MNFRW Executive Board
Kelly Jahner-Byrne
President
Kelly Jahner-Byrne is a seasoned entrepreneur and businesswoman with over 20 years of experience in politics. She’s managed successful reelection campaign for the Secretary of State and she was an endorsed candidate for the Minnesota House in 2020. In 2022, Kelly founded Candidate College, training over 70 aspiring candidates, campaign managers and volunteers. She’s also the founder of 10,000 Lakes Republican Women, the 2022 nation’s largest and fastest-growing virtual club for conservative women, as well as the co-founder of the Virtual Club Coalition. Elected President of the Minnesota Federation of Republican Women in 2023, Kelly continues to lead and innovate in both the political and business arenas.
Candice Sina
1st Vice President
Candice (Candy) Sina is a graduate of the Minnesota Excellence in Public Service Program (MEPS). Candy is a founding member of the North Metro Republican Women’s (NMRW) club and has served as President and Vice President of that club. Candy was elected by her peers to serve as the CD 4 Director for MNFRW. Candy was the Republican endorsed State Senate Candidate for SD 40 in 2016 and the Republican endorsed House Candidate for HD 42A in 2020. Candy has also served as fundraising chair and events chair in her local Basic Political Organizational Unit, and for CD 4. Candy and her husband have 5 adult children, 2 natural children and 3 adopted Korean children with 13 grandchildren.
Vickie Bakken
2nd Vice President
Vickie Bakken stepped in the political arena as a volunteer and activist with enthusiasm and dedication to help make change in Minnesota. She joined the MNFRW in 2016 and is a founding member of 10KLRW where she held the position of Secretary. Vickie is also an associate member to several other clubs. She graduated from the Minnesota Excellence in Public Service program (MEPS), is the Deputy Chair for her BPOU, and is involved in various roles in her congressional district. Vickie has worked on state-wide and local campaigns and continues to help candidates however she can. Vickie is active in the Christian community, is a member of ICF (Intercessors for America), and part of a local prayer group that gathers weekly to intercede for Minnesota.
Vickie and her husband cherish the blessing of family and have 5 children with spouses and 5 grandchildren.
Terri Nelson
Secretary
Terri Nelson was the founding Secretary of the NW Metro Republican Women in 2015 and has been a member and on the executive committee of that club ever since. In 2020, she traded her secretary role for that of Club Treasurer and also spent 4 years as the CD 3 Director for MNFRW. As a stay-at-home mom, she enjoys using her extra time for volunteer efforts and in her over 12 years of living in Minnesota has devoted countless hours to church, PTA, local non-profit, and political service. She has been an election judge since 2012 and a head judge since 2018.
Margaret Batchelder
Treasurer
Margaret participates with several community initiatives at the grassroots level. She appreciates the impact local involvement has.
Vickie Froehlich
Past President
Vickie is a graduate of the MEPS Program. She homeschooled her 5 children and now has 10 grandchildren. She created a timeline book, “A Timeline for All Time” that was marketed to homeschoolers for years. Vickie’s passion is taking photos of politicians and meeting important people.
About the Federation
The National Federation of Republican Women, founded in 1938, has thousands of active members in local clubs across the nation and in several U. S. territories, making it one of the largest women’s political organizations in the country. The grassroots organization works to promote the principles and objectives of the Republican Party, elect Republican candidates, inform the public through political education and activity, and increase the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government.
The Minnesota Federation of Republican is made up of local clubs in Minnesota’s communities. Joining a local club is a great way to participate in the political process at the grassroots level and to network with other Republican women. MNFRW members have the opportunity to make a difference in elections, debate the issues facing us today and meet many women across Minnesota who share their Republican values. Typically, chapters meet once a month, hear relevant speakers, as well as participate in service projects in their communities.
Our Mission: To encourage, educate, and support Republican women from all age groups and walks of life to be key players at the political table on national, state, and local issues.
Awards
“Tribute to Women” Recipients
- 2022-23 Candy Sina, North Metro Republican Women
- 2020-21 Chris Jacobson, Capitol Republican Women
- 2018-19 Pam Myhra, Metro Republican Women
- 2016-17 Kathy Tingelstad, North Metro Republican Women
- 2014-15 Maureen Krumrey, Greater MN Republican Women
- 2012-13 Sheri Wallace, Metro Republican Women
- 2010-11 Margaret Flower, Metro Republican Women
- 2008-09 Gail Dahlberg, Duluth Republican Women
- 2006-07 Virginia Bauman, Washington County Republican Women
- 2004-05 Therese Vaughn, Duluth Republican Women
- 2002-03 Jeannette Wier, Metro Republican Women
- 2000-01 Anna Kelly, Hennepin County
- 1998-99 Darlene Johnson, Duluth Republican Women
- 1996-97 Anita Mittlested, Metro Republican Women
Caring for America
Encourages volunteerism and private sector initiatives at all levels. Encourages local clubs and members to engage in projects that aid our U.S. troops and their families.
Americanism
Encourages awareness of flag protocol and patriotism with resources, links, and program ideas.
