We are committed to offering programs and services that enhance academic growth, athletic development, and leadership skills, supporting the holistic journey of each individual within the Gentry community. Come join us at our community events as we raise funds to build a stronger, more vibrant community for future generations.
We’re counting down to our Rally for Our Starts Gala – and excitement is building! Our goal is to raise $30,000 to support scholarships, grants, and important safety and security upgrades at Gentry. We’re looking forward to a night filled with tacos, games, pickleball, and meaningful connection among families and teachers.
One of the most powerful ways families can support the gala happens long before auction night and we NEED your help! We are looking for a small team of parents willing to help procure silent auction items by reaching out to local businesses – and it’s a flexible, behind the scenes way to support this event. If you’re willing to reach out to even one business, email us at events@gentryfoundationmn.org
NEW this year, we’re excited to offer Silent Auction Buy-In Parties! These are hosted events – big or small – where families or groups of parents, or teachers volunteer to plan a get-together, cover the cost, and offer a set number of tickets for others to purchase through the online auction. Kids, adults, or both can attend depending on the party theme. Buy-in Parties build community in a fun, low-pressure way, sell out quickly at many schools, generate high-impact fundraising and help families connect beyond the classroom. Hosting can be as simple or creative as you choose – from backyard games and craft nights to teacher-led experiences or parent socials. Start planning now – we will have a sign up form soon.
We’re thrilled to announce that “Pints with a Purpose” Fundraising event raised over $22,500 after expenses!! These funds will directly support the Gentry Foundation’s mission to enhance academic learning, athletic development, and leadership excellence for students at Gentry Academy.
Thank you to everyone who attended, bid on auction items, donated, volunteered, and helped spread the word. Your generosity and community spirit made this event unforgettable. Together, we proved that great things can happen when good people come together — and enjoy a pint or two for a great cause!
We couldn’t have done it without you. Cheers to making a difference!
With gratitude,
Board Member at Large
Mary Karlsson lives in Mahtomedi with her husband Toni and their family. Henrik, the Karlssons’ oldest child, graduated from Gentry Academy in 2025 and is pursuing a career in construction management and hockey. Mary is a licensed and practicing Professional Engineer (Civil in MN, WY) serving transportation authorities throughout the United States. She is the former Chair of the University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies Planning and Economy Research Council and was a U.S. National Science Foundation Graduate Research Trainee Fellow at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and VTT Technical Research Center of Finland. She is also the Founder and Chief Culture Officer at Civil & Kind, a policy and culture development service to the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. In her academic research, her job, and at home, Mary invests in effective education and workforce development that leads to careers enriching our lives, families, and communities.
Secretary
Kristen Prosser joined the Gentry Foundation Board as Secretary this year. She has a 5th grade son, Everett, who attends Gentry Academy. She has 3 others children (4th, 8th, 10th grader), who attend school in the Centennial School district. Kristen, and her husband Luke, live in Blaine, and are very active in the community, staying involved with the kids sports, their education and all the various activities that keep them busy. Kristen is a substitute in Centennial, as well as at Gentry. She is excited to jump into this community and loves being involved in any way she can.
Troy Kaplan | Troy.Kaplans@gentryfoundationmn.org
Troy Kaplan is a dedicated parent and entrepreneur and currently as a board member for the Gentry Foundation. Troy resides in Hugo with is Wife Alana and their two children Lexi and Lucy. Troy also has an older son Ethan. Lexi currently attends Gentry Academy as a 7th grader. Troy was the founder of TGK Automotive in which he had 25 Automotive Shops Operating in Minnesota and Arizona. Troy sold TGK Automotive in 2022 and began consulting for numerous Automotive repair shops across the Country. In his free time, he is actively involved in Coaching softball and spending time with his family.
Treasurer | Sam.Ruotsinojanfo@gentryfoundationmn.org
Sam Ruotsinoja (Member at Large) is the proud owner of a thriving electrical contracting business. As an experienced contractor, he bring expertise and dedication to every project. Beyond his professional life, he is a father of three children, two of whom have attended Gentry Academy. He and his wife, Nicky, share a strong bond, creating a warm and nurturing home together. He is thrilled to serve on the Gentry Foundation Board, where he can contribute to a school that has been integral to my family’s life.
Member at Large | Heidi.Larson@Gentryfoundationmn.org
Heidi Larson’s (Member at Large (non voting faculty) background includes nearly two decades of experience as a licensed school counselor as well as two years as director of admissions. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Concordia University – St. Paul and her Master of Science in education from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. Passionate about working with high school students, Heidi has extensive knowledge assisting students in exploring educational and post-secondary opportunities. When she is not working with students, giving back to the community is important to Heidi.
Member at Large | Andy.Moravac@gentryfoundationmn.org
Andy Moravec (Member at Large) is a dedicated parent and active community volunteer, currently serving as a board member for the Gentry Foundation. He resides in Hugo with his wife Amber and all three children Everett, Ellie and Jackson attend Gentry Academy. In his professional life, he is a seasoned Software Architect with an extensive professional background in cybersecurity software product development. Away from work he is active in the school and sports community volunteering and coaching.
Treasurer | David.Coulter@gentryfoundationmn.org
David Coulter (Treasurer) lives in White Bear Lake with his wife, Amy. They have lived there for over 30 years. They have two adult children. Both of their kids went through the White Bear Lake schools. David is employed at Gradient Financial Group in the accounting department as the Controller. He’s in his thirteenth year there. During the early years of Gentry Academy, he worked on the accounting for the school. Before working at Gradient, David worked as a Sales representative for a major Pharmaceutical Company. David enjoys watching most sports and try to keep in shape by running.
Secretary | Shannon.Walsh@gentryfoundationmn.org
Shannon Walsh (Secretary) has served on the Gentry Foundation Board for 3 years as secretary and has an 8th grader at Gentry Academy. Shannon and her husband Jon live in Hugo with their daughter Bella (13yrs) and son Toby (8yrs). She has been impressed with the school’s mission to build leaders since day one and has loved finding ways to volunteer and support Gentry Academy.
President | beth.pica@gentryfoundationmn.org
Beth Picha (President) lives in Lino Lakes with her husband, Nick, and their three children: Addy(16), Blake (13), and Chase(9). Addy is currently in 11th grade and attends Gentry Academy. Beth works as a Managing Director for Korn Ferry and is the Lead Adjunct for the MBA Marketing Courses at Concordia University. She is passionate about continuing education excellence and is a strong advocate for furthering Gentry’s mission to develop tomorrow’s leaders.