Foundation Leadership

Executive Director Patti Annexstad has held many leadership roles within the Foundation since its inception in 2000. In her current role, Patti provides leadership, oversight and strategic planning while guiding the organization to fulfill the mission of supporting deserving and determined young adults through scholarship and mentorship. She finds great inspiration and motivation from the drive and tenacity of the Annexstad scholars. Patti served in leadership roles across many organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Edina Education Fund, GPAC and several youth sports committees. Patti received her bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in economics from Indiana University. Patti also received her non-profit business certification from the University of Notre Dame, certification in High Impact Philanthropy from the University of Pennsylvania, and has completed coursework towards a Certified Financial Professional certification through Minnesota State University, Mankato. Outside of her Foundation duties, Patti enjoys exercising, reading, and keeping up with her favorite sports teams.

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Executive Director
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Elin Wahman is the Director of Strategic Initiatives for Annexstad Family Foundation where she works collaboratively with the Executive Director and Board President to manage existing and cultivate new partnerships while driving program and organizational strategy. Elin oversees projects across scholar engagement, communications and alumni services and manages virtual programming. Elin leads many internal and external projects to streamline processes to achieve the Foundation’s short term and long-term goals. Elin received her bachelor’s degree in strategic communications and Spanish studies from the University of Minnesota. She received a certificate in High Impact Philanthropy from the University of Pennsylvania and in Data Analytics from the University of Chicago.

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Director of Strategic Initiatives
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Zack Haas joined the Annexstad Family Foundation team in 2017 where he has served as the Regional Program Manager for our Central academic partners and scholarship programs. In his role, Zack works directly with university administrators to provide access and opportunity for AFF scholars. Zack has dedicated his career to support undergraduate student success through various roles at the University of Minnesota and Anoka-Ramsey Community College. Zack is also an active member of the National Scholarship Providers Association. Zack earned his master’s from the University of Minnesota in Organizational Leadership and Policy Development in Higher Education and his bachelor’s from the University of Minnesota in Strategic Communications. In his free time, Zack enjoys watching sports, playing card and board games, and catching up on his favorite Netflix series.

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Regional Program Manager
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Maja Klos-Gromadzka joined the Annexstad Family Foundation in May of 2022 as the Regional Program Manager for our southeast academic partners. Prior to AFF, Maja spent 5 years in various roles at the University of Georgia’s Office of Student Financial Aid most recently as the Assistant Director for Eligibility Determination and Program Management. An alumna of the Leaders for Tomorrow scholarship, Maja earned her bachelor’s degree in International Affairs and Spanish from the University of Georgia in 2016.

Maja enjoys spending time outside, reading New York Times Best Sellers, and keeping up with her rescue dog, Olive in her free time.

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Regional Program Manager
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