement and Safety Committee Chair
Chelsey Smith (she/hers)
Joined in 2025, Subdistrict F
Why I joined
To get more involved with St. Paul and put my energy towards improving our community in small, but meaningful ways
Fun Fact
I owned a cupcake shop when I lived in Chicago
Favorite District Business
ONX + Amelia (yoga studio)
Tim Sheehan (he/him)
Joined in 2025, Subdistrict C
Why I joined
I wanted to be able to show my daughter that being involved in the community is about being proactive and creating involvement and buy-in from everyone
Fun Fact
I was an Executive Chef for 20 years and have taught crossfit for the last 11 years. Now I am a fulltime Realtor with The Odd Couple Team
Favorite District Park
Carty Park
Kirsten Spreck
Subdistrict E
Sharon Schwarz
Subdistrict F
Our Staff
Jens Werner (she/hers)
Executive Director
Fun Facts
I am also a face painter, and I occasionally paint at community events!
I play the guitar, ukulele, and the jaw harp.
I love meeting neighbors 1 on 1 to chat about neighborhood issues!
ABOUT THE SUMMIT-UNIVERSITY PLANNING COUNCIL
Our Mission:
The SUPC Board of Directors is made up of neighborhood residents and organizations that work within our community. We promote an enlightened, active constituency by providing information and conducting forums that enable residents to address issues that affect them. We advise the City of Saint Paul on zoning and city plans as they affect our district.
Our Vision:
Summit-University (District 8) will be a strong, vital community that celebrates its diverse residents, businesses, and housing.