The Edina Historical Society is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that provides strategic leadership, fiduciary oversight, and community guidance in support of the Society’s mission.
Board members are elected to three-year terms, with approximately one-third of the Board up for election each year. The Board typically meets on the third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Edina History Museum.
Community members who wish to raise a topic for discussion at a regular board meeting are welcome to contact EHS staff or the Board President.
Board Members
Paul Horan
Paul grew up in Edina, where he graduated from Edina East High School and later earned his degree from the University of St. John’s. An avid runner, Paul and his wife Laura own GEAR Running Store, Minnesota’s oldest running store, located in Edina’s 44th & France neighborhood. Having built a successful career in retail, Paul understands the importance of community involvement and is committed to giving back by supporting local organizations and initiatives through his business.
Jon Keljik
Jon grew up in South Minneapolis and has fond memories of visiting Southdale, the Galleria, and Centennial Lakes. He holds a BA in History from the University of Minnesota and a PhD in American History from George Washington University. After living in Washington, D.C. for more than a decade, Jon returned to Minnesota, where he now teaches history at a local independent high school and online for several community colleges. He enjoys sharing Edina’s rich history with the broader community.
Mary Pernula — Secretary
Mary Pernula is a former elementary educator, having taught in both Wayzata Public Schools and at Our Lady of Grace Catholic School in Edina. She holds a BA and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and Teaching. A lifelong Edina resident, Mary currently works as a Courseware Consultant for Pearson, supporting educational products, services, and assessments across all stages of learning. At EHS, she collaborates with staff and interpreters to help develop curriculum aligned with Minnesota academic standards.
Dan Rooney
Dan Rooney has lived in Edina for more than 25 years with his wife Susan and their three children. Through his company, McRooney Entertainment, Dan developed educational programming for Minnesota elementary schools focused on topics such as anti-bullying, empathy, respect, and leadership. He has also worked extensively in museum programming, including roles with the Wells Fargo History Museums and as Public Programs Manager at the Hennepin History Museum. Dan has given tours at the Mill City Museum and the James J. Hill House since 2003 and brings a deep passion for storytelling, performance, and public engagement to the Board.
Bill Sedoff — Treasurer
Bill Sedoff moved to Edina at age ten and attended Concord Elementary, South View Junior High, and Edina East High School. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and the College of St. Thomas. Bill spent much of his career at Target in leadership roles spanning accounting, audit, supply chain, IT, and technology acquisition, and currently serves as a Global Director of Procurement for Ecolab. He and his wife Maggie have two children in college and enjoy travel, golf, and time with family and friends. Bill is pleased to give back to the community in which he grew up.
Sarah (Busch) Solsvig — President
Sarah Solsvig grew up in a family deeply connected to Edina history. Her father, longtime Edina High School teacher Dick Busch, excavated the Edina Mill, and Sarah herself wrote and edited the local “About Town” column in the early 1990s. She was raised in the historic Leerskov House in Morningside, an experience that instilled a lifelong appreciation for historic architecture and preservation.
Sarah attended Morningside and Wooddale Schools and is a graduate of Edina High School and the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire. A former public relations executive specializing in nonprofit media relations and special events, she has received multiple national industry awards. After living out of state for more than twenty years, Sarah and her family recently returned to Edina, where she is proud to serve the community she calls home.
Nicole Gorman — City of Edina Liaison
Nicole Gorman serves as the City of Edina’s liaison to the Edina Historical Society Board. She is a Recreation Supervisor for the City of Edina and represents the Parks and Recreation Department. Nicole holds a Master of Education degree in Parks and Recreation Administration from the University of Minnesota and has worked in the field of aging for over fifteen years. She also serves as Treasurer for the Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
Emeritus Directors
Bob Kojetin
Bob Kojetin has been involved with the Edina Historical Society since its founding in 1969. At the time, he worked for the Village of Edina in the Parks and Recreation Department, eventually retiring as Director. Widely regarded as the Society’s historian, Bob has played a key role in preserving Edina’s heritage—personally rescuing and safeguarding many important artifacts, including original Southdale architectural prints. His decades of service to the City of Edina have been recognized through the dedication of Kojetin Park on West 44th Street. Board Member since 1969.
Interested in Joining Our Board?
The Edina Historical Society seeks engaged, community-minded individuals to serve in leadership roles on its Board of Directors. Board members serve on committees supporting programs, exhibits, membership, sponsorships, fundraising, and organizational development.
If you are interested in learning more about board service, please contact the Executive Director at 612-928-4577 or speak with any current board member.
