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Welcome New Trustees

Written by Megan Kunelli on . Posted in What's New.

Published January 20, 2026

At the start of the new year, Merrick welcomed three new members to its Board of Trustees while also bidding farewell to long-time trustee Dan Schneeman. 

After nine years of dedicated service, Schneeman retired from the board, leaving behind a strong legacy of commitment and leadership. He will continue to support Merrick through service on the Golf and Finance Committees, where his expertise and thoughtful perspective remain invaluable. 

Merrick is also pleased to welcome new trustees Jim Clapper, a disability advocate; Rich McNamara of Frandsen Bank & Trust; and Chris Schneeman of North Risk Partners. A returning board member and father of outgoing trustee Dan Schneeman, Chris Schneeman continues a family legacy of service that began with his own father. 

To learn more about Merrick’s new trustees, see below. 

  • Jim Clapper
    Jim Clapper

    Jim Clapper

    A proud parent of a person with disabilities, Jim retired from 3M after 38 years of service. He is a former board member and board chair of Midwest Special Services. He is happily married with three grown children and is a resident of North Oaks.

  • Richard McNamara
    Richard McNamara

    Richard McNamara

    Rich is a Senior Vice President in Commercial Banking with Frandsen Bank & Trust in Vadnais Heights, helping clients by determining their needs, developing relationships, and delivering solutions.

    Rich and his wife Nancy live with their teenage son in North Oaks and are proud to call the Twin Cities home for over 30 years.

    Rich brings over 20 years of community banking experience and over 10 years of public sector administrative experience within the Roseville and Oakdale communities.

    Rich has served on Merrick’s finance committee since 2023 and is serving his first term on Merrick’s Board of Trustees.

  • Chris Schneeman
    Chris Schneeman

    Chris Schneeman

    Chris is a Senior Employee Benefits Advisor with North Risk Partners. He has specialized in employer provided benefit plans since 1980, founded SevenHills Benefit Partners to serve small and mid-size employers, and with his son Daniel joined North Risk in 2024.

    Chris and his spouse Cathy live in Mendota Heights, have five grown children and seven grandsons. He is a longtime supporter of Merrick’s mission and services and has served several terms on the Merrick Board.