Minnesota State Officer Bios
State Regent - Cathy Nelson
If we’ve NOT YET met, let me introduce myself as your new State Regent, Cathy Nelson. Since I last introduced myself to you as 1st Vice Regent, my husband Greg and I have been blessed with a new grandchild. We have celebrated my parents’ 77th Anniversary and our own 31st. We are blessed with four children, their spouses and six grandchildren. My CDA and community leadership experience include two terms each as Vice Regent and Regent of Court St. Anne #1840, Medford; two terms as District Deputy, two years as State Newsletter Chair and Editor, and volunteering at six CDA sponsored Habitat builds, attendance at seven State CDA Conventions, three National Conventions and three National Leadership Conferences. I have formerly served as lector, on funeral committees and as a ‘Martha’ in my parish, as a community 4-H Leader, Recycling Committee member, and ESL Tutor. I presently serve as a Spiritual Chair for Court St. Anne, as a Master Gardener Volunteer and County Extension Committee member. Since 2021, I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with inspiring and dedicated CDA the members on the State Board and to rely on the experience and insight available to us through Past State Regents. Our CDA liaisons with local courts, District Deputies, and our Circle of Love Chairs have offered valuable service to the Board and to our local courts. I have met Catholic Daughters from around the country and known the blessings of friendship with many of our own Minnesota CDA sisters. I have had the great pleasure of working with some of you on CDA State projects, and have attended some of your court meetings, celebrations, and luncheons. And, I look forward to attending more such events and meeting many more of you in my term as State Regent.
Blessings, Cathy
First Vice State Regent - Lisa Ouderkirk
My name is Lisa Ouderkirk, and I am so excited to serve as your 1st Vice State Regent for the next two years! I have served our local court in each of the five positions (with two stints as regent), along with two stints as District Deputy for Fergus Falls and Moorhead, and one and a half stints as Education Chair for the state. I look forward to seeing all of you at the summer workshops and finding out what I can do to help make your position, whether a court officer or a court member, an enjoyable and successful one. Please ask questions along the way as, if you don’t, it is very easy to get frustrated and will make your job more difficult and less enjoyable. We (the state board) are here to work with you to help grow our state’s membership numbers in an environment of Unity and Charity.
Second Vice State Regent - Lori Mickelson
My name is Lori Mickelson, and I am excited to be part of YOUR Minnesota State CDA Leadership Board as 2nd Vice Regent. I hope that my leadership skills will be an asset to this wonderful organization.
I have been a member of Catholic Daughters since 1986. I am currently serving as Regent for my local court, Sacred Heart – Waseca. I previously served as Vice Regent (2 terms) and as Regent (2 terms). I am a member of Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Faribault, which is where I reside along with my husband, Bob (married 40 years), and our dog Syren (a high energy Brittany). I currently work at a chiropractic clinic in the Insurance/Billing office. We have 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 3 grand-angel babies. I grew up in Fulda MN, went to SW State in Marshall, and Vocational Schools in Granite Falls and Austin, before living and working in Minneapolis. Since our marriage in 1985, we have lived in Lismore, Slayton, Waseca, and now Faribault.
My past leadership experience includes Sponsorship Coordinator for Infants Remembered In Silence (IRIS), Waseca Childcare Association President, Sacred Heart School Board President, Girl Scouts Troop Leader, Co-Chair Waseca County Relay for Life, Co-Chair Sacred Heart Fall Festival games, and President of Waseca Women of Today. I also operated my in-home childcare business for 20 years in Waseca.
In my spare time I enjoy long walks with my dog, reading, and spending time with my husband, children, and grandchildren. I enjoy communicating with others, am an organized and detail-oriented person, and hope to get to know many of you from across this state of Minnesota over these next years. Thank you for the opportunity to help lead our Minnesota CDA!
State Secretary - Linda Schons
IMy name is Linda Schons. I was born and raised in Detroit Lakes. I’ve been a Catholic Daughter for 49 years and have been married for 52 years. I have 3 sons and 1 daughter, 11 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. I’ve held almost every office in our Court, plus I was a DD for four terms. For hobbies I love quilting, gardening, and baking. I still attend the church I was Baptized in, Confirmed and Married in! I’ve been retired since 2020.
Your State Secretary,
Linda
State Treasurer - Darlene Highet
My name is Darlene Highet, and I am a proud member of Court St. Cabrini #1466 in Fergus Falls. I began my journey with the Catholic Daughters in 2004 as a member of Court St. Mary-Peter #1864 in Mazeppa–Bellechester. In 2017, when we moved to Osakis, MN, I transferred to Court St. Cabrini.
Serving as your State Treasurer these past two years has flown by, and I look forward to the next two! I’ve also had the honor of serving my local courts as Regent, Vice Regent, and Financial Secretary. Please know that as one of your State Officers, I am here—and ready—to support your court in whatever way I can.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in accounting through studies at North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND, and Moorhead State University in Moorhead, MN. Since 2014, I’ve worked for Douglas County and currently serve as the Payroll Administrator.
I grew up in western North Dakota and moved to Minnesota after marrying my husband, Craig, in 1986. I’m the ninth of fifteen children—part of a big, loving family. Craig and I are looking forward to celebrating 40 years of marriage next year. We have three wonderful children—Rachel, Megan, and Keith—and are blessed with three grandchildren: Brooke, Derek, and Lillian.
In my free time, I enjoy gardening—both flowers and vegetables—and tend a small lavender field with 125+ plants. We also raise laying hens and have a rooster named “Mo.” Since 2003, Craig and I have made homemade wine and always have a bottle to share. We also enjoy making fresh garden salsa—mild, not too hot! Fall is a busy and rewarding time of year for us.
I look forward to seeing you at the summer workshops and learning how I can support you in your role—whether as a court officer or member—for a successful and enjoyable next two years.