Board & Officers


Doug Stearman	Terri Tharp	Ave Pearce	Alisa DeSaer	Amelia Meyer


Rick Carll	Janet Sadlack	Jean Hoffman	Betty Murphy	Isaac Mensink

Board of Directors--Officers:

• Doug Stearman, President of the BHA Board of Directors

Responsibilities: The President is the chief executive officer of the Association. Primary responsibilities include maintaining the Association office with all contracts and real estate disclosures, developing Board meeting agendas and leading Board meetings. Homeowner complaints, questions, or problems should be directed to Birnamwood’s Property Manager.

Bio—About Doug: My wife and I have lived in Birnamwood since 2020. Originally drawn to the picturesque, park-like setting, we also enjoy the convenient access to everything in the south metro. We have spent the past few years completely renovating the interior of our townhome and now enjoy what feels like a brand new home.

From 1999 through 2015 in my previous communities I volunteered for National Crime Watch and National Nite To Unite. In December of 2022 I was elected Architectural Control Liaison of the BHA Board of Directors. In this role I worked with homeowners to ensure exterior repairs of their homes met the requirements of the BHA standards. In December 2023 I was elected President of the BHA Board of Directors. During this time the Board has tackled many issues included insurance coverage, storm damage, driveway reconstruction and financial stability.

I am passionate about our work here in the community and enjoy interacting with homeowners, identifying issues and working to find solutions. Our goal as your Board of Directors is to make a positive impact on the future of Birnamwood.

• Terri Tharp, Vice President of the BHA Board of Directors

Responsibilities: The Vice President handles duties of the President when the President is not available. Primary responsibilities are parking and pet-related issues.

Bio—About Terri: I’ve lived in Birnamwood and enjoyed the natural setting and amenities of our community for close to 20 years now. Birnamwood is a rare townhome community with natural spaces that are unique and welcoming. Our pods have many beautiful gardens, and I’ve enjoyed walking the grounds to see what’s new and working with neighbors in our immediate area. The many homeowners who contribute to Birnamwood’s beauty are greatly appreciated!

During my years in Birnamwood, I’ve been involved in the community in a number of roles. This is my third turn on the Board and second time as VP. In a previous Board term, I served as the Homes Maintenance Director. I chaired the roofing committee to help bring upgraded and GAF Golden Pledge warrantied roofs to the community in 2019-2020. Subsequently, I chaired the homes maintenance committee to initiate the current painting cycle and help homeowners identify needed repairs. I’ve also been a member of grounds, ACC, and served on the finance committee a number of times. For several years, I worked with the garage sale committee to organize our annual Birnamwood garage sales.

My background is in public health research. After earning an MPH at the UMN, I contributed to public health research as a project coordinator for over three decades. As a retiree, I’ve been using my communication and organizational skills to help move forward efforts aimed at improving our community. My primary VP responsibilities are to provide backup to the President, contribute to Board meetings and actions to address our community’s needs, and to oversee parking and pet policies. In addition, I volunteered to work on the website redesign committee to update and better organize our website.

I enjoy working with the BHA Board, our property manager, Amelia Meyer, and all the wonderful homeowners who contribute to making Birnamwood a great place to live!

• Ave Pearce, Treasurer

Responsibilities: The Treasurer serves as a Board Liaison to the Finance and Budget Committee. Primary responsibilities are collection of monthly maintenance and late payment fees, assessments, maintaining and reporting on Association finances and financial records, and BHA blanket insurance.

Bio—About Ave: My name is Ave Pearce and I serve as your Board Treasurer. I have also taken this role with two previous Boards. I have lived in unit #87 since June of 2003, now retired after working in corporate accounting for 38 years. I work closely with our Cedar Management property manager and accounting department to help oversee the financial assets of the association by monitoring homeowner assessments, approving vendor invoices, and preparing the annual operating and reserve budgets based on input from our working committees.

The HOA Board, as a whole, is responsible for the financial health of our homeowner association. Our governing documents, as well as the Minnesota State Statues, will specify these exact duties and that is why we rely on the advice of the professionals in our management company. However, the Board has a fiduciary responsibility to make sure that your monthly assessments are used prudently and that allocated reserves balances are properly funded and/or invested for future growth with a satisfactory return on those investments. This will be important as the Association continues on with our multi-year, multi-million-dollar driveway reconstruction project that will carry through 2034.

• Alisa DeSaer, Secretary & Welcome Committee

Responsibilities: The Secretary maintains the Corporate Record Book and records, Certificates of Registration, voter registration lists, insurance certificates, and provides for recording minutes of Board meetings. This Board Member also is Liaison to the Welcome Committee.

Bio—About Alisa: I’m Alisa DeSaer, currently serving as Board Secretary for our HOA. I bring over 15 years of experience in the Life Insurance and Financial Industry, working as a senior manager in a Customer Service Center. I also run an online business as a Scentsy Fragrance Specialist, blending my love for customer service with entrepreneurship.

Family is at the heart of everything I do. My daughter, Jewelisa, is 20 and a Sophomore at Minnesota State University – Mankato, pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. She’s part of the Leadership Honors Program, plays tuba in the marching band, works at a daycare, and was recently accepted into the teacher’s program for Fall 2025 – a proud milestone!

My partner Von and I bought our Birnamwood home as our third renovation project, aiming to one day live debt-free. While fixing up a home has its challenges, we’ve grown to love the community and now plan to stay here long-term.

