Leadership and Staff
The IFO takes great pride in being a grassroots led organization. IFO leadership and staff support the union's efforts to implement strategies to protect academic freedom, promote equity and inclusion initiatives, advocate on matters affecting your wages and retirement, and ensure that high-quality state university education continues to be accessible and affordable.
Below, you will find details and contact information for the talented IFO leadership and staff.
IFO President
President Jenna Chernega
President Chernega has previously served as the Faculty Association President at Winona State University, IFO Academic Affairs Coordinator, and Co-Chair of the IFO Government Relations Committee. Jenna has been a faculty member in the Sociology department at Winona State since 2007.
chernega@ifo.org
(651) 227-8442 ext. 19
Contract Enforcement, Legal, and Equity Staff
Patrice arseneault
Legal/Labor Relations
Patrice Arseneault has represented faculty since 1998. Pat is responsible for contract interpretation and oversees contract enforcement. She also staffs the Negotiations Team and is the staff liaison to the IFO Feminist Issues and Contingent Appointments Committees.
Her involvement in contract negotiations and enforcement has made Pat an expert in interpretation and enforcement of the IFO contract.
Pat graduated from William Mitchell College of Law in 1990. Before her employment with the IFO, Pat served as General Counsel for Graphic Communications International Union, Local 1B, where she processed hundreds of grievances and participated in grievance mediation and contract negotiations.
arsen@ifo.org
Cell: (952) 367-7951
KAthryn engdahl
Legal/Labor & Equity OFFICEr
Kathryn Engdahl joined the IFO in January 2014, working on grievance and equity matters, and system employment policies and procedures. At the IFO, Kathryn brings to bear her vast knowledge and experience in discrimination law in representing faculty on equity matters. Kathryn has represented workers and labor unions for over 30 years. Before the IFO, Kathryn was a partner at an employment and labor law firm, representing labor unions and individual employees in discrimination matters.
Kathryn worked as a public school teacher before attending William Mitchell College of Law, graduating in 1985. She has been certified by the Minnesota State Bar Association as a Labor and Employment Law Specialist since 2011.
Kathryn’s areas of emphasis at the IFO are equity and discrimination issues and review of system-wide policies and procedures affecting faculty working conditions. Kathryn also is responsible for contract enforcement and serves as staff liaison to the LGBTQ+ Issues Committee and Disabilities Advocacy Committee.
engdahl@ifo.org
(651) 227-8442 ext. 17
Richard kaspari
Benefits & Equity Representative
Richard (“Dick”) Kaspari brings more than thirty years of legal experience representing unions, employees, and non-profit organizations to his work on behalf of the IFO and its members. In addition to other legal and strategic work, Dick serves as the IFO’s primary advocate and advisor on matters involving retirement benefits and salary equity.
Dick received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his law degree from the University of Minnesota. He and his spouse, Carla Kjellberg, live in Minneapolis, where they are active in several community organizations.
kaspari@ifo.org
(651) 227-8442 ext. 26
tiffany maris
Administrative Manager & Executive Assistant to the President
Tiffany started in her paralegal position with the IFO in 2005. As a valued member of the IFO’s legal team, Tiffany tracks and maintains grievance files and provides legal research and other support services, and works with the Negotiating Team.
Tiffany came to the IFO from US Bancorp where she worked as a paralegal/legal records coordinator. She earned her B.A. summa cum laude, double-majoring in Cultural Anthropology and American Indian studies from the University of Minnesota and is a 2003 graduate of Hamline University School of Law.
Tiffany assists campus grievance officers and also supports the Negotiations Team.
maris@ifo.org
(651) 227-8442 ext. 13
Public Affairs Staff
Jonathan Bohn
Director of Public affairs
Jonathan Bohn draws on almost twenty years of experience in government and media relations to develop sound strategies to advocate for faculty. In the halls of the Capitol, Jonathan is regarded as a well-connected advocate who has worked on a variety of issues leading to legislative victories.
Before joining the IFO, Jonathan served as director of government and system relations for the organization representing Minnesota State University students. In addition, he has worked as a public affairs consultant for several nonprofits, trade associations, and corporations.
Jonathan earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Hamline University.
bohn@ifo.org
(651) 227-8442 ext. 20
Membership Staff
galloway@ifo.org
(651) 227-8442 ext. 16
Donna blake
Controller & Membership Coordinator
Donna Blake has twenty plus years of Accounting experience and has given the IFO outstanding audit reports. She has also excelled at producing accurate budgets for the organization, implementing cost savings where applicable and maintaining an accurate membership database so that faculty get accurate and timely deductions taken from their paychecks. She is always vigilant in looking for ways to cut costs and lower expenses.
Prior to joining the IFO, Donna served for over seven years as Controller for two different public companies and sharpened her accounting skills while producing outstanding audit reports.
Donna earned her first bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Minnesota. She also earned a second bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Metropolitan State University. She lives in Apple Valley and enjoys spending time with her seven grandchildren.
blake@ifo.org
(651) 227-8442 ext. 12
Equity and Inclusion Staff
Anne Fischhaber
Equity & Inclusion
Co-coordinator
Anne is a faculty member in the English department at St. Cloud State University.
Shoumik Bhattacharya
equity & inclusion
co-coordinator
Shoumik is a Professor at Metro State University.
Academic Affairs Staff
Aureliano Desoto
ifo academic affairs coordinator
Aureliano is an Associate Professor and Department Chair in the Ethnic and Religious Studies Department at Metro State University.
barbara holmes
ifo academic affairs
special project coordinator
Barbara is a faculty member at Winona State University.
IFO Negotiations
Amy Fredin
Lead negotiator
Amy is a Professor of Accounting at St. Cloud State University.