Franklin Center Board of Trustees

Franklin Center is governed by a working Board of Trustees composed of Franklin Center and committed community leaders. They are responsible for the development and implementation of policies and programs that will enable the school to reach its educational, operational, and financial goals. People who volunteer to serve on our board of trustees come from a variety of backgrounds, yet are all united in their passion for the mission of Franklin Center and its students.

2025-2026 Franklin Center Board of Trustees

Officers

blankChris Rahill – Chair

Chris has over 20 years of experience in the marketing industry, including 11 years as the Chief Strategy Officer at Yamamoto. He has a dual BA in English and Economics from the University of Pennsylvania.

Chris has been involved with several area nonprofits’ fundraising efforts, including serving as the Chair of the Basilica Block Party and providing strategic and creative services to ensure successful events.

He has a neurodiverse son and would like to play a small role in expanding awareness, understanding, and appreciation for the difference that Franklin Center can make in the lives of the neurodiverse.

blankSteve Hall –  Vice Chair/Chair Elect

Steve is honored to serve on the Franklin Center Board of Trustees and as the Chair of the Development Committee. He recently retired as the Director of Product Management at Groves Learning Organization. Previously, he worked in marketing and in leadership positions at The Gillette Company, Sunbeam, LeapFrog Enterprises, and taught elementary school in San Francisco Unified School District. Steve earned his Bachelor of Arts in German Language from St. Cloud State University and his Master of International Business Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix, Arizona. He and his husband live in Minneapolis with their two sons; one is a 2020 graduate of Groves Academy, and the other is a high school student at Franklin Academy.

blankTina Lamb – Development Chair

Tina’s son JP is in 9th grade in our Lake Tulaby Classroom. Tina is currently a Co-Chair and Parent Representative for the Tonka Cares Community Coalition. In this role, she leads coalition meetings with community partners with the goal to promote youth wellness and prevent underage substance abuse and misuse, helps manage the Facebook group, and publicize at school and community events to support and educate our youth and students. Additionally, she is the CEO of KinderRead books. Tina graduated from the University of Minnesota with her BA in journalism.

blankAndy Lanik – Treasurer/Finance Chair

Andy is an audit partner in the Minneapolis office of KPMG and specializes in providing professional services to healthcare and not-for-profit organizations. Andy is also a board member and finance chair of Twin Cities R!se. Andy earned his Bachelor of Arts from Boston College.

blankDavid Salmon – Governance and Nominating Chair

David serves on the Governance and Nominating Committee. David is an attorney at Fredrikson & Byron P.A. where he represents private equity funds, venture funds, and other financial buyers in mergers and acquisitions matters. Before practicing law, David was an Internal Auditor for Ecolab for two years. David earned his BS in Finance and Political Science from Iowa State University and his JD from the University of Iowa.

blankAki Yoshino – Secretary

Aki serves as the Secretary of Franklin Center’s Board. She began her career as a Teach For America high school math educator in Los Angeles, California. After teaching many different grades and subjects in the United States and Japan, she shifted into a business career as a buyer for a national retailer. When her son was diagnosed with autism, she decided to dedicate all of her time to helping her son realize his fullest potential. She is the proud mother of a Franklin Academy 10th grader and is excited to begin her fourth year on the Board of Trustees.

Members-At-Large

blankDr. Casey Burrows

Dr. Catherine (Casey) Burrows is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and a licensed psychologist at the Autism Clinic at the University of Minnesota. She loves working with children with unique perspectives on the world and is thrilled to be a Board Member of Franklin Center.

blankKathy Elder

Kathy’s daughter Annie is a 5th grader in Franklin Center’s Cascade River Classroom. Kathy has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Special Education from St. Cloud State University, a Masters of Art in Elementary Education from College of St. Catherine, as well as her K-12 Reading Licensure from Hamline University. Some professional highlights include: sixteen years of teaching experience working with multiple disabilities and diverse needs of children, and being skilled at researching and implementing curriculum based on best practices in education. Kathy’s most recent teaching experience was as an Elementary Education teacher at Nativity of Mary Catholic School in Bloomington, Minnesota.

blankRahul Kansara

Rahul has more than 22 years of experience in the hotel industry owner of Solus Hospitality. He has served on the boards of the City of Inver Grove Heights and Days Inn Alliance. Rahul earned a BA in Molecular Biology from UC Berkeley. One of Rahul’s twin sons has attended Franklin Academy and Franklin Therapy for 7 years.

Rahul has always been interested in taking part in an organization that helps his children success. He hopes that his 22 years of experience in business can help the organization grow.

blank Apurva Patel

Apurva has his Architecture degree from California Polytechnics San Luis Obispo, and is a business owner in Real Estate Investments and Development. He has fundraising experience with development and donor retainment with homeless shelters in California, as well as the Big Brother and Sister program. Apurva is interested in joining the Franklin Center Board to help students feel like they belong and are contributing to the community. Smiles and knowing he made a difference motivate Apurva as a volunteer.

blankLeah Schelin

Leah joined the Board of Trustees for Franklin Center in 2023. She has over 25 years of experience serving the healthcare sector, including positions at Accenture, UnitedHealth Group, GoodRx, and SVP of Product at UpHealth. Leah earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at UCLA. She has two children: one in the Upper School at Breck and one at Franklin Academy.

blankDarren Schuler

Darren’s son Sam is in our Capstone Program. Darren is the current Superintendent of schools PreK-12 for Watertown-Mayer Public School ISD 111. In this role, he led the district through 25-million-dollar bond referendum building projects in 2020-2023, directed the district through a strategic planning process in 2023, and manages a 20-million-dollar annual budget. Darren has his Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Minnesota State University, Mankato, as well as his Masters of Education from St. Thomas, Educational K-12 Administrative Licensure through St. Mary’s University, and his Graduate Certificate in Education Administration-Superintendent from St. Mary’s University.

blank Audra Williams

Audra sits on the Development Committee. She is General Counsel for Kraus-Anderson Companies, Inc., and has previously practiced law with Ryan Companies US, Inc. and Dorsey & Whitney, LLP. Her son is a senior at Franklin Academy.

blankMark Zeman

Mark is a founder of Zeman Construction Company and currently serves as the company’s President. He has nearly 40 years of experience in commercial construction management. Mark serves on the Board of Directors for Catholic United Financial Foundation and is the President of Golden Valley Golf and Country Club. Mark and his wife Carrie recently celebrated 25 years of marriage and have raised three children. He is honored and excited to be involved in Franklin Center.