Council Update

I want to thank you for electing me as president of the Oak Knoll congregation for the coming year. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to serve our church community.

First, I want to extend my gratitude to Marget Schmidtke for her leadership and steady hand as congregation president in 2025, and to Ben Larson for his expert oversight of our financials as treasurer the past two years. Thanks to both of you for your service to Oak Knoll.  Thanks also to Emily Heyne as well for her diligence in serving as secretary. 

I’m also looking forward to working with Vice President Suzanne Burman and Treasurer Michael Onan as they move into their positions, and welcoming Peter Leppa who joins the other continuing  council members. 

My wife Kim and I became members of Oak Knoll in 2004, and since then each of us has served on the Congregational Council.  I’ve also served on the Memorial & Endowment Committee and the Generosity Committee. We live in Corcoran after residing in Minnetonka for 30 years.

For my day job, I own a communications consulting business, having spent my career in corporate communications and public relations. Outside of work, I’ve been active in leadership roles with several nonprofit organizations including the Minnesota Historical Society, the Norwegian-American Historical Association and Norway House in Minneapolis.

I look forward to seeing you in church!

David Hakensen,

Congregational Council President