Bolton & Menk on the Board: Leadership Serving Communities
In this edition of Bolton & Menk on the Board, three team members share their personal involvement in several organizations making a difference in our communities every day. Their passion extends beyond their day-to-day work, as they dedicate their time and expertise to leadership roles within influential boards and committees.
Tonya Hobbie, PHR, SHRM-CP, Talent Management Director | Senior Associate
Greater Mankato Area United Way, Campaign Chair
Tonya Hobbie is a Certified Professional in Human Resources and serves as director of talent management at Bolton & Menk. She was drawn to the firm in 2016 by their passion for clients, employees, and the communities they serve.
“Last year was my sixth and final year serving on the Greater Mankato Area United Way Board of Directors, and in January 2025 I was elected Campaign Chair. In this role, I lead the annual fundraising campaign that supported critical community programs across Blue Earth, Le Sueur, Nicollet, and Waseca counties. I also served on the Executive Committee, and have been part of the Community Impact Team for around 20 years.”
As Campaign Chair, I am one of the public faces of the campaign. I work closely with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individual donors to encourage participation and generosity as we work toward our goal of raising $2.45 million. My role includes speaking at events, helping shape the campaign message, participating in campaign video development, sharing progress updates with the board, and reviewing funding applications from partner agencies.
What excites me most is seeing how the United Way brings people and organizations together to respond quickly to community needs. When someone needs help in one area, they often need support in others as well, and the United Way plays a critical role in connecting people to resources they may not have known existed. I am grateful that Bolton & Menk supports my involvement, as this work allows me to live out our belief that all people should live in safe, sustainable, and beautiful communities.”
About Greater Mankato Area United Way
Greater Mankato Area United Way‘s mission is to unite the community to secure and invest resources to improve people’s lives. They have a rich history of community-led initiatives to improve lives and build a better tomorrow for all.
Grant Kuper, PE, CFM, Municipal Practice Leader | Principal
Secretary, American Public Works Association – North Dakota Chapter
Grant Kuper is a municipal practice leader who began his engineering career in 2012 and has progressed from design engineering and construction inspection to managing design and construction teams in Fargo.
“I have served on the North Dakota APWA Executive Board for the past two years, and this year I stepped into the role of Secretary. In this position, I help ensure our executive board meetings run efficiently and remain compliant. My responsibilities include coordinating meeting logistics, preparing agendas, documenting decisions, and maintaining official records that support continuity and transparency within the organization.
What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to bring greater awareness to the public works profession. Public works professionals are often the unsung heroes of our communities, and I see this role to elevate the value of their work and the impact it has on everyday life.”
About APWA North Dakota
APWA’s mission is to advance the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of public works facilities and services. APWA North Dakota is committed to fostering professional growth, facilitating meaningful connections, and promoting excellence within the industry.
Alan Johnson, PE, Municipal Practice Leader | Senior Associate
Engineer Member, Chair of Credential Committee, Minnesota Board of AELSLAGID
Alan Johnson is a municipal practice leader at Bolton & Menk, providing city engineering services to communities across the Iron Range and beyond. He was appointed in 2022 to the Minnesota Board of AELSLAGID (Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design).
“I have served on the Minnesota Board of AELSLAGID from 2021 through 2025 as an Engineer Member and Chair of the Credential Committee. The board meets approximately six times per year to review rule changes, audits, licensure applications, complaints, and other matters that affect engineering, surveying, architecture, and related professions across the state.
In addition to our regular meetings, I participate in the annual National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) meeting and a regional zone meeting each year.
These forums allow us to stay aligned with changes to licensure processes, continuing education requirements, and broader issues influencing the profession at both the national and international level.
What I value most about this role is staying informed about upcoming changes that affect our industry. Licensure standards and professional development requirements play an important role in protecting the public and maintaining trust in our profession, and serving on this board allows me to contribute directly to that responsibility.”
About the Minnesota Board of AELSLAGID
The Minnesota Board of AELSLAGID (Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design) regulates the professions and enforces the statutes and rules to protect public health, safety, and welfare. They ensure that individuals meet education, examination, and experience standards for licensure or certification, and maintain their records in good standing.
Board service is one of the many ways our team members invest in the future of our industry and the communities we serve. View past editions of Bolton & Menk On the Board to see how they have contributed to industry leadership over time.