Our Team.
Staff
Thomas Anderson | He/Him
Executive Director
Thomas graduated from the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities with degrees in Political Science and Communication Studies. Driven by his passion for education, he returned to the U of M to earn an M.Ed from the College of Education and Human Development. In 2019, after several years in his role as an educator, Thomas joined Students United as the Director of Government Relations, where he made a significant impact advocating for student interests at the policy level. By 2022, he stepped into the role of Executive Director, reflecting his dedication and leadership within the organization. Under his guidance, Students United continues to thrive, focusing on elevating student voices in higher education policy and fostering student leadership development. Thomas is passionate about empowering students and providing them with the skills and opportunities to become effective leaders and advocates. He emphasizes the importance of student involvement in policy-making processes and the development of future leaders.
Thomas enjoys most of his time outside of work with his two sons, Remy and Julien, and his wife, Ellie, exploring the parks, trails, and restaurants in the greater Longfellow, Minneapolis neighborhood, where they reside.
Kalista Mangahas | She/Her
Associate Executive Director
Kalista Mangahas is a graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead where she received her degree in Communications.
She started working at Students United in June 2016 as the Office Manager and in June 2018 became the Director of Operations. Kalista is excited to be given the opportunity to work with passionate, student leaders and will continue to advocate on their behalf.
Prior to working for Students United, Kalista worked at a local news station in Fargo, ND.
When she is not out planning Students United events, advocating for students, or doing operational tasks, you can find Kalista hidden away in a blanket fort watching an uncomfortable amount of HGTV or strolling the streets of St. Paul.
Dr. Meg Bartlett-Chase | She/Her
Director of Student Leadership
Meg earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in Psychology.
She then worked as a sex educator and crisis counselor for several years before deciding to continue her education at the University of Iowa in Education Policy & Leadership Studies. She completed her M.A. in 2020 and completed her Ph.D. in November of 2022.
Meg is passionate about finding new ways to empower students to use their voices for social change and self-advocacy. Outside of Students United, Meg loves to spoil her dog Archie, keep a respectful distance from her cat Barney, and visit local bookstores!
Casey Metcalfe | He/Him
Government Relations Manager
Casey graduated with a BA in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 2013 and an M.Ed from Concordia University in 2021.
During his decade in the classroom, Casey facilitated youth-led campaigns to influence schools, districts, and park boards, helped draft K-12 state policy, and lobbied legislators alongside students and teachers.
In this role, he is excited to amplify the voices of students in state and federal decision-making to make meaningful change for Minnesota State students. In his free time, Casey is an avid gardener and reality television watcher.
Adam Thompson | He/Him
Advocacy Coordinator
Kaileigh Weber | She/Her
Community Outreach & Fundraising Coordinator
Kaileigh attended Winona State University, where she graduated with degrees in Political Science and Public Administration. During her time at WSU, she was involved with several student organizations on campus including Students United.
Through this work, her passion for advocacy only grew. Kaileigh is excited to continue connecting with students and alumni in this position.
Outside of Students United she likes to hang out with her dog and friends, read, watch tv, and be outdoors!
Connor Newby | He/Him
Operations and Events Manager
Connor graduated from Bemidji State University with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. He got involved with Student United his junior year through his student senate and later became part of the board of directors his senior year.
Connor is excited to be able to continue helping students advocate for the issues that are important to them. Beyond Students United, Connor enjoys playing way to many video games and hanging out with his dogs Dante and Wallace.
Grant Berg | He/Him
Public Relations Coordinator
Grant graduated from Augsburg University with a degree in history in 2020. Prior to joining Students United, Grant worked for a variety of nonprofits, from cancer awareness, to LGBTQIA+ advocacy and policy.
Through his range of experiences, Grant hopes to support student leaders give voice to their desires for change, and elevate the mission of Students United. Outside of work, Grant is an amateur genealogist and an avid birdwatcher.
