Rethos Annual Meeting & Board Retreat: Building for Durability 

Last Monday was a full and energizing day for Rethos. We began with a board–staff lunch, giving everyone time to connect informally before settling in for our annual Board Retreat at Landmark Center. The day concluded with our Annual Meeting, attended by approximately 20 additional guests from our community, alongside the full Board of Directors and all staff. 

The retreat portion of the day focused on strategy, governance, and the organization’s long-term direction. Board members reviewed the strategic plan, discussed revenue stability and new earned-income strategies, and examined governance structure to ensure the board is positioned for the years ahead. Time was also reserved for a board-only executive performance discussion—an essential responsibility of strong nonprofit leadership. 

We were especially pleased to officially welcome two new board members, Kevin Swanson and Jordan Hogness, who joined the board in January 2026. Their addition strengthens an already engaged and thoughtful board. Throughout the afternoon, discussion was candid, forward-looking, and rooted in shared stewardship of the organization.

At 5:00 pm, we transitioned into the public Annual Meeting. With roughly 20 community members in attendance in addition to board and staff, the room was lively and conversational. It was also a pleasure to meet our contract grant writer, Mara Winke, in person and to have our full team present for the evening’s presentations. 

Committee reports reflected steady progress and disciplined management. The Finance Committee shared that revenue increased substantially and that the balance sheet remains healthy. The Philanthropy Committee reported a 20% increase in fundraising revenue year over year. Governance updates included leadership approvals and continued attention to board development. 

Staff then presented highlights from four divisions—Policy, Education & Outreach; Real Estate; Heritage Tourism; and Philanthropy. Together, these updates demonstrated the breadth of Rethos’ work: continued advocacy at the Capitol, expansion of continuing education and deconstruction training, growth in preservation consulting and historic rehabilitation loans, strong engagement through Doors Open and related programs, and thoughtful evolution in fundraising strategy and communications. 

In her annual address, Executive Director Heidi Swank centered the year on a single theme: durability. In a changing funding and civic landscape, she emphasized aligning ambition with stable revenue, diversifying income streams, and building systems that allow preservation work to thrive over time. 

The evening closed with robust questions and open discussion. Attendees engaged deeply with the material, reflecting genuine investment in the organization’s direction. 

Altogether, the day reflected what strong nonprofit governance looks like: strategic reflection, financial oversight, leadership accountability, transparent program updates, and community dialogue. More than that, it reflected alignment—board, staff, and supporters gathered around a shared commitment to keeping preservation strong in Minnesota. 

We are grateful to everyone who joined us and to all who continue to support Rethos’ work.