Board of Directors

Mr. Potter retired from the US Forest Service in 2005 where he served as the District Biologist, Silviculturist, and acting District Ranger. Don worked as a wildlife biologist for the US Army Corp. of Engineers and as a Wildlife Technician for the US Fish and Wildlife Service and MN Department of Natural Resources. He served in the US Army. His US Forest Service career included working as a wildland firefighter. He was qualified as a Task Force Leader, Strike Team Leader, Division Boss, Field Observer, Resource Unit Leader, Prescribed Natural Fire Manager, Level 3 Incident Commander, Planning Section Chief for Prescribed Fires, and Situation Unit Leader on the Type 1 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team. Don’s education includes an AA, BA, and MA in Biology, and Certified Silviculturist. He has served as a township supervisor, youth director for hockey, member of the Rural Fire Association Board and Cook-Orr HealthCare District Board. Family includes his wife Laurie, three sons, and two daughter-in-laws.

Paul Ludlow grew up on Lake Vermilion.  He attended the University of Minnesota, graduated with a degree in Business Communication and a minor in Studio Art.  He  became the founding partner of JM Auto Sales in Duluth, MN.  After completing the Management Program with Marriott Hospitality in 2000, he became the Front Office Manager for the Downtown Chicago Marriott Courtyard.  In 2003, he became the Director of Rooms for St Mary’s Lodge and Resort in Glacier Park, Montana.  Paul returned with his wife, Kelly Ludlow in 2006 and with her guidance, they operate Ludlow’s Island Resort.  He also serves on the MN Resort and Campground Board of Directors.

Mrs. Potter is a retired manager for a large industrial firm where her positions ranged from managing safety, health, fire and security operations to quality control in an analytical lab.  She also worked as an industrial hygiene instructor for a local college and as an EHS manager for a large medical device company. Laurie is a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Certified Mine Safety Professional (CMSP), and Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). Her education includes a Masters in Industrial Safety (MIS) and Undergraduate degrees in Biology and in Chemistry.

Ms. Kennedy received her degree from New Mexico State University and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in speech language pathology. She grew up in Wisconsin and spent several years in Alaska before settling on Lake Vermilion. Erin is the vice board chair and marketing committee chair of the local roller derby team and skates under the derby name Lemon Pound Cake. She’s building a house on one of Lake Vermilion’s many islands and looks forward to this opportunity to help the community that has made her feel so welcomed.

Tina moved to the area in 2011 from Royalton where she worked as a Program Coordinator in Sauk Rapids. She graduated with an AAS in Human Service Practitioner and finished EMT school in December of 2015. In 2016 she took her National and joined the service as a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician. In April of 2019 she took over as Ambulance Director in Cook, Minnesota. She lives in Angora with her husband Jon and their two boys, Carter and Braxton.