Beth Dooley joins FMR board
We're thrilled to announce that Beth Dooley joined our board in January. Plus, we're celebrating the service two long-time board members who are stepping down, but not entirely away.
Welcome, Beth!
FMR is excited and honored to welcome Beth Dooley to our board of directors. Beth is a renowned food and travel writer, cookbook author and columnist for the Star Tribune, who appears regularly on KARE 11 TV and Minnesota Public Radio. Her books include "The Perennial Kitchen" and "In Winter’s Kitchen." Her 2017 book, "The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen," written with Sean Sherman, was the winner of the James Beard Award for Best American Cookbook.
FMR’s work on improving the environmental performance of agriculture is an area where Beth brings decades of experience and many deep relationships. Beth says, “I’m delighted to join the FMR board. Over the past 30 years, I’ve collaborated with FMR on issues related to regenerative agriculture and local food, equitable access for underserved communities, and recreational events. The people who serve this organization, as board members, staff and volunteers, are dedicated and joyful. I’m all in!”
Introducing our emeritus board
Sue Vento and Deanna Wiener are our first emeritus board members.
With deepest gratitude, we want to note that Deanna Wiener retired from the board of directors at the end of 2025, having served for 27 years. Deanna first came into the FMR community when, as a Minnesota State Senator, she distinguished herself as an advocate for the river and the environment. Deanna served as the organization’s board chair from 2014-2015 and has been a reliable source of ideas and enthusiasm throughout her years on the board.
Fortunately for FMR, while stepping off the board, Deanna will become a member of FMR’s first class of emeritus board members. Emeritus members are elected by the board and selected from those members who have served on the board of directors with distinction and excellence.
Deanna will be joined in this class of emeritus members by former board member Sue Vento. Sue served on the FMR board from 2011-2023 and as board chair from 2016-2017. A former teacher and union leader, Sue has been a lifelong advocate for clean water, national parks and the Mississippi River. Sue recently stepped down as a member of the Metropolitan Council representing Maplewood. Both Sue and Deanna will continue their service to FMR as members of the organization’s development committee.