WHO WE ARE

The Sanneh Foundation has always been dedicated to the well-being of all people, embracing belonging and respect for every individual, regardless of their background or identity. The foundation firmly believes that everyone, without exception, holds intrinsic value and deserves support, opportunity, and respect.

  • The mission of The Sanneh Foundation is to Empower youth, Improve lives and Unite communities.

  • The vision of The Sanneh Foundation is to address the range of social determinants that empower youth and improve community well-being by providing access to education, programming, and resources.

    • Accountability

    • Adaptability

    • Caring

    • Fun

    • Growth & Learning

    • Respect

thanks to our sustaining sponsors

our history

2010

Tony Sanneh retires from professional soccer and returns to Minnesota to become full-time CEO of The Sanneh Foundation

2019

Sanneh reaches 100 free sports camps during the summer

2013

Sanneh starts running programming at Conway, beginning legacy to build the dome, renovate fields, renovate gym, and add the STEM lab

2020

Sanneh launches food distributions through it’s Nutritional
Services program

2016

Sanneh partners with the Minnesota Department of Education to expand Dreamline program

2025

Sanneh deepened its reach in the Twin Cities by expanding its flagship programs in education, mentorship, and sports-based life skills training

TEAM SANNEH leadership

  • TONY SANNEH

    Founder / CEO

    email

  • BRANDON GRIFFIN

    Senior VP of Operations

    EMAIL

  • RASSOUL DASTMOZD, PhD

    Executive VP of Strategic Initiatives

    email

  • joanna tzenis

    Vice President of Programs

    email

  • Oskar Munoz Marroquin

    Senior Director of Programs and Learning 

    email

  • Ying Vu

    VP of Finance and Administration

    email

  • CRYSTAL FLINT

    Director, Conway Community Center

    email

  • WHITNEY LARSON

    VP of Philanthropy

    email

  • Brian nosan

    Director of Marketing and Events

    email

board of directors

The Sanneh Foundation is guided by dedicated board members, associate board members, and members of our Founder’s Circle who generously give their time, expertise, and energy to advance our mission. Their leadership and commitment strengthen our work, helping us expand opportunities, build community, and create lasting impact.

  • Billy Beson
    Michael Davis
    Stephanie Dillon
    Lori and David Fhima
    Peter and Sarah Hanger
    Morgan Kennedy
    Lawrence Patterson
    Amy Langer
    Tom Bardis (Milano)
    Martin Nance
    Nii Quaye
    Lou Railoa
    Jerry Timian
    Rodney Young

  • Debra Bauman (Board Vice Chair)
    Retired CIO, (Bremer Bank, Hazelden, & Sun Country Airlines)

    Adam Brown
    Chief Actuary at Allianz LIfe U.S.A

    Nicole Carlson
    2nd VP, Enterprise Consulting & Project Mgmt, Securian

    Megan Diamond
    Owner (Founder/CEO), NPARALLEL

    Brian Findlay (Board Chair)
    Retired 3M,  Director of Automotive and Aerospace

    Jennifer Gels
    VP of Marketing, Global Area Disinfectants, EcoLab

    Judd Gilats(Treasurer)
    Sr. Advisor,  WPT Capital

    Cordell Hardy (Member at Large)
    Core R&D Leader, Cargill

    Josh Helgesen
    CEO, Greiner Construction

    Mya Honeywell
    Realtor, The HIVE

    Sean Jensen (Secretary)
    Author/Speaker, Storyteller/Ghostwriter, Content Marketing Strategy & Dev.

    Michaleen Josephs
    Investor, Self-Employed Entrepreneur

    Elyse Kharbanda
    Executive Director of Research,
    Health Partners

    Tony LaCroix-Dalluhn
    VP of Operations, Allina

    Jacob Miller
    Vice President of North Region, Cornerstone Parking Group

    Gene Richtsmeier
    Sr. VP of Business Banking,
    Huntington Bank

    Tony Sanneh (Ex-Officio)
    Founder/CEO, The Sanneh Foundation

    Chris Sherman
    Senior Vice President, Sherman & Associates

    Steve Silton (Member at Large)
    Attorney, Cozen O’Connor

    Marielle Sinicropi
    Founder/Owner, HyperCharge Clinic

    Jennifer VanRanst
    3M, VP of Global Business

  • Nicholas (Nick) Brown
    Retired-Sr. Portfolio Manager

    Marlon Cush
    General Counsel at Gravie

    Corey Day
    Public Affairs Consultant-Former Board Member, LS2Group

    Denver Gilliand
    Founder & Chief Investment Officer at DSG Capital Advisors

    Dave Gette
    National M&A Tax Leader, Baker Tilly US, LLP

    Tamba Johnson
    Senior Wealth Manager, MBW Group

    Christopher Hanna
    Comcast MW Region, Director Sales/Engineering

    Delorez Houle
    Retired Social Worker, Ramsey County
    Lifetime  Member, Non-Voting

    Chris Kachman
    Thrivent, VP of Engineering

    Renae Keller
    Renae Keller Interior Designer

    Robert Kiernat
    Managing Director, Quetico Partners LLC

    Kristina McMillan
    Director of Business Development, IronMark

    Tommy McNeal
    Self-Employed, Entrepreneur

    Blois Olson
    Principal, Fluence Media

    Deborah Olson (Past Chair)
    Life Time Member, Non-Voting
    Retired CEO & Chair, Nelson Laboratories

    Eric Schwebach
    Senior Vice President, Guy Carpenter

    Zach Sussman
    Partner, Imprint Engine

    Zechariah Thormodsgaard
    Founder/Creative Director, Gaardhouse Media

    Mark Williamson
    Business Attorney, Lathrom-GPM

    Christian Zepeda
    VP – Financial Consultant, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.


  • Amy Kuehn
    Kate Voss
    Austin McDowell
    Elliot Langaard
    Megan Harty
    Raechell Pullett
    Drew Niemants
    Jacob Brunsberg
    Jessica Gawron
    Lawrence Wright

  • Sean Ball
    Justin Bueon
    Micahel Khoury
    Keith Moses
    Koroush Motalebi
    Bryan Pfeiffer
    Evan Richardson
    Noah Rouen
    Tony Simmons
    Jason Trucano

Contact Us

Please fill out the form and we’ll get back to you shortly. If you want to chat over the phone or visit us, please see the information below. We look forward to connecting!


1276 University Avenue W.
St. Paul, MN 55104

651-690-4855

info@thesannehfoundation.org