A seasoned group of 8 individuals with strong ties to Pastoral, Industrial, Financial, and homeless communities.
Becky Hanson
Founder
Founder of Hope Avenue with 20+ years serving people experiencing homelessness in North Minneapolis. Former CEO of Hope Ave Twin Cities and founder of transitional housing for men exiting homelessness. Brings decades of pastoral, administrative, and hospital chaplaincy experience, including trauma care and nonprofit leadership.
Marcell Garrettson
Chairman
Career leader in social services and reentry programs across the Twin Cities. Former Program Manager at Midwest Challenge Inc., where he expanded housing capacity and launched Minnesota’s DOC Work Release program. Founder and Executive Director of Christian Restoration Services, developing long-term housing and treatment programs serving ex-offenders and people experiencing homelessness for over 30 years.
Former investment professional with decades of experience across retail, high-net-worth, and institutional finance. Since 2007, has focused on serving men facing homelessness and chemical dependency, teaching recovery-focused classes at Hope Avenue Twin Cities, Salvation Army, and Union Gospel Mission. Brings financial expertise grounded in long-term, frontline service.
Lenny Sotecklen
Acting Secretary
Executive Director
CEO and Senior Pastor of Hope Avenue Twin Cities with more than 35 years of experience in ministry, business leadership, and community development. Presiding Bishop of United 4 Christ and President of United 4 Christ Bible University, with a background spanning strategic communications, wellness, and nonprofit leadership.
Broker and owner of Real Estate Solutions MN & WI and JJ&G Properties LLC, with over $250M in real estate brokered across residential and commercial projects. Hands-on operator who owns, manages, and redevelops properties, using real estate as a platform to serve families and individuals. Longtime mentor and board member supporting recovery, housing stability, and community outreach.
Mechanical engineer and technology entrepreneur with a career spanning Honeywell, MicroVision, and co-founding multiple advanced manufacturing companies in semiconductor and medical equipment. Brings extensive international volunteer experience in education and infrastructure development, including orphanage and school construction in Ghana. Joined Hope Avenue Twin Cities as a board member in 2025.
Lifelong volunteer serving people experiencing homelessness, with hands-on experience in food shelves and shelter support. Active with Hope Avenue since 2017 and joined the board in 2025. Works in medical management with dialysis patients while completing a psychology degree, bringing compassion and frontline care experience to board leadership.
Abisola Femi-Jegede
Member
Seasoned IT project management professional with experience across research, technology, manufacturing, and nonprofit sectors. Holds a Doctor of Business Administration and multiple master’s degrees. Since 2019, has provided hands-on leadership and service for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, with a research focus on the links between homelessness, employment, and education.
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