Marc Hosmer joined Urban Boatbuilders in 2012 and brings a diverse background of youth development and non-profit management experience.  This experience, combined with his passion for creating opportunities for youth to build bright futures, guides Marc in his leadership of Urban Boatbuilders.

Michael came to Urban Boatbuilders with more than five years of youth empowerment work at nonprofit organizations. Past experiences include a 40-day backcountry adventure in Vermont with high school students, performing disaster relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Sandy, and taking youth to the Boundary Waters Canoe and Wilderness Area.

Dennis started volunteering with Urban Boatbuilders in late 2016 after finishing a 3-month stint with the Conservation Corps and teaching middle school math in rural North Carolina. Dennis is focused on ensuring our programming runs smoothly and helps youth develop empathy, feel empowered, and ensures youth have the tools they need to be successful in whatever they take on.

Janelle came to Urban Boatbuilders in 2017. Since graduating from Macalester College, she has worked for several local small businesses in various administrative roles and was Communications Coordinator for a group of charter schools in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. She loves the supportive, inspiring environment at Urban Boatbuilders and witnessing youth build connections to boats and nature.

Elizabeth Barnard, known as E.B., comes to Urban Boatbuilders with a background in outdoor education, woodworking, music education, and youth development work. One dream was to lead bicycle trips, and she led an American Youth Hostels bike trip with high school students across the United States, an adventure that began a career in outdoor education. She developed a concept of “eco-cycling,” leading bike trips that focused on environmental issues.

Elise is from Sacramento, California and first instructed boat building for Urban Boatbuilders during the spring of 2019. From that unforgettable experience, she knew she had to find her way back to work with us full time. She finally moved to the Twin Cities and began as Apprenticeship Coordinator in the summer of 2021. She brings a breadth of knowledge from her years designing and piloting project-based, experiential learning programs for youth and adults.

Elia (they/them) brings a wealth of knowledge from their experience as an Indigenous person committed to Native communities and youth empowerment. As an instructor, they’re excited to connect youth to the trades, help grow technical skills within apprentices, and support young people to experience our local waterways. Outside of teaching you can find them hanging with their cats, going on hikes, and doing beadwork.

With 25 years’ experience in nonprofit administration including fiscal management, human resources, technology implementation, governance management, planning and budgeting,  Amy has spent her career exclusively in the nonprofit sector.

Matt Sayre has spent the past ten years working in the construction industry, most recently managing Ryan Companies Senior Living sector. Matt got his start as a laborer and carpenter.

Fue is currently an Assistant Ramsey County Attorney in the Human Services Division. He is a lifelong resident of St. Paul and enjoys its great parks and recreation opportunities.

Tina’s background is in science and education. As a sophomore biology teacher for 20 years, Tina developed an expertise in curriculum writing. Tina chaired Saint Paul Academy’s Science Department for 6 years, where she oversaw all k-12 science curriculum.

In Brian’s 25 year career at the University of St. Thomas he taught, was the director of communications and was the college’s senior editor.

As a Financial Advisor, Eric helps people develop and implement individualized goal-based retirement savings plans and provides life insurance and disability insurance to protect their families and resources.

Mr. Mercure has worked in human services for over 20 years. Prior to The Bridge for Youth, Tim was the Development Director at Hope Dental, and the Director of Development and Communications at ESR, Inc.

Val’s journey to Urban Boatbuilders has been an adventure that at least occasionally involved a canoe but always included working with youth.

Richard Ingeman is a Certified Public Accountant who is the Director of Strategy and Business Planning at AEI Capital Corporation. Before joining AEI, Richard spent 11 years at Deloitte Tax.