Joe Lutz, Securian Financial brand manager, has made volunteering a personal priority and a way to stay connected to his community. He volunteers for both the Ramsey County Historical Society (RCHS) and the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The Securian Financial Foundation is also a supporter of RCHS through general operating grant funding.

We’re excited to share a conversation we had with Joe and why his non-profit work is so important to him and the St. Paul community.

What does your volunteer work entail?

I have served on two boards recently, the Ramsey County Historical Society (RCHS) and the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce (SPACC) Foundation Board. I got involved with both through participating in a program called Leadership St. Paul, which is put on by SPACC. It’s a community leadership program that challenges leaders to strengthen the St. Paul and east metro area.

What led you to get involved?

One of the days for Leadership St. Paul was government day, where we toured City Hall/Ramsey County Courthouse building. I was in awe of this hidden gem right where we work in downtown St. Paul.

The Art Deco building was built during the Great Depression. The lobby houses an incredible statue called Vision of Peace. It is the largest onyx statue in the world, weighing 60 tons. The lobby and other ceilings are covered in 24 karat gold leaf. I encourage those who appreciate architecture to see this building by signing up for an in-person tour.

The tour was put on by the RCHS, and it piqued my interest in their work. I was then introduced and got connected to a few board members through Julio Fesser, our former 2^nd vice president of facilities, who had close ties with the organization. I joined the board in 2019.

Tell us more about the Ramsey County Historical Society

RCHS is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. It began in 1949 when a group of citizens moved to preserve the Gibbs Farm in Falcon Heights, which is an important part of our history. Gibbs Farm is the core program of the RCHS and shows the intersection of pioneering life and the life of the Dakota people. This intersection of history is really fascinating, and I’ve been really compelled to learn more about the story and all the ways that RCHS preserves our history.

What are your responsibilities for RCHS?

I serve on the development and membership committees. As part of my committee work, I’ve gotten to participate in reviewing and building a capital campaign for the organization. Gibb Farm is currently only open seasonally, so RCHS is interested in raising money to get funds to build a new year-round building on campus to make it available for schools and educators. At Gibbs farm kids get a chance to learn outside of textbooks. This resonates with me because I also learn by doing and seeing.

What have you learned from your board work?

It’s been good for me to learn how nonprofits operate, where they need support, and how I can help their vision in impacting the community.

Board work is also an effective way for me to leverage the skills I’ve learned in corporate America. Being able to share branding, marketing and communications insights with the small but mighty staff has been really fulfilling and hopefully helpful to the organization.

How’d you know board membership was the right step?

It was not a direct desire to be on a non-profit board, but more of a mindset of wanting to get involved in the community where I live and work. Through Leadership St Paul, I started thinking about the areas where I could get involved and make meaningful contributions.

I wondered what else can we preserve, protect and share in our community? That manifested in my board membership, and I’ve really been able to give back and learn a lot during my time with these organizations.

What advice do you have for others interested in getting involved with a nonprofit?

Follow what you are interested in. That’s where you’ll want to learn more and make an impact.  Just get involved in any way, shape or form.