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, formerly 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 became the Director of Operations overseeing the facilities, risk management and technology of FamilyMeans in 2002. He has a degree in business administration from University of Wisconsin-River Falls.  He also earned a certificate from the Executive Leadership Institute, a program offered jointly by the University of Michigan and Social Current.

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 began her career at FamilyMeans in 1999 as an Intake Specialist for the Financial Solutions program. In 2001, she was promoted to Operations Manager, where she oversaw intake and debt management operations.

Throughout her tenure, Kelly has contributed to the field through various leadership and service roles. She served on the Board of Directors for Cooperative Processing Resources, was a Quality Assurance Reviewer for the Council on Accreditation, and participated in the agency’s Employee Committee. Additionally, she has been actively involved in numerous task force committees for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC).

In 2020, Kelly was appointed Director of Financial Solutions at FamilyMeans. She currently serves on the Council on Member Affairs for the NFCC and recently completed a one-year term as Chair of the NFCC Small Agency Working Group.

Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Communications from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls.

Melena Nord leads FamilyMeans’ development and communications efforts with a strategic, mission-driven approach. Since joining the agency in 2017, she has played a pivotal role in advancing fundraising initiatives, strengthening community engagement, and shaping the organization’s long-term vision. She was instrumental in developing the agency’s current three-year Strategic Plan and thrives on creative future planning.

 With a background in nonprofit leadership and a bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship from the University of St. Thomas, Melena brings a dynamic blend of creativity, relationship-building, and operational excellence to her work. She is a graduate of Leadership in the Valley and the Leadership Trust Initiative, and is recognized for her commitment to equity, innovation, and collaborative impact.

Erin brings over 20 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.

Jaime joined the FamilyMeans Youth Development Team in 2008. She grew up in Stillwater, Minnesota, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Music from Concordia College, as well as a Spanish Education teaching certificate from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Jaime has over 25 years of experience in leading youth development programming and is passionate about making connections with youth and guiding them on their path.  When not as work, Jaime can be found enjoying time outdoors with her family, friends, and animals. 

Beth Wiggins brings over 30 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.