Our Team
At Bridge to Basics, our mission is powered by a lean, dedicated team led by our Executive Director. Alongside an active, hands-on working board of directors and committed team of volunteers, we roll up our sleeves to manage logistics, build community partnerships, and ensure basic hygiene essentials reach the neighbors who need them most. We’re proof that a small, passionate team – working alongside generous supporters – can build a massive wave of care across our community. And we’ve only just begun.
Jay Zemke
Executive Director
Jay Zemke is the Executive Director of Bridge to Basics, where he works with more than 75 nonprofit organizations to help ensure individuals and families have access to essential hygiene products. Jay brings more than three decades of corporate experience in organizational leadership, strategic development, partnerships, marketing and growth. Before joining Bridge to Basics, he served as Executive Director of Free Bikes 4 Kidz, where he led a network of more than 3,000 volunteers, board members and partners and oversaw the collection, refurbishment and distribution of more than 3,000-5,000 bikes annually. Previously, Jay served as CEO and President of Lutheran Braille Workers, leading a national network of more than 100 production centers, in 34 states and 3,000 volunteers.
Throughout his career, Jay has focused on bringing people, organizations and resources together to create measurable impact. He is excited to bring that experience to Bridge to Basics and help build the next chapter of Minnesota’s hygiene safety net.
kristie thibodeau
Co Founder, President
rana khoury
Co Founder, Secretary
tim mcgrath
Treasurer
derrick brown
Director
tracy olson
Director
mona perkins
Director
Bridge to Basics does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, the appointment to and termination from its Board of Directors, hiring and firing of staff or contractors, selection of volunteers, selection of vendors, and providing of services.