Tim Connell of Luverne Elected to Southwest Initiative Foundation Board of Directors

Source: Southwest Initiative Foundation 01/12/2012

(Jan. 12, 2012) —Tim Connell of Luverne was recently elected to the Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) Board of Directors.

“Tim has a strong passion for his community and a perspective that makes him an excellent addition to our Board of Directors,” said SWIF President/CEO Sherry Ristau. “Through his experience as a judge, Tim brings important knowledge and insight about the needs of people in our communities and region. He is committed to southwest Minnesota and, along with the entire board, will help steer our organization in a direction that best serves our region.”

Connell is a retired judge of the Fifth Judicial District, Rock County, Luverne, Minn. He was appointed by former Gov. Rudy Perpich on June 30, 1987. Connell is a high school graduate of Luverne High School, has a B.A. in Humanities from St. John’s University and received his Juris Doctor Degree from William Mitchell College of Law in 1976. Connell was in private practice for 11 years before being appointed judge. He is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association.

Connell is very active in the Luverne community, serving as chair of the Rock County Children’s Justice Initiative and Rock County Collaborative 6-12 Work Team. He is also active in various civic groups including his church, Rotary Club, Rock County Community Education Board and many others.

Connell resides in Luverne with his wife, Connie. They have three adult children.

In addition to Connell, the SWIF Board of Directors includes Chair William McCormack, Marshall; Past Chair Sandy Ludeman, Tracy; Vice Chair Robert Saunders, Bird Island; Secretary Gary Geiger, Willmar; Treasurer Janice Nelson, Montevideo; Marcy Costello, Lakefield; Connie VanDerBill Medin, Spicer; H. Cris Remucal, MD, Hutchinson; Jim Kuel, Slayton; and Robert Thurston, Olivia.

The Southwest Initiative Foundation is a regional community foundation dedicated to advancing southwest Minnesota through leadership, relationship building, program development and philanthropy. The Foundation has contributed more than $54 million through its grant and loan programs in southwest Minnesota. It has also helped more than 525 businesses start or expand through its business finance programs, which have created or retained more than 8,000 jobs. The Southwest Initiative Foundation is an equal opportunity provider. To learn more, visit www.swifoundation.org.