Meet Our Team

  • Dodie Brown

    CPA, CGMA, President & CEO

    Dodie joined True North Goodwill in 2022 as President & CEO.  She brings a passion for the power of learning and meaningful work in the lives of individuals and is dedicated to growing True North Goodwill to serve the communities in its 29 county territory in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Dodie holds a BBA from Tarleton State University, is a CPA, and holds a Chartered Global Management Accounting certification.  She has over 30 years of nonprofit experience including tax and audit work in public accounting and Finance leadership roles in homelessness prevention and Goodwill organizations in Central Texas.  She is a graduate of Goodwill Industries International Senior Leader and Executive Development programs, is a Goodwill Industries Certified Executive, and has developed and led finance and leadership competency classes for Goodwill organizations across the country. In addition to our local Goodwill, Dodie serves on the Board of Directors for Goodwill Industries International, the Goodwill North Central Association, and the Lake Superior Zoo. When she isn’t working, Dodie enjoys reading, music, camping, and spending time with her adorable puppy Dora.

  • Emily Edison

    Chief Mission Officer

    Edison Edison has over 20 years of experience working in non-profits. Her skills include the implementation of organizational assessments, grant writing and grants management, fundraising, and program development and oversight. Prior to her role at True North Goodwill, Emily was the Executive Director of SOAR Career Solutions for 11 years. She currently serves as the vice-chair of the One Roof Community Housing board and is a member of the Duluth Workforce board. Emily has a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Mass Communications – Public Relations, Certification in Organizational Development, and Certification from the Grantsmanship Training Center. She is also trained in the facilitation practices and principles of The Art of Hosting. In her free time she enjoys working on home improvement projects and caring for her 50+ house plants.

  • Jamie Ferkingstad

    Director of Mission Services

    Jamie began her journey with True North Goodwill 11 years ago as a Case Manager, bringing with her a strong foundation in mental health services. Prior to joining Goodwill, she served as a Mental Health Practitioner and previously as a Quality Assurance Director for a residential provider supporting individuals with mental health challenges. This experience has shaped her commitment to compassionate, person-centered service and continuous improvement in support of those who Goodwill serves.  Jamie has worked in the human services field for over 30 years, beginning her career supporting individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities. After a decade in that area, she transitioned into mental health services. Jamie holds a degree in Supervisor Management, complemented by certifications in Supervisory Leadership and Quality Management. She is a graduate of the GII Opportunity Accelerator Leadership Program and the Douglas County Leadership Development Program. When not at work Jamie is nurturing plants, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, or hitting the road for a spontaneous trip.

  • Jason Beckman

    Director of Mission Operations

    Jason began his work in human services at the age of 16 when he obtained my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license. Prior to his role at True North Goodwill, Jason was Program Director at SOAR Career Solutions. Jason holds a Associates of Arts Degree from Minneapolis Community College, a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Metropolitan State University, and a Master’s degree in management (MAM) and  Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the College of Saint Scholastica. When not working Jason enjoys spending time outdoors on his motorcycle, boat, or snowmobile and international travel at least once a year.

  • Asim Khan

    Chief Financial Officer

    Asim joined True North Goodwill in 2025 to lead and enhance key financial functions, including financial reporting, budgeting, revenue management, strategic planning, analysis, treasury, vendor management, and grant tracking. In this role, he provides strategic financial leadership to support the organization’s mission and operational excellence. Prior to this, Asim served as Chief Financial Officer at Community Health Services Inc. and brought over a decade of experience across diverse roles with organizations such as Steward Health Care System, Honeywell, Express Scripts, Skyline Real Estate, and Allstate Insurance. He also has extensive experience supporting nonprofit organizations. Asim holds a master’s degree in accounting and a Chartered Accountant credential from South Asia. He is on track to complete his MBA from the University of Wisconsin System in 2025. Asim’s professional philosophy is deeply rooted in three core attributes that he believes are essential to advancing Goodwill’s mission. These are: Strategic Financial Leadership, which he sees as a key driver in advancing the mission; Integrity and Accountability, which he promotes to ensure transparency and ethical decision-making; and Collaboration and Mission Focus, which he believes are crucial in ensuring that financial decisions are always grounded in purpose. Outside of work, Asim actively participates in community events that celebrate diversity and inclusion. He values building meaningful, cross-functional relationships across different regions and cultures. 

  • Scott Vezina

    Director of Community Engagement

    Scott holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Communications and Sociology from The University of Minnesota Duluth and has nearly 15 years of experience in the communications & marketing field. Over this time, he has worked for various types of businesses, including regional and national marketing firms, technology and sales companies, and nonprofit organizations. He specializes in branding, graphic design, copywriting, digital and traditional advertising, fundraising, events, and almost anything creative. A Duluth, MN native, Scott has a strong passion for Goodwill’s mission of inspiring personal transformation through the power of learning and career development and has 8 years of professional experience with the organization. When not at work he enjoys writing music, exercising, playing cards, and spending time with his friends and family.

  • Jim Brickey

    Director of Retail Operations

    Jim grew up in the Duluth/Superior area and studied Business Administration at the University of Wisconsin Superior and has 22 years of experience in Retail Operations Management.  Over this time, he has worked with various types of business, including Big Box retail, and nonprofit organizations.  He specializes in Servant Leadership. In his current role he oversees all True North Goodwill Retail Operations, including Stores, Outlet, Salvage and Ecommerce. Jim has six years of professional experience with the organization and has a strong passion for Goodwill’s mission of transforming lives. In his free time, he enjoys swimming, hiking and traveling with his son.

  • Jessica Thao

    Director of Human Resources

    Jessica graduated from Concordia University of Saint Paul with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management. She began her career as an HR Assistant, and then moved on to a role as a Benefits Specialist handling employee’s benefits, full-cycle on-boarding, and employee retention programs.  In her current role as Director of Human Resources Jessica manages the full-cycle of onboarding for new employees, manages employee benefits, and is the first point of contact for concerns. She is passionate about people and Goodwill’s mission. When not as work Jessica enjoys spending time with her family and pets. 

  • Dylan Olson

    Director of Transportation & Maintenance

    Dylan received his rom Fon du Lac Tribal and Community College and a Bachelor of Arts In Business Administration from Bemidji State University. He had held previous roles in sales, mentoring, procurement, e-commerce and warehousing. When not as work Dylan enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters.

  • Ian Vincent

    Director of Business Services

    Ian brings to Goodwill a decade of economic, community, and workforce development experience across northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. His primary industries of focus have been manufacturing/fabrication, aviation, and transportation logistics. As a workforce development leader, Ian sat with Duluth Workforce Board for eight years, with three years as board chair. He has a long track record of strategic talent development, primary labor market research, and legislative advocacy. He maintain a close network of city, county, and state decision makers as well as leaders of regional private industry and academia. As Director of Contract Services & Business Development, Ian and his team develops and executes revenue generating service contracts and training strategies across the True North Goodwill territory. Ian holds a Bachelor of International Business from Graduate School of Business, Grenoble, France and a Bachelor of Accounting from the University of Minnesota Duluth, Labovitz School of Business and Economics.