Entrepreneur Fund Welcomes Four New Leaders to its Board of Directors

The Entrepreneur Fund (EFund) is proud to welcome four new members to its Board of Directors, reinforcing its mission to advance economic development in rural and underserved communities by partnering with entrepreneurs to grow successful businesses. Joining the board are Colin Anderson (Duluth, MN), Steve Burgess (Duluth, MN), Dan Markham (Duluth, MN) and Carla Smith (Ashland, WI). Together, these leaders bring expertise in business development, finance, law, and ownership—strengthening our board’s ability to better serve entrepreneurs across the region.

“This is a fantastic group of leaders with strong connections to EFund’s mission,” said Shawn Wellnitz, EFund CEO and President. “Their wide range of expertise and deep commitment to our region will be invaluable as we shape the future of the organization. Together, they’ll help guide EFund in becoming an even stronger, more strategic partner for small business growth across the communities we serve.”

Colin Anderson serves as Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer, and Controller at ALLETE, Inc. He brings over 20 years of experience in accounting and finance: working for Ernst & Young in Minneapolis as an auditor; a controller, chief compliance officer, and equity analyst in the utility sector for hedge fund Northern Asset Management; and working with small- and medium-sized businesses on financial statement preparation, tax planning, and business valuations for a local CPA firm. Most recently, Anderson was CFO for two local manufacturing companies—Moline Machinery and Loll Designs.

Steve Burgess brings 47 years of banking experience, most recently retiring as President and CEO of National Bank of Commerce in Superior, WI. A champion of community and economic development, Burgess has chaired APEX and Wisconsin Business Development boards, and is a member of Duluth Rotary Club 25, the Greater Downtown Council, and other regional organizations. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees at the College of St. Scholastica, and as a director of the Minnesota Maple Syrup Producers Association, National Bank of Commerce, and NATCOM. Steve and his wife, Kathy, also operate the Burgess Family Sugar House, a solar-powered maple syrup business in Duluth, MN.

Dan Markham, a Duluth native, serves as Director of Operations at Kraus-Anderson Construction Company and brings extensive leadership and civic experience. He also serves on the board of Center City Housing and is a commissioner for the Duluth Economic Development Authority. Markham also served on the boards of the Duluth Chamber of Commerce, National Bank of Commerce, APEX, and Northland Country Club.

“I’ve been connected to the region’s economic development environment for more than 20 years, and serving on the EFund board felt like a natural extension of that long-standing commitment,” said Markham. “I’m motivated by the opportunity to help strengthen the region by supporting the growth of small local businesses.”

Carla Smith owns Smith Law Firm in Ashland, WI. She began her career in New York City as a corporate associate at Latham & Watkins LLP, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, financing, and public offerings. She later served six years as senior counsel for a major private company, focusing on global governance and corporate transactions. Smith now practices estate planning, family law, real estate, business governance, municipal law, and probate in her hometown.  

“EFund was a tremendous resource when I opened my business. From initial business projections to marketing and growth strategies, EFund partnered with me every step of the way,” said Smith. “I look forward to joining the Board to give back to EFund and its community, and to help other entrepreneurs thrive.”      

These new directors join Arik Forsman (Board Chair, Duluth, MN), Crystal Rohde (past Chair, Spooner, WI), David Manion (past Chair, Duluth, MN), Elizabeth Chapman-Tedrow (Angora, MN), and Jaycob Robinson (MN).  

EFund would also like to thank its outgoing directors for their years of leadership and commitment: Diane Weber (Grand Rapids, MN), Megan Kellin (Grand Rapids, MN), and Jim Zastrow (Superior, WI). Their contributions have helped shape the success of the organization and our region’s entrepreneurs.  

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