The Alumni Association Board of Directors represents all alumni who are degree or certificate graduates of Metropolitan State University programs. Your Board now represents more than 55,000 graduates. We welcome your suggestions for improving and enhancing our service and communications with you.
Matt Christenson ‘12, who joined the Airport Police Department (APD) as an entry-level community service officer in 1991, was named chief of the APD in September 2020 following an extensive national search. He became a police officer for the APD in 1993, was promoted to sergeant in 1999 and lieutenant in 2002. Christenson achieved the rank of commander in 2005 before being appointed deputy chief in 2013.
Christenson led the APD’s investigative division for almost 20 years, launched its explosives-detecting canine program in 2003, and helped develop the Airport Watch community policing program in 2008.
Christenson holds a master’s degree in public and nonprofit administration from Metro State University, a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Bethel University and an associates’ degree in law enforcement from North Hennepin Community College. He is a graduate of the 217th session of the FBI National Academy and is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association and the FBI National Academy Association.
Christenson also served as a youth mentor for Hope 4 Youth at its Anoka Drop-In Center and has served on the church council at the church he attends.
Zuki Ellis ’11, was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and raised in Rondo. She received her BA with a double major in Social Science and Ethnic Studies in 2011 and her master’s degree in advocacy and political leadership in 2025 from. Zuki is a parent of four, a partner, friend, and troublemaker. She works at Knowledge Works and partners with Engage MN as a consultant.
Zuki serves as the president of Friends of Oxford Pool, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships that cover the cost of swim lessons and water safety for youth ages 4–21 in the City of Saint Paul. Zuki continues her advocacy work in the community where she grew up and still lives, fighting for education, civil rights, youth leadership, special education, and disability rights.
Jim Houston '16 is the director of diversity and inclusion for McGough Construction. He has more than 15 years of experience in DEI and workforce development in Twin Cities nonprofits and both the public and private sectors. Houston specializes in new initiatives and pipeline development through partnerships with external stakeholders.
In 2022, Houston was appointed by Governor Tim Walz to the State Rehabilitation Council. In 2022, he was recognized as the first Emerging Alumni of the Year at Metro State University. He is a lucky father of two wonderful children, frequently collects and occasionally reads comic books, and loves giving back to the communities that have helped him grow so much as a person and professional throughout his career.
Deidra Isaac ’16 holds a bachelor’s degree in cross-cultural and global communications, human development, art and design, and a minor in organizational development. She is the founder, owner, and chief executive officer of Ashes 2 Beauty Salon & Beauty Supply, LLC., and a mother of three.
Isaac is a long-time advocate and activist for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is passionate about advocating for lifelong learning and driving initiatives to develop a new generation of industry leaders across personal and professional disciplines.
Isaac is a catalyst for creating change and safe spaces for those she comes into contact with, and an avid activist in her community, building relationships and empowering individuals and communities.
Kami Miller ’24 graduated magna cum laude with a BA in Business Administration in 2024. During her time at Metro State, she served on the student senate, where she held the positions of vice chair and chair of the Black Student Union. She brings her expertise as an administrative analyst to her work on the board, including experience in budgeting support, ensuring government compliance, and overseeing office management. Kami is currently the chair of the Equity Commission for the City of New Brighton and vice chair of the Ramsey County Library Board.
Matt Moe ’13 is an accomplished care delivery, finance, operations, and strategy leader with a proven track record of strong performance in the healthcare industry, having spent more than 10 years working as a senior executive for fortune 500 companies, most notably UnitedHealth Group and Elevance Health (Anthem Inc). In his current role leading market operations for Homeward Health, Moe oversees clinicians and operational staff focused on delivering best in class health care delivery in rural markets. Moe also holds an MBA from Capella University.
Bryan Newman ’15 received his bachelor’s degree from Metro State and currently works as an inventory control manager at Astleford International Trucks. He has also worked as a store manager, a human resources people lead, an environment committee chair, a Toastmasters area director, and a banker. Newman has also authored the Knowledge Center book series. He enjoys spending time with his daughter and helping others be successful.
Carol Njogu ’11 holds an MBA from the School of Business and Management. She brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in strategic marketing, brand development, and partner engagement across nationally recognized organizations (Andersen Corp, Cummins Inc., Hearth and Home). Currently, she leads go-to-market and channel marketing initiatives that drive business growth and strengthen stakeholder relationships at Forge & Flame. Her professional experience is complemented by a strong commitment to mentorship, inclusive leadership, and community impact. Carol is proud to contribute her expertise to support the university’s mission and enhance alumni engagement and connection
Ryan Ringwelski ’21 graduated from Metro State University with bachelor of arts degree in individualized studies, with a focus in cross-cultural religious leadership studies. During his time as a student at Metro State, he served on the Student Veteran and Military Association, connecting student veterans to educational and professional opportunities.
As a dedicated veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Ringwelski has proudly served in the Minnesota Air National Guard since 2006, most recently in the Human Resources field at the Joint Force Headquarters in Saint Paul. He earned an associate of applied science degree in human resource management from the Community College of the Air Force.
In addition to serving on the Metro State Alumni Board of Directors, Ringwelski manages the MN National Guard's Holocaust Remembrance Special Emphasis Council and is a member of the Air Force Association and National Guard Enlisted Association. He also volunteers as a STARBASE Minnesota graduation speaker and mentor. Additional community involvement includes police chaplaincy, small group leader, and musician at his place of worship, and Northern Lights Chorale board member and singer.
In his leisure time, Ringwelski enjoys staying active, exploring new destinations, foreign languages, music, and the culinary arts.
Susan Shanks ’22 earned a master's in Management Information Systems with a focus on Business Analytics from Metro State University. She is an internal auditor at United Natural Foods Incorporated (UNFI), concentrating on integrated and operational audits. She is an active member of the Education Committee at the Twin Cities Chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). Susan is deeply committed to raising awareness about business career opportunities for minority groups, utilizing both her professional expertise and volunteer efforts to make a positive impact.
Amanda Wong ’17 graduated from Metro State University Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor of arts degree in professional communication. Wong has worked in the construction industry since 2007, most recently as senior marketing/pursuit coordinator at McGough Construction where her primary focuses are proposal strategy and execution and public relations. In her spare time, Wong enjoys providing career coaching and mentorship to Metro State students and women in career transition. Since graduating, Wong has obtained professional development certificates in graphic design and reputation management.
Kristine Hansen '07, director of alumni relations
651.793.1810