Executive Council

The Executive Council consists of the elected officers of the Association, an ASHA legislative councilor (if not an officer), an Associate member, and a Future Professionals Advisor (the latter two appointed by the president). The Associate member, student associate member, and ASHA legislative councilor do not have voting rights. The Executive Council implements Association policies and makes all decisions not specifically referred to the membership in the Association bylaws. All committees of the Association are responsible to the Executive Council through the officer to whom they are assigned. The Executive Council is ultimately responsible to the membership for the management of Association moneys and programs.

Purpose:

• To exercise general management of the affairs of the Association as charged by the bylaws.
• To implement Association policies and make all decisions not specifically referred to the membership in the Association bylaws.

Structure of the Executive Council

2027 Executive Council

President

Laurie Stein
Term: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026

• Bio

  Laurie Stein has 25+ years as a speech-language pathologist across clinical and pediatric settings and co-owns a private practice. She is Lead SLP for South Washington County School District and a State Education Advocacy Leader (SEAL) with ASHA, supporting school-based professionals and influencing policy.

  As MNSHA President, Laurie is focused on celebrating 90 years of excellence while advancing reasonable workloads, equitable reimbursement, and strong state-level advocacy. Outside of work, she enjoys family, travel, running, reading, and time with her golden retriever, Willow.

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President-Elect

Jayanti Ray
Term: January 1, 2026 – December 31,2026

Past President

Emily Aust
Term: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026

Vice President – Communication

Katie Zenke
Term: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027

Vice President – Schools

Malka Key
Term: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026

• Bio

  Malka Key is a speech-language pathologist for Saint Paul Public Schools. Before being MNSHA’s Vice President for Schools, she served as School Issues Committee chair and ASHA State Education Advocacy Leader (SEAL).

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Vice President – Health Care 

Lisa Butcher
Term: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027

Vice President – Professional Development

Hsinhuei Sheen Chiou
Term: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026

• Bio

  Hsinhuei Sheen Chiou is a professor and department chair in the Department of Speech, Hearing, and Rehabilitation Services at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Dr. Chiou teaches academic and clinical courses in adult neurogenic communication disorders and directs a brain injury research lab focused on patient centered language and cognitive communication interventions for older adults. She serves on the Asian Pacific Islander Speech Language Hearing Caucus Advisory Board; is the Vice President for Professional Development for the Minnesota Speech Language Hearing Association; and is an active member of the Mankato/North Mankato Act on Alzheimer’s Action Team and Minnesota Connect Aphasia Now..

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Vice President – Higher Education

Andrea Nelson
Term: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026

Vice President – SLPA

Cassandra Jantosik
Term: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027

Lobbying Firm

Ewald Consulting
Contact: Phone: 651-290-6260 or Fax: 651-290-2266

Past Presidents