Executive and Management Staff

Ramona L. Wilson, Executive Director

Ramona Wilson is the recently named Executive Director of Freeport, a not for profit organization serving homeless youth in Minneapolis. Ramona was born and raised in St. Paul.  She’s a committed professional, mentor of youth and community leader.  She’s received numerous awards and recognition for her efforts and outreach.

Ramona’s career includes two decades with Xcel Energy (NSP) in a variety of positions including IT, community relations and as the Manager of the Supplier Diversity program.  In this role, Ramona was named “Top 100 Women Impacting Supplier Diversity.” Additionally, she received awards and recognition from the Twin Cities Business Journal (Minority Advocate Award) and the Minnesota Minority Supplier Development Council. 

Ramona is a dedicated community servant. She has served on various non-profit boards including, but non limited to: Minnesota Minority Supplier Development Council, National Minority Supplier Development Council, Mothers United and West Broadway Business Association.  She is a youth mentor and volunteers her services for low-income residents with their annual tax preparations. 

Ramona is a graduate of Concordia University; she received her marketing degree from the college.  She has pursued other higher education earning certificates in project management and community relations at St. Thomas University and Boston College respectively. 

Ramona has been married for 23 years to her high school sweetheart Steve.  They have 2 sons, Steve and Marcus.  Ramona and Steve are foster parents.

Dorothy Abellard, Communications Coordinator

Dorothy Abellard joins Freeport after working at American Express Financial Advisors for nearly 13 years.  Dorothy feels strongly committed to the values of the non profit sector and is excited to put her educational background of Sociology and Black Studies to work for Freeport.  Dorothy also brings her knowledge of customer service and skills as a compliance analyst to the table as she will continue to develop Freeport’s internal and external communications and marketing elements.

Dorothy served on the Twin Cities Juneteenth Board for three years and is an avid volunteer in her community.

LaJuan McIntyre, Manager - Organizational Development

LaJuan joined Freeport in July 2008.  LaJuan was formally employed with Ameriprise Financial Inc. where she worked in the Asset Management Compliance department.  She holds a Masters in Organizational Leadership from Bethel University.  LaJuan is also a former Board Member of Freeport West.

George Kressin, Clinical Director

George has been with Freeport since 1983.  As the Clinical Director, George ensures Agency programs and staff have the general social service skills, family work skills and systems information for compliance to achieve Freeport’s mission.

George’s career spans over 35 years in the professional field of marriage and family therapy and social work.  He is a Minnesota Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, as well as a Minnesota Licensed Independent Social Worker.  George is also an approved Supervisor in the state of Minnesota in marriage and family therapy and behavioral health and therapy.

George is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, where he completed his Bachelor of Science degree.  He has also attended Northwestern Lutheran Theological Seminary, where he received his Master of Divinity. 

John Nelson, Finance Director

John has accumulated 31 years of comprehensive experience and knowledge of business and taxation; he is a CPA.  At Freeport, John manages a $2.3 million budget and is responsible for overseeing the accounting department and financial reporting, as well as contract compliance.

Prior to his employment with Freeport West, John had his own accounting practice serving clients in non profit, governmental and corporate sectors with emphasis in audits, compilation of financial statements, tax returns, computer consultations and tax planning and system design and review.

John received his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Montana State in 1976 and his CPA designation in 1978. John’s personal interests and activities include being the treasurer of GRRC and he is active in its Juniors Program. The Junior’s Program has more than 30 participants and sends teams each year to Camp Perry to compete in national matches.   
 

Ann Lindquist, Freeport FamilyWorks and StreetWorks Manager

Ann began working with Freeport in 2001.  Ann supervises all FamilyWorks and StreetWorks staff and is responsible for program planning, evaluation and reporting.  Ann graduated from the University of Minnesota, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Relations.

Ann’s previous experience includes 10 years with YMCA, most recently as Youth Program Director, and Runaway and Homeless Youth Coalition representative.

Mark McNamer, Project SOLO Manager

Mark has been with Freeport since 2000.  As a Project SOLO Manager, he ensures goals and objectives of the BCP are met and he also oversees budget management of Project SOLO.  He is responsible for coordinating all components of the project and assuring quality programming. Mark graduated from the University of Minnesota, Morris, where he completed his Bachelor of Arts in Human Services.

Mark’s previous professional experience includes working at Project Foundation, Hennepin County Home School, Juvenile Corrections Officer, and Forest Ridge, Youth Services International (Y.S.I.).

Tamara Muhammad, Program Coordinator Freeport FamilyWorks Health and Wellness Program

Tamara is the Program Coordinator for the FamilyWorks Health and Wellness program.  She coordinates the Building Well Being with Fitness, Food and Fun program.  Her experience includes processing referrals from the county and client support. Prior to joining Freeport, Tamara worked in a correctional facility, providing direct services to inmates.