Ellen C. Anderson has a B.S. in architecture from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and more than a decade of experience working in the Capitol area, including in her current role as the chief of staff at the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Before coming to MnDOT, Ellen served as the assistant chief of staff for strategic communications in the Governor's Office and as communications director at the Minnesota State Senate. Ellen also previously co-chaired the Stevens Square Community Organization Neighborhood Development Committee in Minneapolis. Ellen carries a deep pride for the City of Saint Paul and the work of the generations of people who have helped bring people together in the Capitol area.

CAAPB Advisor Kimberly Sandbulte is a Historic Architect with 20 years of experience, most of which have been in the Minneapolis area. Kimberly was a critical member of the design team for the 2017 renovation of the Minnesota State Capitol, which won multiple awards including an AIA National Honor Award in 2020. Her other projects include work on the Whipple Federal Building at Ft. Snelling; Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel; James J. Hill Library in St. Paul, Confluence Hotel in Hastings, MN; Northstar Center in Minneapolis; Fort Snelling Visitor Center, and the Hennepin County Courthouse / Minneapolis City Hall building. Kimberly also served as a commissioner on the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission from 2019 to 2024. She began her own independent architectural practice, Sandbulte Architecture, in 2023. Kimberly enjoys bringing modern functionality to heritage places. When she’s not working, Kimberly is an avid sailor and enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter.

Michael Bjornberg is a nationally recognized Historic Building Specialist and Senior Project Manager at LEO A DALY, with over 35 years of experience specializing in the preservation and restoration of civic, public, and academic facilities across the United States. His notable work includes historic landmarks such as the University of Notre Dame’s Main Administration Building and Football Stadium, the American Swedish Institute, St. Paul Union Depot, Rehabilitation of the Air Force Academy Chapel, work at the U.S. Capitol Complex, and the ongoing restoration of the Minnesota State Capitol. Beyond his project work, Michael contributes to the field through leadership and education, serving on the American Swedish Institute Collections Committee and as an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota College of Design. Renowned for his collaborative approach, he also engages in strategic campus planning and has spoken at conferences nationwide.

Melanie McMahon serves as the Executive Project Lead for Redevelopment for the City of Saint Paul, driving progress on several multi-acre key real estate projects in the City that are in various stages of development, including the Highland Bridge, the Heights, and United Village sites. She coordinates work between City Departments on large redevelopment projects, oversees the implementation of redevelopment agreements and public/private partnerships, and works with community organizations on the impacts of large development sites in surrounding neighborhoods. 

 

Melanie began her career as an attorney at the law firm of Rider Bennett LLP, representing clients as a litigator in commercial defense cases, and then worked in the MN House of Representatives as the Administrator of the Public Safety Finance Division, managing the budget bills of the Division that totaled nearly $2 billion and advised the Division Chair on the political, legal, and fiscal impacts on hundreds of proposed bills. She has served as a Community Services Attorney in the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, as well as Legislative Aide in the Saint Paul City Council Ward 3 Office. Melanie is an active member of her community, volunteering as Board President of the Highland District Council, a Commissioner on the Saint Paul Planning Commission, Vice-Chair of the Capital Improvement Budget Committee of Saint Paul, and currently serves as Board Member of the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library.