Julie Ekberg
President
Julie Ekberg has officially retired from Alerus Financial after 30 years as an accounting operations specialist. She’s been with the Santa Claus Girls since 2010 as one of the toy buyers. Previous volunteer work includes the Alerus Relay for Life team where she served as a co-captain for 2 years, as well as helping with the shopping with Sox’s for Kids in the Manvel School District.
Jennifer Ekberg
Vice President & Shopper
Jennifer Ekberg is a mortgage loan originator at Granite Bank. She’s been with the Santa Claus Girls program since 2009. Current volunteer work includes firearm safety instructor since 2011, and Journey Home Animal Rescue foster parent. Jen also delivers Meals on Wheels in her free time. She is passionate about giving back to our community.
Karen Bjornseth
Treasurer
Karen Bjornseth is currently working at Bell Bank. She has served on the Santa Claus Girls board since 2017. Previous volunteer experience includes an officer in local chapters of the Air Force Sergeants Association in many locations, leader of multiple fund raising activities for different charities and has been in charge of an annual free gift wrapping booth on previous military installations. She’s also been a Boy Scout Leader and a Girl Scout Leader. Recently she added to her volunteerism by partnering with the Ronald McDonald House in Fargo, ND.
Allison Peterson
Creative, Marketing, Buyer of all things!
Allison Peterson is the Director of the Grand Forks Public Schools’ Summer Performing Arts Company (SPA). She has worked for SPA since 1997. A native of Grand Forks, Allison is excited to be a part of the Santa Claus Girls, as she loves to give back to the community. We have enjoyed having Allison on our board since 2021. She is a pivotal part of our team!
Sandra Iverson
Secretary & Book Order Extraordinar!
Sandra Iverson is a retired Computer Programmer. She volunteered with the Santa Claus Girls for 2 years and then joined the board in 2021. Previous volunteer experience includes Special Olympics, Girl Scout Leader and Feed My Starving Children Meal Packing. She loves being part of the Santa Claus Girls.
Theresa Polkinghorne
Board Member at large
Theresa is currently at American Crystal Sugar as a janitor/sweeper. She has been with them since 2022 and enjoys it. She loves to give back to her community and looks forward to this project every year. She has been with the Santa Claus Girls program since 2019.
Chris Peterson
Board Member at large
Bio Coming
The Santa Claus Girls 