About Us

Board of Directors

Joan Barnes is President of Sweetspot, a strategic communications and PR firm that specializes in the non-profit, healthcare and medical device sectors. A seasoned communicator, Joan has 23 years of marketing and communications experience. Before founding Sweetspot, Joan was Director of Communications for the Minneapolis Medical Research Foundation (MMRF) at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC). Before the MMRF, Ms. Barnes was Director of the local office of Canine Companions for Independence for eight years where she was responsible for all of the day-to-day operations of the organization. She also has corporate experience including Allstate Insurance, Pitney Bowes, CPT and Compugraphic Corporation.

Ms. Barnes is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in journalism, and has a master's certificate in medical technology management from the University of St. Thomas. Joan lives in St. Louis Park and serves her community as a member of the St. Louis Park Police Advisory Commission.

As a high school athlete from a middle class family, she admits she took for granted that the facilities, equipment, and coaches would always be accessible to her. Her commitment to breaking down the financial barriers drew her to Foundation IX's mission. Ms. Barnes' experience in non-profit marketing and communications strategy and implementation is asset to the board of Foundation IX.

Board of Directors

Shelly Boyum-Breen
Foundation IX Founder/President

Nancy Hite
CEO YWCA of Minneapolis, Retired

Rayla Allison
Title IX Attorney,
Professor of Sports Marketing,
University of Minnesota

Joanne Grobe
Creative Partner, velvetpeel

Regina Sullivan
Senior Associate Athletic Director,
University of Minnesota

Shannon Pierce
Principal, Stagetime Productions

Stacey Clawson
Director of Curriculum and
Instructional Support,
Capella University

Joan Barnes
President
sweetspot
Strategic Communications & PR

Kadian Douglas
Staff Accountant,
Nonprofit and Government
LarsonAllen

Paul Schroeder
Retired, Capella University