Team

Chris Hanson, Chief Executive Officer & Co-founder

Chris has over 25 years of experience in fundraising and direct marketing. Prior to founding thedatabank, he founded Response Group, Inc. and was a managing director for Direct Expressions, Inc. He is also an adjunct professor in marketing at Condordia University. He and his wife are foster "parents" for Dobermans awaiting adoption. Email Chris: chris@thedatabank.com

Mark Paquette, President & Co-founder

Mark has over 21 years experience developing nonprofit and educational software, including the international best seller Oregon Trail. Prior to founding thedatabank, he owned a company that developed e-commerce sites and web database applications. His interests include bicycling and music. Email Mark: mark@thedatabank.com

Karen Graham, Director of Business Development

In addition to managing our sales and marketing department since 2003, Karen manages key client accounts and is the editor of our monthly e-newsletter.  She received her MBA with an emphasis in Nonprofit Management from the University of St. Thomas in 2003.  Her experience includes stints as a human resource manager for a Seattle dot-com, a board member for a Minneapolis theatre group, and a camp director for kids with disabilities.  Karen loves to travel, and has visited all 50 US states and 22 foreign countries!. Email Karen: karen@thedatabank.com

Sean Gardner, Senior Software Engineer

Sean has over 22 years experience in database software design and development, including web 10 years writing clinical documentation systems for Long Term Care, Home Care, and Pharmaceutical Care, and 10 years writing web applications. He spends way too much of his free time with computers, but still manages to enjoy lake walks, biking, restaurants, and reading. Email Sean: sean@thedatabank.com

Sue Ponsford, Client Service Manager

Sue came to us from MAP for Nonprofits, where she was a circuit rider and network administrator for 6 years. Our resident political hack, she has managed two campaigns, worked on countless others, and served as both a Senate District chair and State Treasurer for the Minnesota DFL party. Sue describes her hobbies as "nerdy" - baking, quilting, crocheting, and skeeball!  She shares her home with two cats and over a dozen pairs of slippers (for guests). Email Sue: sue@thedatabank.com

Kate Christian, Bookkeeper

Kate has been with thedatabank since its inception, as a part time bookkeeper and office manager. She has worked in a wide variety of positions, including stints at the Cathedral of St. Paul and the Minneapolis Public Library. She is an avid runner. Email Kate: kate@thedatabank.com

Bridget Kelly, Sales and Account Representative

Prior to coming on board at thedatabank, Bridget worked for over 15 years in nonprofit development and special event management. In her younger years she had experience in the health and wellness field - working as a diet technician, fitness center staff and weight loss counselor. Bridget grew up in Minnesota, and has also lived in Taipei, Taiwan, where she was a Kindergarten teacher, and Portland, Oregon. She enjoys running, disco music, happy hour with friends and cooking and sewing when she has time. Email Bridget: bridget@thedatabank.com

Richard Daley, Database Specialist

Richard was born in Trinidad and lived in Jamaica before moving to the U.S. to attend Macalester College. He graduated in May 2004 with a BA in Computer Science. Prior to joining thedatabank, Richard worked for one of our clients, Admission Possible. In his spare time, he pursues a variety of artistic interests including mime and gospel music. Email Richard: richard@thedatabank.com

Melissa Imboden, Marketing Communications Specialist

Melissa started off as a marketing intern in the summer of 2006 and has now become a Marketing Communications Specialist. She graduated from The University of Minnesota Duluth in 2006 with a degree in Marketing. In her spare time she likes to rollerblade, travel, and spend time with her family and friends. Email Melissa: melissa@thedatabank.com

Bob, Mascot

Bob is our resident alien. He joined thedatabank in late 2003. As Mascot, his responsibilities are to represent thedatabank throughout the universe, spreading goodwill and extolling the virtues of a good data management system. His hobbies are astronomy, space travel, and trivia contests. Email Bob: bob@thedatabank.com

Artie, Linux Specialist

Artie duPenguin was recruited to thedatabank from the vast tundra that is Seattle where he was a customer support provider for a Linux vendor. He spends most of his time at thedatabank trying to look busy. In his off hours, he plays Gears of War with his friends across the country and likes to go out for sushi. Email Artie: artie@thedatabank.com