Governor’s Office Announces Board Reappointments

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan reappointed two board members to Minnesota Housing, John DeCramer (member and chair) and Terri Thao (member). Both reappointments are effective as of July 3, 2024 and expire January 3, 2028. 

John DeCramer lives in Marshall and is retired from BH Electronics, Inc., a Minnesota company that designs and manufactures high frequency magnetic components. He has considerable community service experience. John served as a member of the Marshall City Council, with liaison roles to the Marshall municipal utility and Marshall economic development authority. He also served on the United Community Action board, a southwest Minnesota nonprofit community organization. John was designated as Chair by Governor Dayton in January 2015 and reappointed by Governor Walz in 2020 and 2024.

Terri Thao serves as program director of the Local Initiatives and Opportunities program at the Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies (MACP) where she leads MACP’s local giving efforts, supports other targeted grant portfolios, and works across domains with several long-term MACP grantee partners. Terri has over 15 years of experience in the fields of community economic development, leadership development and community-engaged grantmaking. Prior to joining MACP, Terri led the Twin Cities adaptation of the Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute (BCLI) at Twin Cities intermediary organization Nexus Community Partners. She has served on several local nonprofit, philanthropic and public boards including Neighborhood House, Asian Economic Development Association, F.R. Bigelow Foundation and City of St. Paul Planning Commission. Terri was first appointed to the board of Minnesota Housing by Governor Mark Dayton in 2016 and reappointed by Governor Walz in 2020 and 2024. 

Minnesota Housing is the state’s housing finance agency. The agency finances housing that low- and moderate-income Minnesotans can afford while helping Minnesotans buy and fix up their homes. 

Along with fostering strong communities, Minnesota Housing provides resources to stabilize neighborhoods, communities and families. The agency works cooperatively with partner organizations to support the development and preservation of affordable rental housing. 

The Minnesota Housing board ensures the agency's independence when making decisions and maintaining financial assets. The board is composed of the state auditor and six members of the public appointed by the governor with advice and consent of the Senate. 

The Minnesota Housing board meets at least once a month, typically the last Thursday of each month. Meetings are open to the public. More information about the board members, meetings and materials can be found on the Board of Directors webpage.