Jessica Stolen, Vice Chair & Events Coordinator

Jessica grew up in the Granite Falls area and recently moved back. She’s the editor of three local newspapers and a fine art photographer. Having spent a lot of time around Bluenose over the last year she has seen how much everyone pours their heart and soul into Bluenose and wants to use her skills to help keep the Bluenose spirit thriving. Bluenose has been such an inspiration watching friendships form, watching musicians return to their love of music and meeting so many new people.

Board Member since 2024.

Brian-Paco Bertrand, Financial Officer

Born into a Navy family back in 1982, Brian-Paco (B-P, Paco, Brian) is a well traveled person that loves rural Southwest Minnesota. However, Paco has lived most of his life in Minnesota now.

After obtaining a General Studies Associate’s degree with a Concentration in Mathematics in Maryland, Brian-Paco got a Bachelor’s degree from Southwest Minnesota State University.

A poet in the world, Brian-Paco is an open mic performer and well known figure from Marshall to Sioux Falls, SD to Willmar and Granite Falls.

B-P lives in Marshall and became Bluenose member #373 in 2023. When collecting ideas to keep the cooperative running after closure in 2025, Brian-Paco came up with a presentation “Sustaining a Cooperative” and would be appointed to the board as of March 18, 2025.

Sarina Otaibi, Chair

Sarina Otaibi is a rural cultural worker shaped by her 15 years of experience working in entrepreneurship, community development, building activation, and local government. As the Activate Rural Program Director at Department of Public Transformation, she works with artists and community leaders to cultivate creative physical places of connection. Previous to joining DoPT, Sarina directed the statewide Minnesota Main Street program and worked with communities across the state to establish preservation and arts-based community development approaches.

Sarina is the 5th generation of women in her family to graduate from the high school in her home community of Granite Falls, MN. She served as an elected City Council Member for 6 and a half years in addition to various leadership roles within the community. As the founding Board Chair of Bluenose Gopher Public House Cooperative for 8 years (2014-2022), Sarina continues her commitment to a thriving future for Bluenose as a community hub, creative taproom, and gathering place for not only Granite Falls, but for Minnesota's Southwest region.

Board Member since 2025

Ryan Meehan, Records Officer & Volunteer Coordinator

Bio coming soon!