Fusion Point Task Group

What is a Fusion Point?  

Fusion Point refers to the moment or place where different elements come together to create something stronger, more innovative, and more powerful than any one element could on its own.      

The Fusion Point Task Group brings together leaders from nonprofit, local government, and public safety entities in Region 5, including Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena Counties, and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. 

Fusion Point serves as a cross-sector space where participants explore emerging trends through a technology and data lens, while creating space for shared learning and dialogue about how these changes impact communities today and into the future. Rather than prescribing solutions, Fusion Point focuses on curiosity, learning, and surfacing insights that members can carry back to their organizations and networks. 

People at a meeting

Application process

Participation in the Fusion Point Task Group is application-based, with members serving two-year terms beginning in 2027 with the option to serve up to two terms. Openings are filled through a competitive application process to ensure a balance of perspectives across sectors and communities. Applications will open again in fall 2028 for the 2029 calendar year.

Members of the Fusion Point Task Group

 As part of the Fusion Point Task Group, members will help shape conversations, ideas, and collaboration across Region 5. Members will:
 

  • Participate in two full-day Fusion Point summits annually, with the first occurring in Spring and Fall 2027
  • Serve as a feedback forum for emerging ideas and regional strategies
  • Engage in discussions that explore trends, challenges, and opportunities across sectors (including but not limited to technology)
  • Contribute to member recognition initiatives by assisting with nomination reviews using an established scoring rubric and a consistent, equity-centered lens
  • Help strengthen connections and collaboration between nonprofits, local governments, and public safety organizations
  • Members may also have opportunities to pilot new ideas or approaches and contribute to ongoing efforts that support innovation and community capacity in the region

Jackie Bauer

Jackie Bauer

County Coordinator, Todd County

Jessy Beto

Jessy Beto

Grantmaking Administrator, Initiative Foundation

Nathan Bertram

Nathan Bertram

Health and Human Services Director, Morrison County

Bob Byers

Bob Byers

County Commissioner, Todd County

Alex Dominguez

Alex Dominguez

Programs Manager, Relationship Safety Alliance

Jode Freyholtz-London

Jode Freyholtz-London

CEO, Wellness in the Woods

Liz Goetz

Liz Goetz

Community Wellness Grant Manager, Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls

Tara Greer

Tara Greer

City Clerk / Finance Director, City of Staples

Tony Hansen

Tony Hansen

Regional Director, University of Minnesota Extension

Staci Headley

Staci Headley

Regional Development Planner, Region Five Development Commission

Erich Heppner

Erich Heppner

Director of Student Life, Central Lakes College

Kayla Johnson

Kayla Johnson

Development Director, Northern Pines Mental Health

Jessica Kendall

Jessica Kendall

Case Manager / Grant Writer / Firefighter / First Responder, Federal Dam Fire and Rescue / City of Federal Dam

Kim Lewis

Kim Lewis

Government Relations and Township Supervisor, May Township

Carol Merten

Carol Merten

City Clerk / Treasurer, City of Flensburg

Nicole Morcomb

Nicole Morcomb

Clerk-Treasurer, City of Backus

Trista Olander

Trista Olander

City Administrator / City Clerk-Treasurer, City of Hackensack

Mike Paulus

Mike Paulus

Executive Director, Cass County Economic Development Corporation 

Jane Popp

Jane Popp

City Clerk-Treasurer, City of Upsala

Beth Ramacher

Beth Ramacher

Clerk-Treasurer, City of Grey Eagle

Rose Surma

Rose Surma

Executive Director, Oasis Central Minnesota