SLCHS Welcomes New Board Members

Strategic Planning Committee

At its 104^th annual meeting on April 21 at the St. Louis County Depot, the St. Louis County Historical Society welcomed three new Board of Governors members: Beth Pierce, Jeff Anderson, and Faith Wickenhauser. 

The Society is completing a strategic planning process to shape a new museum visitor experience at the Depot, strengthen connections across St. Louis County, and secure a permanent home for its nearly 14,000 artifacts. 

The Society also thanked departing board members Karen Keenan, Tim McLoughlin, and Leone Graf for their service, including work on the strategic planning committee. 

“Beth, Jeff, and Faith are well-suited to help lead the Society into its next chapter,” said Executive Director Wayne Gannaway, who joined the Society in February 2025. 

Jeffrey Wencl, President of the Board of Governors, added: “We’re fortunate to have a high-caliber board, and these new members further strengthen an already exceptional group. With the strong leadership of our Executive Director and the dedicated work of our staff over the past year, the Society is well-positioned to advance its strategic priorities and enhance the role of the St. Louis County Depot as a center for community connection.” 

Jeff Anderson is a public affairs strategist and business leader with experience in government and the private sector. An Ely native and Minnesota Army National Guard veteran, he has served as President of the Duluth City Council and as District Director for U.S. Representative Rick Nolan. His background includes communications and media, and he is a co-owner of regional businesses, including the Boat Club Restaurant & Bar and the Vanilla Bean Restaurant.  

Beth Pierce, Executive Director of Discover the Range, brings experience in community building, strategic planning, and nonprofit leadership. A Hibbing resident, she represents the region through groups including the Explore Minnesota Tourism Council and the Minnesota Tourism Association and is eager to support SLCHS through grant writing and collaborative development. 

Faith Wickenhauser is an HR consultant with Terch & Associates and a SHRM-Certified Professional with expertise in employee relations, compliance, and organizational administration. After earning her MBA at the University of Minnesota Duluth, she has served the community through roles including Youth Representative for the City of Duluth and leadership within the Society for Human Resource Management. She is especially drawn to the Society’s preservation mission and its connection to the region’s Indigenous communities. 

Learn more at https://www.thehistorypeople.org/board-of-governors or email history@thehistorypeople.org.