Staff
Derrick Jaeger
Executive Director
Derrick Jaeger joined Community Thread in 2024 after a 26-year career with the YMCA, including over 15 years in executive director roles. He has significant expertise in facilitating community collaborations and managing membership-based programs, including senior and volunteer initiatives. A skilled relationship-builder, Derrick has been actively engaged in the communities in which he has worked, including chairing business associations and collaborating with key community leaders. Derrick and his wife Kari live in Hastings. When he’s not working, Derrick is fishing; he spends a lot of time on the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers.
Kathryn Bolinder
Associate Director
Kathryn Bolinder has an undergraduate degree in social work and a Master of Healthcare Administration degree and Master of Management degree from St. Mary’s University. Before coming to Community Thread, Kathryn worked as Long Term Care Administrator, Clinic Manager and Director of Operations in several not-for-profit and for-profit organizations. She continues to volunteer with several local organizations.
Cathleen Hess
Development and Communications Director
Cathleen holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, Writing, and Secondary Education from Hamline University. She brings 20 years of fundraising, event planning, communications, and marketing experience to Community Thread. She has dedicated more than a decade of her professional career working in communications and fundraising roles to benefit students attending local urban and suburban public schools. Cathleen has been a member of many statewide communications and public relations associations. She has volunteered locally at Croixdale, Valley Outreach, and in various roles for the ISD 622 Education Foundation.
Elise Hendrickson
Communications and Website Coordinator
Elise has a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Business Administration from University of Puget Sound. Elise was born and raised in Stillwater and earned the 2016 Individual Community Involvement Award. Elise is passionate about satisfaction and performance and is ready to put that passion to use in helping Community Thread’s mission. Elise has social media and communications experience from a variety of fields and is excited to put those skills to use, here. Elise is also a youth soccer coach for a local soccer club.
Rachel Presslein
Thrive Program Director
Rachel holds a Master of Public Administration degree from North Carolina State University. She has certifications in nonprofit management and volunteer administration. Before joining Community Thread, Rachel worked with health and housing organizations in program development, board and volunteer management, human resources, strategic planning, fundraising, and communications. Rachel is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the ISD 622 Education Foundation.
Jennifer Sherwin
Operations Assistant
Jennifer Sherwin Operations Assistant: Jennifer has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech Communication and Human Relations from St. Cloud State University. She also holds a post graduate diploma in Housing Policy and Management from Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England. Jennifer worked as a Licensed Property Manager for many years before joining Community Thread. She also has experience in office administration and management, hospitality management, and she worked for the Department for Work and Pensions while living in England. Jennifer has volunteered at Hope for the Journey Home, Family Means Act on Alzheimer’s, and served on the Board of Directors of Royal Guard Performing Arts, a non-profit organization formed to provide performing arts opportunities to youth and young adults.
Kate Caffrey
Volunteer Engagement Director
Kate has a B.A. in Communications and Public Relations from Western Michigan University and completed her graduate work in Higher Education at the University of Minnesota Mankato. She spent over 25 years working at colleges and universities in and around the twin cities managing programs that engaged students in the local community with schools, organizations and nonprofits. In her most recent role with the YWCA Minneapolis, she supported group fitness community outreach programs. Kate is no stranger to volunteering and is passionate about working with others to collectively engage in efforts that create positive change for the betterment of the community.
