Greg Serviss
Board Chair | Wells Fargo, Retired
My name is Greg Serviss and I currently serve as the Board Chair of HHYD. I retired from Wells Fargo after 21 years leading payment strategy and software design and worked in software and wireless data startups before that.
I have a friend who has been a staff volunteer and who has invited me to volunteer at Hospitality House Youth Development (HHYD) over the years. I’ve mowed lawns with the teens for the seniors in the area and have taught teens guitar and bass. My family has participated in our Christmas With Dignity event and my youngest son did his Boy Scout Eagle Project on the block. When my friend heard that I had retired, he asked if I would consider joining the Board. I joined the Board in 2018 and accepted the Board Chair position in September of 2022. I enjoy the lively family culture and Godly leadership that everyone experiences at HHYD.
My wife, Bev, and I have two sons and lovely daughters-in-law. Our eldest lives in Chicago and youngest lives in town along with our first grandson. Bev cares for our grandson a couple days a week and we like to travel and line dance. My spiritual life ignited when I turned 40 and led me into leading/hosting courses including Alpha, Financial Peace University and The Truth Project. I serve as a prayer minister in Sozo Healing Ministry and lead a worship band.
I’m excited to see how HHYD will transition to the next generation and continue to grow with new services and partnerships to become a steadfast leader and blessing hub for North Minneapolis.
Randy McKinney
Vice Chair | Business Owner, Success Center
Hello, my name is Randy McKinney. I have served on the board of directors at Hospitality House Youth Development since 2016. I’m an alumni of Hospitality House. Back in the day, we called it the club. My experiences at Hospitality House have been numerous. I have great memories and have created lifelong relationships; I’ve learned so many life lessons from this organization. I sit on the board to give back to this organization and my neighborhood.
Who is Randy McKinney?
I’m a man who submits himself to God. I humble myself before God. I reference Him; I choose to put Him first in my life. I take time to be still and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. I do my best to honor Daddy God. I say Daddy God because he’s not just God to me; he’s my father, my Daddy, with whom I have a personal relationship daily. I draw my strength from Daddy, and I try to model my life after Jesus.
I’ve been self-employed and a business owner since 1979. I have been involved in several of my own businesses and partnerships with others. I’m currently involved in a startup called the Twin Cities Ticket coupon app. We showcase businesses on our app to drive foot traffic to their doors. I also have a nonprofit, and one of the phases of the nonprofit is called “The Success Center,” where I teach.
- Personal development around goal setting,
- The mindset of being an Entrepreneur
- One-on-one coaching
- Seeding your future showing people how to become givers.
The Success Center has partnered with HHYD since 2013.
You want to know who Randy McKinney is, I’m a man who chooses to do his best to be loving, kind, thoughtful and considerate. I’m striving to be God’s hand extended and mouthpiece. I do my best to represent the Kingdom of God well.
Thomas Hagen
Treasurer | Pro-Tec Design, Retired
Hi. My name is Tom Hagen. I have been on the Board of Hospitality House Youth Development (HHYD) since 2014 and have served as Board Chair and Vice Chair.
I am a retired business owner and continue to serve as Board Chairman for Pro-Tec Design, a leader in the electronic security industry. I joined the company in 1989, bought it and became President/CEO in 2004, and in 2016, sold it to our employees via an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). I have also served as Elder Board Chair for Westgate Church of Wayzata and have led several Bible studies.
I grew up in Minneapolis and attended Washburn High School and Bethel University. Being aware of the racial and economic disparities in the Twin Cities I would occasionally wonder if I could do anything to make a positive difference. In a business meeting with a client we discovered that we were both followers of Jesus. He subsequently asked if I had heard of HHYD and like many have told me since, I responded, “Yes, I have heard of it, but what do they do?” He invited me to “come and see” and we went on a site visit.
I found the mission and vision of HHYD to be compelling. I began serving as a reading tutor which gave me quality time to get to know some kids there. I was also a driver for teens who would mow lawns for the elderly in the community. My hope for HHYD is that each child and teen will know they are loved, they will excel in school, graduate from high school and pursue opportunities in higher education or learn trade skills that will enable them to be productive members of society. I believe, and HHYD teaches, that faith, family and education are the gateway to success in life, and that restoring the traditional, two-parent family will be essential to restoring the community.
I am married to my wife Sharon and father to three daughters, sons-in-law and papa to 9 grandchildren. In years gone by I was a coach for girls softball and basketball teams. Our family enjoys water and winter sports. Sharon & I treasure times to be with our family.. We love to travel. I love Canadian fishing and since retirement, I have returned to my hobby of HO-scale model trains.
