Board Leadership, Committee Assignments Remain Same

The MCIT Board of Directors unanimously returned board officers to their positions for 2026, as well as reassigned members to their same committees as in 2025 during its Jan. 9 meeting.

Yellow Medicine County Commissioner Ron Antony serves as the board chair, Jackson County Commissioner Don Wachal is the vice chair, and Stearns County Auditor-treasurer Randy Schreifels is the secretary-treasurer.

Antony says, “Once again I look forward to leading the MCIT Board of Directors in 2026. Our mission remains the same: to provide effective coverage and quality risk management services to Minnesota counties and local governments. MCIT is a joint powers entity 47 years strong and is governed by our county members. The emphasis of our board is its members, and we will continue this focus to provide members the best service possible.”

Board Meeting Schedule

Generally during 2026, the MCIT Board of Directors will hold its regular meetings on the second Friday of the month with the exceptions of October (optional meeting Oct. 9) and December (meeting Dec. 7). The Claims Committee generally meets following board meetings at 1 p.m.

MCIT Board of Directors and Claims Committee meeting agendas are posted to MCIT.org on the Board page under the About tab. Approved board minutes are also posted to the Board web page.

Members are encouraged to contact MCIT Executive Director Steve Nelson with questions regarding board or committee meetings or other board issues.

Board Committee Assignments

Audit Committee meets with MCIT’s independent audit firm to discuss the annual audit process, review any issues of concern and preview the results of the annual audit prior to its presentation to the full MCIT board. Committee members are Antony; Lindsey Meyer, Wright County auditor-treasurer; Todd Patzer, Lac qui Parle County commissioner; and Schreifels.

Claims Committee considers information prepared by the claims handling team concerning pending claims and large losses; reviews litigation strategy; and meets with defense attorneys and/or staff to review claims, ratify defense strategy and authorize settlement as deemed appropriate. Committee members are Antony; Schreifels; Wachal; and rotating alternates Brett Skyles, Itasca County administrator (January-April), Kurt Mortenson, Otter Tail County commissioner (May-August), and Patzer (September-December).

Governance Committee discusses modifications to the MCIT Coverage Document, Bylaws and Joint Powers Agreement when needed. Committee members are Mortenson; Patzer; Jack Swanson, Roseau County commissioner; and Marcia Ward, Winona County commissioner.

Investment Committee reviews MCIT investment policies and makes investment adjustment recommendations to the full board as appropriate. Committee members are Meyer, Schreifels, Skyles and Ward.

Personnel Committee oversees MCIT’s personnel administration, including issues related to employment, salary, benefits and personnel policies. Committee members are Antony, Mortenson, Skyles and Wachal.