VHCAN Leadership

I'm a resident of Vadnais Heights of 20+ years.

I have a long career in customer service for small businesses and volunteering.

I strongly believe we should do what we can to make the world a better place than we found it. The three areas I've chosen to focus on are the environment, racial justice and equity, and reproductive justice.

Retired businesswoman, mother of 2 and Grandma of 5, currently devoting my time to my passions of sustainability, family, and travel. I Worked in corporate America 20+ years and spent the 2nd half of my career as an owner in an engineering firm focused on using natural systems to treat wastewater. I’m currently serving as a Commissioner on the Vadnais Heights Park/Recreation and Trails Commission, I also serve as a leader for the Vadnais Heights Green Team and am a member of Northeast Metro Climate Action volunteer community group whose focus is on educating our neighbors and elected officials on the implications of climate change. One of my personal goals is to live more sustainably and help others understand the choices we can all make to help address climate change. My husband and I enjoy hiking in the national parks, spending time at our cabin and spoiling our grandchildren. 

I am a dog mom, wife, businesswoman, and passionate volunteer. I’ve worked in corporate America for 13 years in various roles, mostly compliance and ethics. I am passionate about women’s rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, and taking on climate change. I currently volunteer with the Minnesota DFL, Planned Parenthood, and Pro-Choice Minnesota. I enjoy Vikings and Gopher football, playing softball, reading, live music, travel, and spending time with my friends and family.  

Hi, my name is Liz Stein and I have lived in Vadnais Heights for more than 30 years. Most of my working years, I was an education sales rep and enjoyed every minute of working with school professionals. 

I believe the best way to influence change is to work at it close to home.  And now that I am retired, would like to be part of the change. I would like to make sure Vadnais Heights is a welcoming community to anyone who would like to move here.

Hello, my name is Alexis Varner. I am a 21 year old that has a passion for making a positive impact on the world by effecting meaningful change. I was born and raised in Vadnais Heights and am currently attending the University of Minnesota with a graduation date of Spring 2024. My journey started when I organized a student-led walkout at White Bear Lake's South Campus in response to heightened racial tensions. I have done work in the community on White Bear's Welcoming and Inclusive Task Force, the DFL Coordinated Campaign as an Assistant Apartments Director, and African American Organizer. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, as well as getting out in nature. I hope to keep moving forward on a path marked by determination, creativity, and a commitment to personal growth. 

My name is Amy Varner and I have lived in Vadnais Heights since I was in fourth grade. I currently hold a degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and have completed courses toward my master’s in business administration. My experience includes over 20 years in finance and twelve years working in public relations. Throughout my youth and into adulthood, I have watched Vadnais Heights grow in population and diversity. As a member of Vadnais Heights Community Action Network (VHCAN), I am enthusiastic about topics involving diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability. As a parent of two multiracial children, my experience has been both inspirational and educational. Strength lies in differences and not in similarities and I believe highlighting and educating others on the power of diversity; we as a whole will benefit from a broader range of perspectives and experiences.