Board of Directors
The Bluenose Gopher Public House Board of Directors is made up of seven patron members that are appointed or elected by the cooperative's member-owners. The public house is a cooperative. As such, there is no owner. We are run by a Board that is made up entirely of volunteers who take no pay for acting in a board capacity.
Kris McCoy, Chair
Kris McCoy was born and raised in Clarkfield, MN. He attended Hamline University in St. Paul, MN after living in San Diego, CA and Sao Paulo, Brazil for many years. He began spending part of the year back on the family farm in Clarkfield in 2014. In 2019, he made the farm his permanent home.
Kris has worked in insurance industry for over 30 years and is an Underwriting Supervisor for Alliant Underwriting Solutions where he manages national specialty property/casualty insurance programs. He remembers the area bars and ballrooms of the past where live music was a regular feature and loves that part of the Bluenose Mission. He enjoys the outdoors, gardening and entertaining friends.Along with his wife, Ayla Almeida, they are “parents” to 2 dogs, Olli and Shotzy.
Board Member since 2023.
Kate Hegna, Records Officer
Kate is a Granite Falls native and moved back to the area with her husband, Karl, in 2017. She works as a Physician Assistant at the local clinic. In her free time, she enjoys running after her two young children and golden retriever (her fur baby).
She has always loved the welcoming atmosphere of Bluenose and appreciates that it is family friendly. She is passionate about the success of Bluenose and the important role it plays in the community. She wants to see the co-op succeed and thrive for many years to come.
Board Member since 2023.
Karl Hegna, Director of Operations
Karl grew up in Granite Falls and has lived in Minneapolis and Milwaukee. In 2017, he and his wife, Kate, moved back to their hometown. They have two kids and enjoy spending time in the family-friendly atmosphere of Bluenose.
By day, Karl's a mechanical engineer who loves problem-solving and embraces the "fail fast" philosophy. He believes in quick experiments, adapting swiftly, and finding what works, which he hopes to apply as a board member at Bluenose. His goal? To boost Bluenose's profits and customer base by focusing on data-driven decisions and operational efficiency.
Board Member since 2023.
Stan Sebring, Vice Chair
Stan was raised in Granite Falls, MN and attended the Granite Falls campus of Minnesota West Community & Technical College, graduating in 2013. He recently moved back to Granite Falls in 2022 after living in Sioux Falls, SD for 8 years. In his free time, Stan enjoys spending time with his friends, family, and girlfriend, playing video games, hiking on local trails, and taking part in events that the community has to offer.
Stan has worked in the customer experience and technology field for 10 years. With a passion for helping others by going above and beyond the status quo, the opportunities at Bluenose piqued his interest. He’s committed to doing his part to help ensure the growth and success of Bluenose Gopher in our community.
Board Member since 2023.
Kyle Haugen, Financial Officer
Kyle grew up in nearby Clara City, MN and moved back in June 2017. He has also lived in Mankato, MN and most recently in the Glenwood/Brooten area. Kyle studied accountancy at Ridgewater College and has been with the Audit Department of Citizens Alliance Bank since 2011, currently serving as the Internal Audit Supervisor. Kyle brings knowledge of financial tracking and reporting, corporate governance, internal controls and regulatory compliance.
Kyle appreciates a good craft beer and the community events that breweries and taprooms promote, such as music, art, and the celebration of all things local. A lifelong lover of music, Kyle tries to take in as many live shows as possible. He also enjoys spending time with his family, especially his very active 14-year old daughter. In his down time Kyle is an avid reader and enjoys gaming with his friends.
Board Member since 2017
Zach Koepke, Director of Marketing
Zach grew up in Granite Falls, MN. Zach went to college at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN where he studied education. He has been an educator for eight years and currently teaches in Montevideo, MN. In his free time, Zach enjoys digital design & editing, shooting sports photography, spending time with friends and family, and trying to catch up on his back catalog of TV & movie series.
Zach wants to see local businesses and co-ops be successful in small communities. They are what help make communities thrive and grow.
Board Member since 2023.
Former Board Members
Tim Beckmann
Glen Gelhar
Mary Gillespie (2014-2019)
Jessica Gorman
Andrew Hodny (2014-2019)
Doug Jans
Ryan Meehan
Sarina Otaibi (2014-2022)
Dave Willander (2018-2022)
Terry Willander (2022)
Julie Perry
Carrie Speh
Mary Lee
Melissa Peterson
Dave Delong
Richard Hermanson