Perpich Foundation Board of Directors
Linda Henning, President
Linda, a Minneapolis resident, is the parent of a 2005
Perpich alumnae (Visual Arts program.) She is currently a
manager in the environmental services division of
Metropolitan Council, where responsibilities have included
public relations, sustainable development, environmental
education and outreach, and a variety of federal and state
initiatives and partnerships. She served on Governor
Pawlenty’s Environmental Education Advisory Board for three
years. Her career includes work in the public, private and
non-profit sectors. Linda has created educational
partnerships between practicing artists and arts and
environmental institutions that have received national and
state awards for innovation. An avid arts enthusiast, she
has a special passion for independent and foreign films.
Linda has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business
Administration from the University of Minnesota.
Vickie Foster, Vice President
Vickie Foster is a resident of Bloomington and the
parent of a 2006 Perpich Alumnae (Literary Arts Program.)
Vickie has been active in the design and artistic community
for over 35 years through interior design and event
planning, first as an independent designer for Foster Reese
Interiors for 30 years and currently as owner and event
planner for
the110northlooploft.com. She cares deeply about the
Minneapolis Institute of Arts and the Perpich Center for
Arts Education. Being a graduate of Swedish Hospital School
of Nursing also adds spice to her life.
Camille Johnson, Secretary
Cammy lives in Maplewood and is the parent of a 2011
Perpich Alumnae (Media Arts program.) Her professional
work in wastewater treatment in the environmental services
division of Metropolitan Council includes operational
responsibilities as well as environmental education
activities. She has served as a volunteer on the City
of Maplewood Environmental Committee, with CampFire USA, and
as a Master Gardener. Cammy is a graduate of the
Medical Institute of Minnesota, and has a CSB/SJU Bachelor
of Science degree.
Diane Hendrickson, Treasurer
Diane resides in Anoka and is a Foster Parent for
Anoka County, she is the parent of a 2010 Perpich Alumnae
(Visual Arts). Diane studied commercial art in Portland,
Oregon and also holds a degree in Business Management.
Her professional career has been in medical administration.
She has served as CEO for a non-profit women's health clinic
and has done public speaking and education. She is a Hubert
Humphrey Women's Fellow and has worked in many capacities
with women's health topics.
Alice Mall, Board Member
Alice resides in the city of Plymouth and is the
parent of a 2004 Perpich alum (Music) She is employed
full time by North Memorial Healthcare as a clinic billing
specialist. She serves on the board of directors of
her synagogue. Along with husband Ed she spends a lot
time helping to educate the public about adopting retired
racing greyhound dogs and taking her dogs to meet with the
public. Alice has a passion for Perpich that has been
with her since the day her son started at the Arts High
School. She is willing to do almost anything that is
asked of her when it will help the students at Perpich.
Lynne Bossart, Board Member
Lynne, originally from Chicago, has lived in Rush City
since 1995. For many years, Lynne was co-owner with
her spouse of a local business that provided services to the
pharmaceutical industry worldwide. Lynne is a
long-time supporter of arts education, particularly at the
elementary school level, having served as a volunteer in
literacy programs, on school board advisory committees, an
organizer of gifted and talented programs, and as a
substitute teacher. She is also the parent of a 2011 Perpich
alum (Theater.) Lynne has a Bachelor of Arts degree
in Music Theory and History from Hunter College, City
University of New York (CUNY).
Bill Crutcher, Board Member
Bill Crutcher, a resident of Golden Valley, attended
law school at the University of Minnesota. After graduation
Bill joined the General Mills Law Department where he
practiced law for thirty years. Bill has participated on
several boards including, Freedom Jazz Festival, The Bridge
for Runaway Youth and Twin Cities Jazz Festival. Bill has a
passion for music and he has always enjoyed listening to
music. He also taught himself to play conga drums, flute and
vibes. Bill's passion for music is superseded by his passion
to make a positive difference in the lives of young people.
Now retired, Bill devotes much of his time to music, his
five grandchildren, two godchildren, and, supporting the
involvement of young people in music and the arts.
Paul Asao, Board Member
Paul Asao is a native Minnesotan and a third
generation Japanese American. He has nearly 30 years
experience working for some of the leading advertising
agencies in the world, most notably Carmichael Lynch,
Campbell Mithun, Fallon Worldwide, TBWA Paris and Chiat LA.
Besides building national brands, Paul has created
successful pro bono ad campaigns for the United Way, the
national Goodwill Industries, and the Minneapolis Public
Schools. He currently resides on the board of directors of
the Minnesota Twins Community Fund serving on their
communications committee. A graduate of St. Thomas
University with a BA in Art, Paul currently operates his own
creative business, Red Ball Brands. Paul is the parent of a
2011 Perpich alumnae (Visual Arts,)
Amy Christianson, Board Member
Amy has had numerous volunteer experiences over the
years and enjoyed each one. She is currently a Regional
Manager with an employee-owned title company and considers
it a privilege to have had a 25-year career with the firm.
During that time, Amy has developed expertise in strategic
planning and marketing. She is the parent of a 2011 Perpich
alum (Literary Arts.) Amy believes her daughter
benefitted significantly from her association with Perpich,
so she has a strong desire to "pay it forward" so that
Minnesota students continue to have access to the same
opportunity.
Gretchen Heath, Board Member
A career educator, Gretchen taught English, Speech,
and Theatre for 35 years at Minnetonka, Duluth-Central,
Pipestone, and in the Robbinsdale Area Schools and served as
an instructor for Bemidji State University and the College
of St. Catherine workshops and institutes. Past
President of Minnesota Alliance for Arts in Education (MAAE)
and the Communication and Theatre Association of Minnesota
(CTAM), Gretchen is currently co-director of Minnesota
Scholars of Distinction Program - Theater Arts. She
continues to adjudicate for Minnesota State High School
League (MSHSL) speech and drama events and is a member of
the its Hall of Fame. A co-founder of Rainy Lake
Playhouse, Gretchen performed, acted, and directed shows for
the Minnesota Chatauqua. She was a charter member of
the Guthrie Education Advisory Council, Hennepin Theatre
Trust Spotlight committee, and FAIR school planning
commission, and presently serves with Education Minnesota on
the selection of Minnesota Teacher of the Year.
Gretchen has been honored by CTAM, the Classic Lake
Conference, Minnesota Speech Coaches, and Comprehensive Arts
Planning Program (CAPP) for her work in arts education.
Susan Mackert, Ex-Officio Board Member
Susan is the Executive Director, Perpich Center for
Arts Education (PCAE). She served as President for the
Perpich Foundation Board of Directors from 2005-2008, and as
Chair, PCAE Board of Directors from 2009-2010. She is also a
long-time resident of St. Cloud and parent of a 2006 Perpich
alumnae (Literary Arts.)