Board of Managers News
Posted: 02/19/26
The face of the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD) Board of Managers is changing as the watershed district says farewell to Theresa Kuplic and welcomes new managers this year. The managing body of the watershed district is onboarding new managers to continue seamless progress on its important work in water and natural resources management.
Manager Theresa Kuplic ends her service as a Board Manager
The LMRWD thanks Manager Theresa Kuplic for her service as she ends her term of service, effective March 1, 2026. She served on the Board of Managers from November 2022 through February 2026 representing Dakota County. Manager Kuplic began her work with the LMRWD as a member of the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) as a founding member before transitioning to work with the Board of Managers. Her work regularly focused on engagement with the community, bringing a thoughtful, human lens to key decisions made by the Board of Managers. At the time of her resignation, she was the longest-serving Manager, and her leadership has played a central role in shaping District programs, governance standards, and community engagement.
Manager Kuplic was an integral member of decision-making and contributed to large projects during her tenure, including the recent approval of construction on the Area 3 Bank Stabilization. She also participated in outreach tabling events with the CAC, served on the Personnel Committee and Finance Committee, engaged with stakeholders on the annual Minnesota River tour, and participated in a public listening session after historic flooding in 2024.
Dakota County has been formally notified of the vacancy and asked to post the public notice for the appointment process. Members of the CAC and Dakota Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) have already been helpful in identifying potential candidates and nominees. Staff will notify these parties once the official posting is live so interested individuals may apply through the County process.The Board of Managers recognized Manager Kuplic for her service at the February 18, 2025 Board meeting and shared appreciation for her unique talents.
Welcoming Carter McNew to the Board of Managers
Carter McNew was initially appointed to the Board of Managers to represent Scott County in September 2025. At the February 18 Board meeting, he was officially appointed to serve a three-year term. Manager McNew is a mechanical engineer from Shakopee, MN, who brings a strong interest in public service. In addition to his ten years of professional experience with product development and design, he is dedicated to serving in an appointed role where he can improve communication with residents, ensure local government projects are meeting community goals, and advise on reforms and common-sense solutions.
Welcoming Kyle Bakkum to the Board of Managers
Kyle Bakkum was appointed to the Board of Managers by the Carver County Board of Commissioners and sworn into office at the November 2025, Board meeting to begin his term of service. At the February 18 Board meeting, Manager Bakkum was appointed to serve as Secretary of the Board, a role vacated by Manager Kuplic. The Board Secretary is responsible for signing approved meeting minutes, resolutions, and other official District documents as authorized by the Board. Manager Bakkum began his work with LMRWD as a member of the CAC, where he quickly began coordination with the Board of Managers and participated in visioning for the Watershed Management Plan. Manager Bakkum brings extensive experience in community engagement, budgeting, regulations, interpersonal skills, and public speaking from the healthcare field. He contributed 25 years of service to Vernon Memorial Healthcare and led as the CEO for the last seven years of his career. Following his retirement in 2019, he is serving on the Board of Managers and CAC as a new opportunity to engage in the community.
