A New Chapter for the Wildwood Artist Series

We’re excited to share an important evolution in how we serve our community's love for the performing arts. After thoughtful consideration, the Wildwood Artist Series committee and the Mahtomedi Area Educational Foundation (MAEF) Board of Trustees have decided to conclude the concert series format. While this marks the end of an era shaped by the incredible dedication of Ellie Bruner, Julie Molitor, and countless volunteers, it opens the door to a new chapter focused directly on our students, teachers and enhancing the appreciation of the performing arts within our schools.

Your generous support has made this transition possible. Every donation you've made in the past and in the future will continue nurturing the performing arts through two exciting initiatives:

• WAS Performing Arts Fund - Providing grants to enhance musical education and performing arts opportunities for students.

• Ellen C. Bruner Professional Performing Artist Residency Fund - Bringing professional artists into extended partnerships with our students for hands-on learning experiences in the schools.

We're excited about this opportunity to deepen our impact on the next generation of artists and audiences. Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping us plant seeds that will bloom for years to come.

Click here to make a gift to the WAS Performing Arts Fund or the Ellen C. Bruner Professional Performing Artist Residency Fund.

Celebrating Suzanne Anderson

The Mahtomedi Area Educational Foundation (MAEF) is proud to celebrate Suzanne Anderson and the remarkable impact she has made in our community.

For over fifteen years, Suzanne has been a dedicated member of MAEF, serving as a volunteer, board trustee, and, most recently, as executive director. Throughout her tenure, she has led with purpose, passion, and commitment, fostering strong relationships with board members, staff, Mahtomedi teachers, staff, school leadership, and Zephyr families.

As Suzanne embarks on a well-deserved next chapter, we invite you to help us honor her years of service and leadership.

Share a message with Suzanne, a note of gratitude, well-wishes, or a special memory. Your message will be included in a collection shared with her.

MAEF Welcomes a New Executive Director

The Mahtomedi Area Education Foundation (MAEF) Board of Trustees is excited to announce Nora Slawik as its new Executive Director.

Nora Slawik, MAEF Executive Director

Nora Slawik brings over 30 years of strategic leadership in nonprofit fundraising and public service experience to her new role as MAEF Executive Director. During the last five years as the Executive Director and Institutional Development at the Century College Foundation, Slawik delivered results and relationships expanding fundraising for scholarships, student emergency grants, and high-priority capital projects to increase college graduates for high-priority workforce jobs.

As a civic minded executive with a deep commitment to education and the community in the past she was elected to seven terms in the Minnesota House, served five years as Maplewood Mayor and was appointed by Governor Tim Walz as the Chair of the Metropolitan Council.  

With a deep understanding of  nonprofits, fundraising, and education, Slawik brings valuable leadership to her role as Executive Director. She will play a vital role in advancing MAEF’s mission and continuing to support Mahtomedi Public Schools students, teachers, and families through classroom grants, student scholarships, essential needs assistance through the Angel Fund, and key district initiatives.

“I’m excited to work with the Mahtomedi Area Educational Foundation board and staff to strengthen community connections and support the mission,” said Slawik

Connect with Nora:

nora.slawik@maefgives.org | 651-407-2016 (office) | 612-790-4331 (cell)