Tax fairness and the issues surrounding government's proper role in society were among Dane’s favorite issues as a reporter, and he has particular expertise in these areas. He understands the importance of smart public-sector investment that can help all Minnesotans improve their lives and strengthen the state’s economy.

Dane is co-author of the book, “Professor Wellstone Goes to Washington: The Inside Story of a Grassroots U.S. Senate Campaign.” In 1989-90, Dane was the recipient of the John S. Knight Fellowship for Professional Journalists, providing a mid-career sabbatical and a year of study at Stanford University. Dane holds a B.A. in Journalism from the University of St. Thomas and an A.A. degree from Inver Hills Community College, where also has served as an adjunct faculty member.

Angela M. Eilers, Ph.D., Research & Policy Director (email)

Dr. Eilers has been engaged as an educational researcher/evaluator, professor, and advocate of educational policy issues since 1989. Her area of expertise is in reform, implementation and evaluation of educational issues especially as they intersect with issues of urban and rural poverty. Many of Angie's publications address the social institutions and policies designed to promote educational advancement for socially disadvantaged students. In her most recent work with Stanford University, Angie was part of a multi-institutional team of researchers studying district-wide reform. She holds a Ph. D. and M.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Lawrence University.


Matt Kane, Policy Fellow for Infrastructure & Economic Development (email)

Matt has worked on public policy issues for more than 20 years, primarily at the national level. His research, articles and books cover a wide range of topics, including economic development, economic and demographic trends, regional economic analysis, transportation policy, urban revitalization, and work force issues. Prior to joining Growth and Justice in 2007, Matt worked for the Washington-based Northeast-Midwest Institute, the National League of Cities, and a national association of economic development centers. He also taught economic development classes at the University of Michigan. Matt has testified before Congress about local economic development and worker dislocation. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Thomas and a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota through the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs.


Andy Fuller, Development Director (email)

Andy brings to Growth & Justice a wide range of fundraising and development experience. He has worked with a number of local policy, organizing and advocacy groups, including the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, the Center for Civic Participation, and Children's Law Center of Minnesota. Andy earned a B.A. in American Studies from the University of Minnesota.


Jennifer Weddell, Administrative Director & Policy Analyst (email)

Jennifer joined Growth & Justice after a ten-year career as an insurance actuary and accountant. Her desire to work in the nonprofit sector led her to the master’s program in Advocacy and Political Leadership at the University of Minnesota in Duluth. As an graduate intern, she assisted with the research and writing of the 2005 Nonprofit Economy Report, an annual study by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. Jennifer also served as a public policy intern for the YWCA of Minneapolis, where she worked on child care and education-related issues during the 2006 legislative session. She holds a B.A. in Economics and earned her M.A.P.L. in December 2006.


Ellen M. Perrault, Communications & Outreach Coordinator (email)

Ellen joined us in October as our first Communications & Outreach Coordinator. She brings a wealth of communication experience after several years doing communications and research work at the state legislature. Ellen holds a B.A. in communication from the College of St. Scholastica, an M.A. in communications from the University of Wisconsin - Superior, and a paralegal certificate.


Mark Tundel, Administrative & Program Assistant (email)

Mark brings to Growth & Justice a diverse set of skills. Prior to working here he was employed by the Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing, (MICAH) as their Administrative and Executive Assistant. In 2002 he worked as a canvasser for the Wellstone reelection campaign. Mark also has done freelance graphic design for local political candidates and businesses. He also studied culinary management for at the Art Institutes International of Minnesota.


Charlie Quimby, Communications Fellow (email)

Charlie helps make complex policy issues understandable, drawing upon his background as business owner, nonprofit board member, blogger and communications strategist. His writing about leadership, quality improvement, corporate performance, design and community planning has been nationally recognized. After retiring in 2005 from Words At Work, the marketing communications firm he founded, he began advising Growth & Justice and assumed the adjunct role of communications fellow in 2007. He has a B.A. in English from Carleton College.