James Larson
Secretary | Atlas Commercial Real Estate
Over the years, I’ve served on the Board of Hospitality House Youth Development (HHYD) at different times. I currently serve as Board Secretary. My father was Woody Larson, who founded HHYD in 1960.
Being involved with HHYD has given me the opportunity to honor my dad’s legacy and his passionate love for this ministry. His desire for young people to come to faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior never wavered. His selfless example is an inspiration to me.
I’ve experienced HHYD from the time I was a child. I played on the “Cubs” youth baseball team as a young boy. Many times older HHYD youth would visit our family’s home. Some of these kids became like family to us.
I admire the sacrifice and dedication of our staff who come alongside HHYD youth and their families. It has been rewarding to see the impact that HHYD has had on kids, their families and the Northside community over the last 65 years. My greatest hope is that people come to faith in Christ through the ministry of HHYD. In addition, HHYD can provide a “home away from home” where kids can experience love, support, academic help and can participate in other activities such as athletic teams.
I attended Robbinsdale High School and the University of Wisconsin – Madison. I continued to play baseball through my university years. After graduating, I had the opportunity to travel to several Latin American countries as part of an Overseas Crusades evangelistic baseball team. I am a real estate broker. I have served on various church committees and in lay leadership roles. My wife Kerri and I live in Maple Grove. We have 3 adult children and one (soon to be two) grandchildren.
Stephanie Hill
Board Member | Dean of Students, North Community High School
Hi, my name is Stephanie Hill. I was introduced to HHYD by the late great Dr. Theresa Foster, HHYD’s Director of Education, who was like a second mother to me. My husband, Isaac, and I have three children who have attended HHYD since the youngest was in 1st grade. She is now a freshman in high school and both our boys have joined the youth staff for the summer program. I became a parent volunteer along the way and joined the board in June of 2023.
Professionally, I am a Payment Integrity Manager for Reimbursement Policy & Coding at Medica Health Plans, where I’ve been employed for 16 years. Recreationally, I am the Team Manager for Eagles Wings track club (originally, the Hospitality House ‘Striders’) and I volunteer at North Community High School. Ministerially, I am an Evangelist with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, and my church home is Piercing Faith Church in St. Paul, MN. There I am active within the ministerial staff and am a part of a prayer group called ‘Unleashed’.
Paula Larsen
Board Member | Business Owner, Retired
My name is Paula Larsen and I currently serve on the Board of HHYD and the Development Committee. My late husband Ernie and I ran a recovery counseling business. Ernie was a counselor at Mercy Hospital and wrote books, trained counselors and spoke at conferences around the world while I took care of the business behind the scenes.
Ernie met Rev. Johnny Hunter in 1995 while serving at the Salvation Army. Ernie encouraged Rev. to start his Recovery Church and Ernie attended services there and served dinners for 13 years. Rev. invited us both to the Spring Breakfast where we heard the late Dr. Theresa Foster, Director of Education, give a very moving talk and we were hooked!
I fell in love with our Christmas With Dignity event and it’s been a joy to lead the team each year. We have 2 daughters and 6 grandchildren who live in Eden Prairie and Woodbury and they all get involved. We enjoy working with the Board and staff. When our families leave with toys they have bought for their kids, our joy is complete.
I once expressed my surprise to Rev. that there were no women on the Board and he responded, “Well, there could be.” I ended up joining the Board in 2012 and now there are 3 women on our Board.
I also serve at St Joan of Arc Catholic Church where I participate in their “Arm in Arm” mission to Africa where we build relationships with the kids. I support their emergency housing and Loaves and Fishes food truck ministry for the homeless. The food truck now stops at HHYD where everyone comments on how respectfully our kids behave.
The most important thing I’ve learned at HHYD is how to be a better prayer warrior. A group of our leaders pray each Wednesday morning and we experience such a great unity in God’s Spirit. We are different but we all boldly pray for protection and provision for our families. We want our children to know that they are loved by Christ and how special they are. My involvement with HHYD has also taught me a lot about organizing events. They have been a great opportunity to live out our name with hospitality and they have consistently shown us God’s great provision for HHYD.
Brett McNeal, M.S., CMAA
Board Member | District Assistant Director of Athletics MPS
Hi, I am Brett McNeal and I recently joined the Board at Hospitality House Youth Development. I currently work for the Minneapolis Public Schools as their District Assistant Athletic Director. I grew up in North Minneapolis, attended Hospitality House Youth Development (HHYD) as a youth, and graduated from North Community High School.
I started playing basketball at HHYD in the 5th grade and became a member of a Bible study group in the 7th grade. HHYD’s Christ-based program resonated with my family and friends.
