Jeffrey Peterson
Board Chair
Jeff Peterson is the current Board Chair. He is a principal shareholder and the co-managing attorney of the St. Cloud office of the Gray, Plant Mooty law firm. Jeff practices in the area of commercial lending, commercial bankruptcy and agricultural law.
Downtown St. Cloud is the heart of greater St. Cloud and central Minnesota. A vibrant downtown is essential for the economic and social development of central Minnesota – allowing for and encouraging the concentration of commercial, cultural and civic activities.
I believe in the mission and vision of the St. Cloud Downtown Council because it has been successful. The redevelopment of the Lake George area has created a social gathering place. The development of the river walk has created opportunities to explore the Mississippi River. The construction of the Lofts has created downtown urban living. The St. Cloud Downtown Council has been a partner in these projects. There are more opportunities – and a strong St. Cloud Downtown Council is necessary to identify and partner in these opportunities.
Mark Stafford
Vice Chair
Mark Stafford brings a broad business background and local community leadership to the Downtown Council and its members. Mark’s career includes executive positions in retail management, commercial services for multi-family housing, consumer beverages and now local real estate. Mark is currently a real estate professional with RE/MAX Results, providing service excellence to residential and commercial clients in the St. Cloud area and central Minnesota. He understands the importance of a vibrant community, which includes a strong Downtown.
As Vice-Chair, Mark supports the mission of the St. Cloud Downtown Council to help provide a destination for retail, restaurants & entertainment, business, and residents. Mark’s active community involvement also includes being a Board Member of the St. Cloud Neighborhood Coalition which supports all residents, and a member of the St. Cloud Rotary. Personally, Mark and his son live in St. Cloud and enjoy the many outdoor sports and the variety of activities the area has to offer.
Gail Ruhland
Board Member
Gail Ruhland, EdD is responsible for innovative and effective leadership in all aspects of providing conferences/webinars, non-credit programs, continuing education unit/credit programs, and other programs designed for continuing education and professional development. Dr. Ruhland’s department at St. Cloud State Universities, the Center for Continuing Studies, can provide contract, customized and continuing education for individuals, area industries, businesses and organizations located in St. Cloud, Minnesota (and beyond) interested in improving skills and lifelong learning.
Dr. Ruhland is committed to the Vision and Mission of the St. Cloud Downtown Council. The DTC brings opportunity and works on behalf of our DTC members, the result is a thriving Downtown Community and Region.
Steve Laraway
Board Member
As President/CEO of Laraway financial Advisors, Inc, Stever shapes the culture of excellence ar Laraway Financial Advisors which he launched in 2001, modeling positivity and optimism gained over 38 years of financial sevice. He guides the day-to-day operation, mentors a team of ten advisors, and sets the strategic direction for the company’s growth and stability.
In addition to Laraway financial Advisors, Inc. Steve is involved with many community boards and organizations which include the St. Cloud Downtown Council. He and his family enjoy the outdoors, being involved in the community, and traveling. Of all Steve does, enjoys, and values in life, he counts stewardship as the key to success.
Timothy Stewart
Board Member
Over a decade of experience in the banking and financial industries. Currently Director of Retail, Marketing, & Business Development for Kensington Bank located in Downtown St Cloud. As Director, driving the engine of the bank’s customer facing team is a responsibility I don’t take lightly or without earnest. This is a community bank founded on the key principal of developing a trusted partnerships with each and every, single, person we do business with for their financial success. Therefore I look most forward in helping continue carrying that drive and passion for our customers into each and every day. After all, that’s what puts the “Community” in Community Banking.
Overall I see a great deal of continued potential in Downtown St Cloud, and I will strive to help foster development, growth, and help our downtown community thrive. The Downtown Council is a pillar in our community and we together we have the privilege to continue making downtown St Cloud the epicenter of culture, finance, business, and community.
Douglas J. Boser
Board Member
Currently serving as President of Inventure Properties, Douglas J. Boser has been a leader in the commercial building and development industry for over twenty-nine (29) years. Doug’s extensive knowledge and expertise includes experience in site selection and acquisition, land planning, government approvals, and lease negotiations.
In addition to specializing in build-to-suit office space, including the areas of Medical, Commercial, and Institutional, Doug has also worked with a wide variety of local tenants, including Quinlivan and Hughes, Viking Electric Supply, CentraCare Square, RE/MAX Results and Process Pro.
Dedicated to ensuring growth and vitality in the St. Cloud downtown he has made significant investments in the revitalization of key buildings such as 501 St. Germain, 505 Whitney, 5th Ave Live and others.
Doug also remains an active community leader serving on the boards of CentraCare foundation, Downtown Council and is a founding member Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation.
His beliefs in St. Cloud’s current strength of downtown leads him to continue to put efforts forward to help build on the foundations that have been laid. To put it simply, “you cannot have a strong town without a strong downtown”
Brad Goskowicz
Chief Executive Officer
Brad joined Microbiologics as Chief Marketing Officer in 2009, becoming CEO in 2010 as part of a planned transition. Brad has a degree in Medical Technology with a double Major in Chemistry. He has been an executive in the Medical Device Industry for over twenty-five years. Brad has won many awards including the Cornerstone Award, (GEP Executive of the Year); was a finalist in 2016 as the EOY Entrepreneur of the Year, The Marquette College of Health Sciences Alumnus of the Year in 2013, named in 2016 by the Minneapolis Business Journal as one of the Top 100 People to Know, and was inducted into the US Speedskating Hall of Fame as a Contributor to the Sport. In addition to his duties as CEO, Brad is also actively involved with the Greater Saint Cloud Development Corporation, the Saint Cloud Downtown Council, Central Minnesota Big Brothers & Big Sisters, the American Association of Lab Accreditation and The AOAC International Board of Directors.
Penny White
Board Member
I am a lifelong resident of St. Cloud, graduating from Cathedral High School and SCSU. I am married and have 4 grown daughters and 5 grandchildren. After retiring from my work as Alumni Coordinator and Admissions Director at CHS I chose to join the St. Cloud Downtown Council Board. I have been a board member for over 11 years.
As a board member I have worked on many projects, events and committees such as Beautification, Place Making, Arts Works, Mississippi Partners which led to the Riverwalk Committee and the Winter Nights Lights Parade. Because of my background on Capital Campaigns with other non-profits I have been involved with many fundraising and marketing efforts for downtown as well. I believe a downtown is the heart of a city and a healthy vibrant downtown will benefit all citizens and should be supported by everyone in the community when possible.
Ryan Laudenbach
Board Member
I was born and raised in South St. Cloud. Downtown has played a large role in my life from early childhood memories and parents working for local businesses, to now working for Capital One (formally ING Direct) for the past 16 years. I have been on sub-committees and an active board member for the St. Cloud Downtown Council for the past 5 years. It’s a pleasure to be part of a strong community and being able to invest in our local downtown.
