Board of Directors

Warren is married to his wonderful wife, Chris. Together they raised four kids, Amy the oldest who is an Occupational Therapist and has so far provided them with two grandchildren, Miles & Brennan. Then there is Sally who you already know and twin boys Sam & Charlie who are in law enforcement. Warren attended the University of Minnesota and served our country as a Marine, is a licensed electrician, and has a BS in Vocational Technical Adult Education. In his free time he loves to fish and play golf, but his most influential life experience by far, besides marrying his high school sweet heart, has been serving the Lord and being part of the family of God. 

Jeff co-founded Acres for Life in 2001 with his wife, Lynn. He is a CPA and brings to the Acres team excellent facilitation and team-building skills gathered through over 25 years of business and leadership experiences.  He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois. In addition he has completed numerous leadership, facilitation and business courses. He is committed to continual learning and is known for his keen sense of the ‘real’ issues, his ability to provide clear direction, and his ‘win-win’ approach to working through challenges. Jeff has completed his EAGALA Part 1 certification.

Jonathan (Jon) graduated from Gustavus Adophus College with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications in 1993 and earned a teaching certification in 1996.  Prior to joining Yocum Oil Campany, Inc., he worked with All Systems Go as a contracted technical expert.  In 1997 he joined his father and brothers at Yocum Oil Company, Inc. as a computer technician.  He was promoted in 1999 to the position of vice president of administration.  In 2010, he was promoted to Executive Vice President of Development and Solutions, charged with overseeing the departments of information technology, human resources, and safety.  YocumOil was sold in early 2014 to Mansfield Oil Company, Lubrication Techologies, Holiday Companies and Flint Hills Resources.  Jon worked as a Senior Project Manager for Lubrication Technologies until August 2014 on the technology transition. Jon is married to the former Kirsten Eckblad, and has a son, Olover and a daughter, Nora.  He enjoys hunting and fishing with his family, friends, and business associates.

Jim Welbourn has been an entrepreneur for over 30 years. He has started and sold businesses domestically, brought one company public, and spent time consulting internationally in Jamaica and the Turks and Caicos Islands.  Jim was born and raised in Chicago and has called Minnesota his home since 1985, except for 3 years where he resided in Florida and Jamaica.  Jim has been involved in volunteer work through his church for over 20 years where he mentored 7th, 8th, and 9th grade youth in preparation for their confirmation. He also served on the council of St. John Lutheran Church of Mound for 6 years as a member, Vice President, and President. Jim also serves as an election judge for Minnesota elections.  Jim has been blessed with a beautiful, loving wife, Kathryn for 23 years, 5 children and 6 grandchildren.  “I am looking forward to helping launch and grow Abijah’s Hope where we pray that we can heal people and horses in unity with hope for a brighter future.”

Jim is a semi-retired engineer, having worked for a civil engineering consultant for 41 years. He has an engineering degree from the University of Minnesota and recently retired from his position at Ayres Associates as vice president of engineering services. Currently, as a certified instructor for the National Highway Institute, he teaches engineering short courses nation-wide. Jim and his wife Twyla of 45 years have a son and a daughter who have blessed them with five wonderful grandchildren. Jim spends time serving on multiple non-profit boards. In his spare time, he enjoys the outdoors and always has some project he is working on. Jim and Twyla are committed Christians and seek to be ready to respond to the call of God.

Denise has been a huge advocate of Acres for Life from the very beginning!  As a dear friend of Lynn Moore’s she has encouraged the vision of Acres starting over 16 years ago.  In 2016, Denise joined the Stillwater Area Public School District as the new superintendent.  Prior she served as the Spring Lake Park assistant superintendent and director of educational services.  She has also worked in the Mahtomedi school district as a principal and a kindergarten teacher.  Denise is a proven instructional leader who is focused on improving learning opportunities for students.  She has a passion for learning and innovation, and is excited to continue growing with Acres as we expand locations and reach so many more people in need.

LeAnn is retired and living in Woodbury.  Prior to retirement LeAnn worked as the Executive Director of the East YMCA.  During her tenure the ‘new’ East YMCA was built connected to Johnson Elementary School.  She also spent 11 years as a court aide for Ramsey County Criminal Division.  LeAnn has served as a member of the Board at the East YMCA as well as the Chairperson.  She has also held positions on her church’s council.  Being retired has provided the opportunity to spend time with her 4 grandchildren and as a volunteer for Acres for Life.  She also enjoys spending summers on the golf course in Big Lake