As a basketball standout, I earned the title of Minnesota Mr. Basketball. I went on to play and graduate from Western Kentucky University where I earned a degree in Communications and was inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame. I furthered my studies at Grace College, earning a master’s degree in Athletic Administration. My career has included Community Organizer, Administrative Politician, Executive Director, Human Resources Manager, High School Dean, basketball official & Athletic Director. My hobbies include golfing and reading.
I have been committed to fostering positive change in the lives of others and have used my roles as an athlete, coach, high school official, and administrator to inspire Christian transformation and leadership development in our youth. I look forward to engaging more of our HHYD alumni and the community to help our children get to know Christ personally.
I have been married for 25 years and am the proud father of five successful children.
Ken Schelper
Board Member | Davanni's, Retired
My name is Ken Schelper and I joined the Board of Hospitality House Youth Development (HHYD) in 2013 and have served as Treasurer and Vice Chair.
I am a retired executive of Davanni’s Pizza and Hot Hoagies which my brother started with school friends in 1975. After helping part-time, I joined full-time as a General Manager in 1976 and eventually became Vice President. During my time with Davanni’s I also served for many years on the MN Restaurant Association and the Hospitality MN Board. I was elected president of the MN Restaurant Association in 2001 and later was named to the MN Restaurant Hall-Of-Fame.
I attended Edina High School, graduated from the University of MN and I served in military intelligence during the Vietnam War.
I was introduced to HHYD through a long time friend and began volunteering in the late 1990s. My hope for HHYD is that its legacy will continue to impact the youth and their families in North Minneapolis.
I am married to my wife Becky, a father to three daughters and sons-in-law, and grandpa to 4 grandchildren. I attend River Valley Church in Minnetonka and enjoy participating in various fitness classes.
Rick Smith
Board Member | Sales, Mannington
My name is Rick Smith and I’ve been on the Board of Hospitality House since July of 2023. My wife, Victoria, and I have been married since 1996 and we have two adult boys. I currently work as a commercial sales representative for Mannington Commercial. Prior to that I worked in start up companies in the network radio and food industries.
I became familiar with HHYD when a close friend from my Bible study group invited me to play in his golf tournament which was raising funds for Hospitality House. After meeting several of the youth at the event, I volunteered to tutor a student which I found to be a very rewarding experience. I also participated in cleaning and maintenance tasks.
I have been amazed how God has used HHYD to introduce Himself to the Northside community. For example, one time I went into a plumbing wholesale house on the Northside and told the clerk that I was working with HHYD and he told me he was an alumni. I have a soft spot for kids and want to help provide them with opportunities for success. I am a big advocate of using Strengthfinders and other resources to help youth foster their innate talents and develop identity and destiny in Christ.
I pursue a variety of interests including: skiing, adventure motorcycling, golfing, rock climbing, hunting, mountain biking and woodworking.
John Wheaton
Board Member | Inner City Tennis
Brian Wright
Board Member | Director of Community Partners, KTIS
My name is Brian Wright and I joined the HHYD board in August, 2023. My relationship with Jesus impacts my very soul. I’m currently the Director of Community Partners for 98.5 KTIS radio, a Christian radio ministry of the University of Northwestern-St. Paul. Over the last several months, KTIS has been rated the top radio station in the Twin Cities. Prior to KTIS, I worked in a variety of non-profit settings after spending many years in corporate marketing roles. Until recently, I served on the board of Metro Meals on Wheels, chairing their Development Committee. Interestingly, the day after I left their board, Rev. Johnny Hunter called me about joining the HHYD board.
I’ve been married to my best friend, Polly, for 40 years. We have two adult children, both married, and we enjoy time with our granddaughter—another grandchild is on the way!
I first got involved with HHYD decades ago when a softball teammate invited me to volunteer. I disconnected for several years but got invited to the Business Breakfast which got me thinking about my time growing up in St. Paul. I most desire that the youth at HHYD realize their true identity in Christ, regardless of their circumstances or what their friends say. Jesus loves them so dearly and He has a purpose and a plan just for them. Recently, I learned that the youth at HHYD were studying Rick Warren’s “40 Days of Purpose” and are REALLY engaging. This touched my heart because that book made an impact on my faith journey years ago.
I also have a passion for college football; I love the rivalry and traditions. I’ve coached high school and college football in the past enjoying the strategy, preparation and life-lessons learned in sports. Polly and I love traveling to Florida in the spring and I’ve been known to bake a pretty mean batch of chocolate chip cookies too.
If you are interested in becoming a board member with us at Hospitality House, please contact Greg Serviss