December 13, 2024; New Brighton, Minnesota—The Wilson Foundation, a private foundation established in Minnesota in 2021, announced the hiring of Andrea Nettles as Foundation Manager.
Andrea joined the Wilson Foundation as Foundation Manager in late November 2024. In this role, Andrea will be responsible for ensuring the operational effectiveness of the foundation as well as working with the Board to facilitate programmatic activities such as grantmaking and other strategic initiatives.
Andrea brings more than 14 years of nonprofit sector experience to her work at the Wilson Foundation. Most recently, Andrea has served as Housing Stability Manager and Associate Director of Housing Stability at CommonBond Communities where she designed and implemented evidence-based services tailored to special populations, including veterans, formerly homeless individuals, and BIPOC communities. Her leadership has guided teams across Minnesota and other Midwest locations, ensuring that critical supportive housing services were delivered with excellence and compassion.
Raised primarily in the Phillips neighborhood of South Minneapolis, Andrea has roots in New Orleans, LA, where she was born and spent part of her life as a young adult. Her path back to Minnesota from New Orleans was, in part, influenced by the impact and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Andrea currently serves on the Board of Directors for Missions, Inc., a provider of housing and social services.
“I believe that my lived experience along with my professional expertise are aligned and highlight my commitment to individual empowerment as a key to poverty alleviation,” said Nettles. “I deeply understand how important it is to ensure stable housing and critical resources are provided to individuals and families and know that organizations need strategic governance to be successful.”
“The Wilson Foundation is extremely excited to have someone with Andrea’s professional and personal experiences to guide the Foundation into the future,” said Terry O’Reilly, Wilson Foundation Board Member. “The Board wanted to find someone who could continue the great expertise and leadership that was provided by outgoing Executive Director Jean Sazevich, and we are confident Andrea is that person.”
When not working, you can find Andrea spending time with her husband and kids or connecting with nature while foraging for mushrooms.
About the Wilson Foundation
The Wilson Foundation is a private foundation based in New Brighton, Minnesota. It was founded in 2021 by John R. Wilson, serial entrepreneur in the field of biotechnology and currently CEO of Wilson Wolf Manufacturing Company. For more information, visit www.wilsonfoundationmn.org.