About Us

Terry Flower, Ph.D., is emeritus professor of mathematics and physics at St. Catherine University, where he served as chair of the department and held the Endowed Chair of Science for the university. He was selected as a distinguished visiting professor of physics at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and has been inducted into the Aerospace Educators Hall of Fame.  He was elected to three terms on the Hastings, MN School Board and represented District 16 on the Metropolitan Council.

Curt Brown is an engineer, NASA astronaut and retired United States Air Force Colonel. Curt served on six Space Shuttle missions, logging over 1,383 hours in space as well as over 6,000 hours of flight time in jet aircraft. Curt is a member of the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal twice, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, and NASA Space Flight Medal six times. Curt was recently inducted into the MN Aviation Hall of Fame in 2024.

Kasey Herzberg brings over 20 years of experience in the STEM fields as a manager and leader in product strategy and development, software programming and project management. Kasey holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics from the University of Minnesota as well as a double Masters from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in both Operations and Management. She is a former member of the FAA's Youth in Aviation Task Force. Kasey is currently President of ADF Innovations, a wife and mother of three children, as well as being actively involved in community and youth programs in the south metro area. 

Charlie Nelson is an attorney at Lindquist and Vennum, assisting clients with issues related to bankruptcy, receiverships and debtor-creditor issues.  Charlie received an undergraduate degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy, an M.B.A from the University of South Dakota and a Law Degree from the University of St. Thomas School of Law. Prior to his legal career, Charlie was a leader and maintenance professional, serving 6 years in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft maintenance officer and working for Target Corporation as a Facilities Operations Manager. Charlie is currently a member of the Minneapolis Downtown Council and on the Board of Directors of the Twin Cities Area U.S. Air Force Academy Association of Graduates.

Scott Larson is in the financial industry where he enjoys generating creative business and growth strategies in helping clients reach for their financial goals. Scott focuses on Wealth Management, Portfolio Management, Lending and Private Business services. Prior to entering the financial services industry in 2006, Scott was an airline pilot for over 10 years. He graduated from Minnesota State University - Mankato with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management/Finance.

Liz Mclay is the Founder and Chief Development Officer of McLay Consulting. Liz is a nationally recognized leader in the field of retail real estate and place-making. Her mission is to create connections, putting brands-in-hands, promoting experiential learning and building holistic environments known for their contribution to communities. As an advisor she supports entrepreneurial, women-led ventures and high-growth brands through mentoring and strategic advising. Liz received a Bachelor and Masters of Science from Cornell University, School of Hotel Administration.

Michelle Benson served for over twelve years as a member of the Minnesota Senate as both a Senate leader and a chair of the Health and Human Services Committee. She is a Certified Public Accountant, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Catherine’s University and a MBA from the University of St. Thomas. She is an active school, church, Cub Scouts, and sports team volunteer. Together, Michelle and her husband Craig have three children and own a small business near their home of Ham Lake.