FamilyMeans Leadership

James Kroening
President & CEO

James (Jim) entered into the role of President & CEO in June 2020. He has been with FamilyMeans since 1992 as the Director of Financial Solutions’ progenitor, Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS). Under his leadership, the program has expanded to serve the greater Twin Cities, Rochester, and Wisconsin. He has testified before US Congress on nonprofit credit counseling issues and is active with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). Jim began overseeing the facilities and technology of FamilyMeans in 2002. He has a degree in business administration from University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Doug Elliott
Director of Finance

Doug Elliott came to FamilyMeans with an excitement for the mission, Better is Possible. Prior to joining the agency, Doug served 15+ years on a leadership team as the CFO/Controller. During that time he provided financial leadership in several acquisitions, managed the financial reporting processes for internal and external stakeholders, continually worked on developing internal controls, and made improvements to provide financial transparency to team members. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management.

Kelly Hansen
Director of Financial Solutions 

Kelly Hansen joined FamilyMeans in 1999.  A year later, when the agency acquired Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Minnesota, she became supervisor of CCCS Intake. In 2001, Kelly assumed responsibility for both intake and the debt management program as Operations Manager. In 2020, she accepted the role as Director of Financial Solutions. Kelly has served on the board of directors for our counseling and debt management software cooperative, various committees with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling and as a quality assurance reviewer for the Council on Accreditation.  Kelly has a bachelor’s degree in business communications from University of Wisconsin-River Falls. 

Melena Nelson
Director of Development & Communications

In September 2021, Melena accepted the role as Director of Development & Communications. In this position, she oversees all agency funding and communications.

Melena began her career with FamilyMeans in June 2017 as the Executive Assistant to Arba-Della Beck. She soon took on additional duties and added Development & Communications Coordinator to her title.  For over four years she was instrumental in the development and communications work of the agency. From pivoting to virtual events and programming during Covid, to implementing development strategy to further the success of the agency.

In her new role, she continues to use her many talents to support development efforts and provide clear communication to the community. Melena holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Thomas.

Erin Rowlson, LMFT
Clinical Director of Counseling & Therapy

Erin brings over 15 years of clinical experience in both community and outpatient settings serving children, adolescents, families, and couples. She holds licenses in MN, MI, and WI, has completed the third level of Gottman Couples Therapy Method, and is nationally certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TFCBT). She provides both clinical supervision for Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors in MN and WI as well as administrative supervision here at FamilyMeans. Erin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of St. Thomas and a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Beth Wiggins, MSW, LISW
Director of Caregiving & Aging

Beth Wiggins brings over 25 years of experience developing and administering community-based supportive services for older adults and their families. With a broad understanding of gerontology, family caregiving, community involvement issues and nonprofit management, she has provided leadership in a number of collaborative entities and multi-sector partnerships. Beth holds a BA in Psychology from Carleton College, a master’s degree in social work from the University of Minnesota, and was a Minnesota Area Geriatric Education Center Fellow.