Steve moved to this area back in 1999 and hasn’t looked back. He has been involved in the communities/counties that he has lived in by serving on various non profit boards, advisory boards for Itasca and Aitkin counties, and being involved with the churches he has been a member of. He loves to fish and go 4 wheeling with his wife Karen. “I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of First Call For Help and all the good they do for the people of this area!”

Blake is a graduate of Minnesota North College's Psychology / Human Services program and a current Social Work student at The College of St. Scholastica. A reseident of Itasca County, he is involved through his volunteer work and his work at Grace House.

My name is Kurt Werner, I currently serve as the President of Woodland Bank, and I have been with Woodland Bank for over 30 years. My wife Julie and I have 4 children and 5 grandchildren. I feel I bring emergency service understanding to FCFH, after serving 28 years on the Cohasset Fire and Rescue department. I also feel my financial background will also be beneficial to FCFH.

Marta is a lifetime resident of Itasca County where she enjoys the outdoors with her family. She brings over 10 years of Non-Profit and Human Resources experience, and a desire to give back to the community.

Adam Kortekaas is a dedicated emergency communications specialist with the Itasca County Sheriff's Office, where he has served for the past seven years. His commitment to public safety extends even further, as he has been a firefighter with the City of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, for over 23 years. Growing up in Grand Rapids, Adam has deep roots in the community he serves, fostering a strong connection to the people and the area. Beyond his professional responsibilities, Adam is passionate about caring for others. This dedication inspired him to join the board of directors for the First Call for Help organization, where he contributes to initiatives that support those in need. Additionally, Adam volunteers monthly at Project Care, a free clinic in Grand Rapids, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to his community. In his personal life, Adam enjoys spending quality time with his family, traveling, and fishing. He finds joy in working on various projects around his home during his free time, utilizing his skills and creativity. With a long-standing career in public safety, Adam Kortekaas continues to make a positive impact in his community, driven by his passion for helping others.

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Judge Korey Wahwassuck (Ret.) served 19 years as a judge, first for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Tribal Court and then as a District Judge for the Ninth Judicial District-Itasca County. After retiring in 2025, she formed Circle, LLC to help people find solutions to the conflict in their lives. She shares the core values of FCFH and brings to the Board a commitment to helping people in crisis and those seeking resources to better their lives.