2009 Volunteers of the Year: Kathy Tunheim

Kathy Tunheim built a public relations firm on her talent for delivering clients’ messages in a clear, direct manner. Those same skills have served her well in her charitable endeavors—as has her talent for multitasking. “I enjoy having the opportunity to move from one organization to another,” Tunheim says. “It’s nice to be able to come in and deliver fresh insights.” Her valuable insights have led her to chair the board of the Bush Foundation, help choose the current president of the Science Museum of Minnesota, and raise money for the University of Minnesota Foundation. To each board, she brings important assets, including the ability to see the big picture and assure that the board acts according to the organization’s overall vision. “I enjoy making sure governance is conducted in a strategic way,” Tunheim says. “I think I am most helpful when helping an organization enhance its functionality.”