Bud Philbrook, JD, St. Paul, MN

Co-founder, Trustee, and Chairman Bud directs the organization's internal and external business and is Chairman of the Board. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, a Master's Degree in Public Affairs, and a Juris Doctor (Law). He has served as Deputy Undersecretary for USDA, as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, Assistant Commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, a government affairs consultant for Rural Ventures Corporation, and was in private law practice for 12 years. Bud has led dozens of Global Volunteers teams over 30 years.

Michele Gran, St. Paul, MN

Co-founder, Trustee Michele manages the organization's marketing strategy and external messages. She earned a Master's Degree in Liberal Studies/International Communications and a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism. Before joining the staff in 1990, she worked as a public relations consultant, and held communications manager positions at various departments in Minnesota State Government, and in non-profit organizations. Michele also has led over 40 Global Volunteers teams.

Sam Hanson, JD, Minneapolis, MN

Trustee Sam is a shareholder in the firm of Briggs and Morgan, Professional Association, and a member of the firm's board of directors. After serving on the Minnesota Court of Appeals for two years and the Minnesota Supreme Court for five years, he rejoined Briggs™ Business Litigation Section and Energy Law Group, and is a member of the firm's Appellate Practice Group. He is a former litigation section head and firm president. Sam practices principally in the areas of arbitration and mediation, complex civil litigation, appellate law and public utility regulation.

Sue Laxdal, Minneapolis, MN

Trustee Sue consults with corporations, governments and non-profits in participatory approaches to organization development, operational planning, transition management, management development and organization analysis. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and an Masters in Organization Development at Pepperdine University. Sue is a founding member of Minnesota Worldwide Women, Minnesota Facilitator's Network (MFN), International Association of Facilitators (IAF) and MSOD Alumni Network. Sue has been a volunteer or team leader on more than a dozen Global Volunteers programs.

Todd Lefko, Elk River, MN and Moscow, Russia 

Trustee Todd is President of International Business Development Company, an import-export firm, and writes for Rossiske Vesti, a Russian political newspaper and offers commentary for Rusya-Al Youm, the Russian Arabic Television channel for the Middle East. He has taught urban affairs, political science, international relations, political philosophy, political campaign management, leadership, organizational development and public administration and sociology at the university level, and has lectured at universities in Russia, China, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.

John Potter, New York, NY

Director John joined Overseas Private Investment Corporation(OPIC) early in his career, and became director of finance for South America. He joined American Express Bank, a subsidiary of American Express Company in the mid 1970s, working primarily in developing countries. For much of his career with "AMEX," he lived overseas, managing the company's regional offices. After retiring from American Express Bank, he continued on special assignments until the bank was sold. John has volunteered in Peru, Russia and Kazahkstan with Global Volunteers and has participated on Global Volunteers' CUBA Now! People-to-People Program.