I joined the HOA Board to improve communication and bring our neighborhood closer together through better use of technology. Since then, I’ve revitalized our Facebook page and created a shared email inbox (birnamwoodhoaboard@gmail.com), offering a reliable way for homeowners to connect and get help anytime—day or night.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue supporting our community. My future plans include revamping the Welcome Committee and enhancing The Winds Newsletter to keep residents informed and engaged.

Thank you for trusting me with this role. I’m committed to making sure every homeowner feels heard, supported, and connected in our growing community.

Board Directors - Committee Liaisons:

Rick Carll - Architectural Control

Bio—About Rick: I have had the privilege of living in Birnamwood for the past 12 years, during which I have become deeply committed to maintaining the integrity and beauty of our community. In 2013, I served a two-year term on the HMC committee, and I am proud to have re-enlisted on the ACC/HMC committee, where I now serve as the board liaison for the ACC committee. My goal is to contribute to Birnamwood's lasting aesthetic appeal by ensuring that our architectural standards are upheld, preserving the character of the community for future generations.

Early in my career, I gained hands-on experience in the construction industry by building homes and working alongside an architect to design buildings. This practical knowledge was foundational in my pursuit of a contractor’s license, which I hold today. My background in both construction and architecture allows me to bring a unique perspective to the ACC/HMC committee, helping to ensure that Birnamwood remains a visually appealing and well-maintained community. I look forward to continuing my service and contributing to the success of our neighborhood.

Janet Sadlack – Facilities

Bio—About Janet: I have lived in Birnamwood for over 50 years, being an original owner in the community. My background is Foods and Business, working for food manufacturers in the area and having our own businesses, producing granola cereal and educational resources for microwave cooking. Most recently, I teach RV owners how to use the microwave-convection ovens in their vehicle.

I was married to my husband, Hans, for over 50 years until Parkinson’s Disease took his life. We have 3 children that live in the area and 6 grandchildren. They all have fond memories of Birnamwood. I am a member and active participant at Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie.

At Birnamwood, I have been active with the Grounds Committee for many years. More recently, I lead the Facilities group, but still garden and use my food skills for potlucks and barbecues.

Jean Hoffman – Grounds

Bio—About Jean: I am a six-year resident of Birnamwood. I have been involved with the Grounds Committee for most of my time here. I chose Birnamwood for its wooded beauty. As a retired school teacher, I have the time to dedicate to volunteering. I love living here, and it has been a pleasure working to maintain and improve our community.

Betty Murphy – Recreation

Bio—About Betty: In 1990 my husband David and I moved to Minnesota from Michigan when he became the President of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact. After over a year of searching for a home I found Birnamwood. We both fell in love with the wooded setting and common amenities, especially the pool.

In Michigan I had worked as a substitute teacher in special education, elementary education, and art education. There I was also asked to manage a large outdoor private club pool near our home. After word got out here, I was asked to take care of the Birnamwood pool as a facilities committee member. After a short time the Facilities Board member moved and I was asked to fill his board position. As the facilities responsibilities expanded, the board separated the position into two board positions of facilities and recreation. For most of the years since then I have been either a Recreation director or a member of the pool committee.

Dave and I have been involved in many Birnamwood activities and projects. They include: replacing original pavilion with the current pavilion; rebuilding tennis courts; pool heater and plumbing upgrades; and replacing all Birnamwood wood stairs with concrete.

We have often congratulated ourselves on choosing Birnamwood as our home. There have been many opportunities to make close friends and find good neighbors. Birnamwood has truly been a welcoming community for us.

Isaac Mensink – At Large

Bio—About Isaac: I have been a resident of Birnamwood since 2024 and was initially drawn to the community for its beautiful grounds and green space. Since moving in, I have come to greatly appreciate the friendliness of neighbors and the many opportunities to get involved and give back through volunteer efforts.

Over the past year, I have been actively involved in the community, serving on the Grounds Committee where I volunteered time assisting with weeding and mulching projects. In my capacity as an at-large member of the Board, I am assisting other members of the board with various projects, including an update to our rules and regulations. I am also in the process of taking on Treasurer responsibilities, with a focus on supporting the Association’s long-term financial health.

Professionally, I am a CPA with over 10 years of experience in corporate tax and finance, bringing skills in financial oversight, strategic planning, and thoughtful decision-making. My background includes experience in team and project management, which supports my ability to collaborate effectively and approach decisions in a thoughtful and balanced way.

I chose to serve on the Board to help ensure decisions reflect the best interests of all residents while maintaining transparency and accountability. I am particularly interested in supporting strong financial planning and reserve management, preserving the quality of our shared spaces, and helping maintain and enhance property values. I look forward to contributing to the continued strength and sense of community that make Birnamwood such a great place to live.

Amelia Meyer, BHA Property Manager

Cedar Management, Community Association Manager

7260 University Ave NE, Suite #200, Fridley, MN 55432

Office Phone: 763-231-9823, Email: ameyer@cedarmanagement.com

Bio—About Amelia: I am a seasoned property management professional with a deep passion for helping others. With years of experience in the industry, I am committed to delivering exceptional service and consistently exceeding client expectations. I take pride in assisting homeowners with their unique needs, ensuring a seamless and rewarding experience. I am dedicated to continuous learning and actively seek new ways to enhance Cedar Management’s services and elevate client satisfaction.

Outside of work, I cherish quality time with my two daughters, stay active through fitness, and love discovering new spots around the Twin Cities.