This Past Presidents Panel honors the women whose leadership has shaped FEW’s mission and strengthened its community. By sharing their journeys, challenges, and defining moments, these former presidents illuminate how collective commitment and authentic leadership have carried FEW forward—and how that spirit continues to guide its future.
Patti Gartland – 1997 FEW President
Patti served as the President of the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation from 2013 to 2023, Gartland also served as the Sartell, Minnesota city administrator for nearly 12 years. During her tenure, the city experienced a more than 65 percent increase in population growth and development activity totaling nearly a half billion dollars.
Gartland has also served on the boards of the MN Land Trust and the Coalition of Greater MN Cities. She is also past chair of the St. Cloud Area Wastewater Advisory Commission and is a past board member and chair for the United Way of Central Minnesota.
Gartland is a lifelong resident of the greater St. Cloud community. She is a graduate of St. Cloud State University (SCSU).
Patti Gartland was appointed to the Metropolitan Airports Commission on March 26, 2014 by Gov. Dayton, and reappointed in January 2018. She received a third-term reappointment by Gov. Walz in January 2022.
Kathleen Bernick – 1988 FEW President
Kathleen 
worked in finance and accounting for several different firms in the St. Cloud, in both the for profit and non-profit fields.
Besides FEW, she has served on several boards and committees, including Women’s Fund, Catholic Charities, St. Cloud Planning Commission, Anna Marie’s Alliance, United Way, Imagination Library Progressive Dinner. Additional volunteer activities include Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, and Friends of the Library. She is currently retired and loving it! Kathleen spends time reading, solving puzzles (or trying to), traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Kristin Hannon – 2024 FEW President
After more than 20 years in banking, Kristin decided spreadsheets were great—but purpose was better. So she made a bold pivot into the nonprofit world and now serves as the Advancement Director at Big Brothers Big Sisters, where she puts her financial savvy, people skills, and big‑picture energy to work for a mission that truly matters.
Kristin is a relationship‑driven fundraiser who believes generosity grows through great conversations—and she’s very good at starting those. She leads strategic fundraising efforts, builds strong donor partnerships, and helps create the systems that keep Big Brothers Big Sisters growing and thriving. Known for her kind heart, sassy confidence, and unstoppable go‑getter mentality, Kristin brings equal parts strategy and sparkle to everything she does.
When she’s not changing the world one conversation at a time, you’ll find her chatting with just about anyone, curled up with a book and her dogs, tackling a house project with her husband, or soaking up lake time with her kids. She’s passionate about people, bold ideas, and making things happen.
Thank you to our July meeting sponsor, Creative Planning.
If you have questions or need to update your registration, please contact us at stcloudfew@gmail.com.
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