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About Us

The Minnesota Woodworkers Guild is a not for profit, volunteer led group of professional and amateur woodworkers bound together by three goals:

to advocate high standards in our craft
to meet new friends and discuss woodworking
to educate ourselves and the public about woodworking

The Guild hosts monthly educational meetings, offers educational classes, the Woodworkers Expo and the Northern Woods Show, an exhibition of fine woodworking. We welcome membership by all woodworkers, regardless of what they build, their level of skill, style of work, or their profession.

Our goal is to encourage the highest standards in woodworking, while allowing each of our members to grow at their own pace, from whatever level of skill and accomplishment they begin with.

Simply put, we want each of our members to become the best woodworker they are capable of, and to enjoy telling their Guild friends about it along the way.

The Minnesota Woodworkers Guild Inc. is recognized by the IRS as a Not for Profit 501 (c) (3) organization, EIN 31-1568898.

Board of Directors

Paul Ehrlich

President
George Lucas

Vice President; Supporter Liaison; Northern Woods Committee, Woodworkers Expo Committee

George Lucas

Vice President; Supporter Liaison; Northern Woods Committee, Woodworkers Expo Committee

George is a retired mechanical engineer still working part time in the medical device field. He has been interested in woodworking since his 8th grade woodworking teacher showed him how to make the desk that he used through high school. He has been a member of the Guild since 1999 and a member of the Board since 2018. George also serves on the Northern Woods Committee.
Karl Heal

Treasurer

Karl Heal

Treasurer

Karl joined the Guild in 2013 after attending the Northern Woods show. Karl is a retired Electronics Designer and Engineering manager. An avid DIYer, Karl has been doing woodworking at some level his entire adult life. Karl enjoys designing and building furniture. Through various classes offered by Guild members he has expanded his skills and met many talented woodworkers who are always willing to share their skills and experiences. Karl is a member of the Design SIG where he has made new friends and learned a better appreciation for artistic design.
Roger Christopherson

Secretary
Khrisslyn Goodman Chien

Education Coordinator

Khrisslyn Goodman Chien

Education Coordinator

Khrisslyn brings educational leadership and a passion for teaching to the guild. With a doctorate in education and skills developed from childhood 4-H projects to current CNC work maintaining the century-old home she shares with her husband, she joined the guild in 2024 eager to learn from experienced members while contributing her background in education.
Ron Ausen

Chair, Woodworkers Expo

Ron Ausen

Chair, Woodworkers Expo

Ron has been an amateur woodworker most of his life. He was taught by his dad and relatives who practiced the art as a hobby. More recently he discovered hand tool made Windsor chairs. He finds the quietness and lack of dust an enjoyable practice. He has recently extended his hand tool experience to tables. Ron also enjoys green woodworking. He joined the woodworkers guild in 1996.
Norbert Nielubowski

SIG Coordinator; Vice-Chair, Expo Committee; Education Committee

Norbert Nielubowski

SIG Coordinator; Vice-Chair, Expo Committee; Education Committee

A native of Chicago, Norbert recently retired as bassoonist and contrabassoonist of the Minnesota Orchestra after 36 years; he was also a faculty member of the University of Minnesota School of Music. He’s been a member of the MNWWG since the mid 1990’s. His woodworking activities have involved restoring and furnishing a 1907 house in St Paul that he shares with his wife, Caroline Lemen, and golden retriever Winnie.
Matt LaBo

Program Director
Michael Goetz

Communications Director

Michael Goetz

Communications Director

Michael has been an amateur woodworker for the last 15 years, learning from others in Seattle and Minnesota. He spends much of his spare time on the North Shore and is a regular participant in North House Folk School activities. He enjoys working on cedar strip canoes, timber crafting, and everyday projects around the house. Michael has been a member of The Minnesota Woodworkers Guild since September 2020.

Board Members and Volunteers

Paul Ehrlich

President
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George Lucas

Vice President; Supporter Liaison; Northern Woods Committee, Woodworkers Expo Committee
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Karl Heal

Treasurer
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Roger Christopherson

Secretary
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Khrisslyn Goodman Chien

Education Coordinator
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Ron Ausen

Chair, Woodworkers Expo
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Norbert Nielubowski

SIG Coordinator; Vice-Chair, Expo Committee; Education Committee
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Matt LaBo

Program Director
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Michael Goetz

Communications Director
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Non-Board Volunteers who hold key roles in the Guild

Ken Jones
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Mike Johnson

Chair of the Northern Woods Exhibition
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Dan Berks

Program Committee
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Jay Ankeny

Program Committee
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Polk Burleson

Northern Woods Committee
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Jon Carter

Program Committee
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Charles “OS” Finne

Northern Woods Committee
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Kevin Groenke

Engagement/Social Media Coordinator
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Craig Jentz

Tool Meister
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Roger Knudson

Program Committee
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Tony Kubalak

Northern Woods Committee
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David Lane

Web Content; Groups.io Co-Moderator
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Ed Neu

Website Back Office Administrator & Northern Woods Committee
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Blake Nelson

Librarian
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Larry Sibik

Northern Woods Committee
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Rutager West

Northern Woods Committee
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