Board Members

Ari Lyksett

Ari Lyksett is the Chief Communications Officer for Carver County. Lyksett has over a decade of experience in communications, serving non-profits and government agencies throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. She has worked in similar roles, more recently, at the City of Chanhassen, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, and Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. She has a passion for teaching all things government communications, serving as the Digital Media Specialist for the Youth in Government Program.

Ashley Klemer

Ashley is the City of Bloomington’s main writer and photographer, responsible for producing and editing content for two monthly newsletters, annual reports, press releases and the occasional social media post. She’s passionate about showing the human side of local government and making connections between communities through storytelling.

Ashley has a BA in english literature from the University of Minnesota—Duluth. She is a trained ToPs facilitator. Ashley has also served on the MAGC Northern Lights Committee for four years and the communications committee for three years before joining the board. 

Ben Hayle

Ben Hayle is currently the Communications Manager for the City of Blaine. Ben has been with Blaine since 2018 after spending 14 years in community television as a news anchor and producer.

Ben’s responsibilities in Blaine include overseeing the organization’s internal and external communications strategy and content. Additionally, Ben provides communications related guidance to the Blaine City Council, Blaine Police Department, Blaine emergency management team, and the City’s senior management team.

Ben has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Communications from Bethel University.

Joe Sheeran

Joe has been in the communications and media relations field for more than two decades. He currently serves as the communications manager for the City of Maplewood. Joe started his career as a reporter in Sioux Falls, SD, with stops in Wichita, KS and Delaware.

He also has experience with nonprofits, as communications director of Minnesota 2020 and the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association. Joe is also a board member of Fusion Learning Partners, a nonprofit that works with governments and nonprofits to advance IT excellence.

Carolyn Marinan

Carolyn Marinan is the chief public relations officer for Hennepin County. She has worked in communications in the county since 1998. Previously Carolyn spent nearly 20 years in television news and promotion at WCCO TV, KSTP TV and KARE 11. She’s done talk radio and produced and hosted a local travel show on TPT. Her numerous awards include a New York Film Festival award, Telly Awards, Best of Gannett and AP. Carolyn serves on the National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) Board of Directors.

Carolyn graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BA in speech-communication. She remains involved with mentoring students at the University of Minnesota along with being active in the Hennepin University Partnership. She lends her time as well to other worthwhile causes in need of communications and public relations.

Don Gore

Don Gore is the Plain Language Program Coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Revenue. He leads an award-winning team ensuring Revenue communication is easily understood in person, in correspondence, and online. He’s been writing and editing for plain language since 2013, teaching and creating writing, editing, and presenting classes since 2018. Don is a communications veteran, with over 30 years experience in the field, including public speaking, event hosting, and broadcasting.
 

Brad Phenow

Brad Phenow joined the City of Faribault as the Communications Manager in May 2017 and manages the various City social media accounts and City webpage. As the only communications employee within the City, he leads all communications and engagement efforts and often finds himself assisting other departments finding new ways the market the City. Brad is passionate about humanizing government and getting community members involved.

Prior to joining local government, he worked as a reporter for Wisconsin Public Radio before joining the Faribault Daily News as the regional editor.

Brad holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from University of Wisconsin-Superior, where he also played hockey. Brad has served on the MAGC Northern Lights Committee and often leads informational sessions on improving accessibility in local government.

Mike Lindsay

Mike Lindsay is a Senior Communications Specialist for Carver County Public Works, where he leads strategic communications for highway, roadway, and park projects across the county. His work focuses on clear, accessible, and equitable public communication that helps residents, businesses, and community partners understand complex infrastructure projects and stay meaningfully engaged. Mike coordinates messaging with city and state officials, and advises staff and consultants on communications best practices.

With more than a decade of experience in public-sector communications, Mike has held roles spanning government relations, community engagement, and digital media. He previously spent six years with Ramsey County supporting information and public records communications with an emphasis on equity-driven outreach and community storytelling. Mike has been deeply involved with the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators, previously serving as President as well as a board member and Northern Lights Awards Committee co-chair.

Beyond his professional work, Mike brings a unique perspective shaped by large-scale event operations, higher education leadership, and officiating. He serves on the RAGBRAI support crew, assisting with logistics and on-route safety for one of the nation’s largest cycling events, and has officiated soccer, futsal, and volleyball at regional and national levels. Earlier experience in higher education administration and student affairs continues to inform his collaborative, people-centered approach to communication.

Sarah Haugen

Sarah Haugen is the Communications and Grant Coordinator for the City of West St. Paul. Her focus is on crafting effective messaging and graphics in all print and digital communications, securing grants, and ensuring that the community stays connected and informed.

Before transitioning to the government sector in 2022, Sarah spent 5 years in non-profit communications and development, helping organizations with limited resources amplify their voices and secure vital funding. She also has over 10 years of experience in the service industry, where she developed a passion for customer service excellence and a strong understanding of business operations.

Sarah has a B.A. from Augsburg University, where she majored in Studio Art with an emphasis in Graphic Design and minored in Business Administration.

Fun fact: Sarah once got to sing backup with a group for Barry Manilow at the Xcel Energy Center.

Katie Bengtson

Katie joined the City of Mendota Heights as communications coordinator in 2022, having previously served as senior communications coordinator with the City of Eden Prairie for more than 14 years. She has more than 23 years of experience in communications, marketing and public relations, having worked in retail and restaurant marketing prior to joining the government communications field in 2007.

Katie holds a Master’s Degree in strategic communication from the University of Minnesota, a Bachelor’s Degree in education from St. Cloud State University, and she is accredited by the International Association of Business Communicators. Katie served as a Public Information Officer with the Minn. All-Hazards Incident Management Team and volunteers as a family support specialist with Backing the Blue Line: Police Wives of Minnesota.

Elizabeth Gass

Liz Gass is a communications professional who brings a Greater Minnesota perspective to her work and board service. She specializes in clear, people-first communication and enjoys helping organizations connect with their communities in meaningful and accessible ways.

With a background in marketing strategy and digital communications, Liz is especially interested in how thoughtful messaging and inclusive practices can strengthen trust and engagement across communities of all sizes. As a board member, she values collaboration, practical problem-solving and ensuring voices across Minnesota are heard.

Liz holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and a Master's in Business Administration from Western Governors University.