Meet Our Board

Mikhail brings a powerful balance of structure, vision, and determination to his role at The Redemption Project. A proven leader in nonprofit governance and board building. He is known for his ability to reinvigorate boards by clarifying purpose, strengthening accountability, and building a culture of excellence. His leadership style is strategic and thoughtful, with a deep understanding of organizational dynamics and an unwavering commitment to missions that uplift people and communities. His extensive background includes service to the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Senate, Governors, local legislators, and world leaders, roles that sharpened his skills in public service and executive administration.

Read More

He is a trusted advisor and builder of strong coalitions in the nonprofit sector, guiding organizations through growth and transition. Beyond his professional and civic achievements, he is a devoted volunteer who embodies the principle of Unity in Service. He actively gives his time and talent to organizations, including the National Exchange Club, Lions International, Rotary, and the Masons. His deep personal commitment to the community, combined with a track record of operational excellence, makes him an invaluable leader in the fight to break cycles of incarceration and transform lives through purpose-driven mentorship.

Career Highlights:

• President of the Waseca Chamber of Commerce

• President of Waseca Tourism

• President of the Exchange Club

• President of the Arts Council

Mark was in private practice with the Minneapolis law firm of Messerli & Kramer for over 45 years until his retirement in 2024. His practice was focused on corporate, business and tax law, with an emphasis in the general representation of exempt organizations and nonprofit providers of health care, senior living and social services. Much of his work involved assisting these organizations with financing and development activities and complex business transactions, often concerning real estate and tax-exempt bond financing.

Read More

TRP Board Committees:

• Governance

Career Highlights:

• Member of Messerli Kramer Board of Directors
• Member of Messerli & Kramer Foundation Board of Directors
• Officer of the former Minnesota Software Association
• Officer and Director of Center of the American Experiment
• Officer and Director of The Charlemagne Institute (formerly Intellectual Takeout)
• Member of the Board of Directors of Midwest Antiquarian Booksellers Association

Education:

• Law Degree | University of Minnesota School of Law
• Bachelor’s Degree - Political Science | University of Minnesota

Mitch is Founder of the Center of the American Experiment, President of Pearlstein Public Affairs, and served as president of the Minnesota think tank until 2015. He has also authored a number of books including: Education Roads Less Traveled: Solving America's Fixation on Four-Year Degrees and What Family Fragmentation Means for America's Future.

Read More

TRP Board Committees:

• Development

Career Highlights:

• U.S. Board of Education during Reagan and H.W. Bush Administrations
• Special Assistant for Policy and Communications to Gov. Albert H. Quie of Minnesota
• Assistant to University of Minnesota President C. Peter Magrath
• Editorial Writer and Columnist (National and Foreign Affairs), St. Paul Pioneer Press

Education:

• Ph.D. - Emphasis in Higher Education | University of Minnesota
• Bachelor's Degree - Political Science | Binghamton University

Dwight is a Co-Founder and CEO of The Redemption Project. In this role, Dwight oversees the strategic direction of the organization with a particular emphasis on the Virtues for Success curriculum. Dwight has been approved by the Bureau of Prisons to serve as a mentor for incarcerated individuals and routinely visits the prisons in which The Redemption Project operates. Dwight has a strong passion for social justice and for providing second chances to former felons. He also brings over 20 years of executive management experience to the organization.

Read More

TRP Board Committees:

• Development

Career Highlights:

• CEO and Co-Founder of the Charlemagne Institute

• Chief Operations Officer of the Center of the American Experiment

• Political Consultant for local and national races

• Led campaigns for U.S. House and U.S. Senate

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree - Business Administration | Winona State University
• Bachelor's Degree - Economics | Winona State University