We are honored to share an important announcement about the future leadership of Volunteers of America Minnesota and Wisconsin.
After a thoughtful and comprehensive national search, the Board unanimously selected Karina Forrest Perkins as our next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 14, 2025.
This decision reflects our deep commitment to choosing a leader who embodies our mission and values, and brings the visionary leadership, strategic insight, and human-centered approach that will guide us into our next era of service and impact.
Meet Karina Forrest Perkins
Karina brings more than 25 years of experience leading transformational change across behavioral health, integrated care, and nonprofit systems. She currently serves as President and Executive Officer of Vail Communities, where she has led efforts to support individuals living with mental illness and co-occurring conditions to break barriers, empower mental wellness, and cultivate meaningful connections.
A nationally recognized voice in trauma-informed, whole-person care, Karina has held Chief Executive Officer roles with NAMI Oklahoma, Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota, Wayside Recovery Center, People’s Center Clinics and Services, and Heartspring. She also has served as a senior advisor to three Oklahoma governors and one Minnesota governor. Her work has earned both national and international recognition for its emphasis on dignity, healing, and systems-level change.
Karina is widely respected for her relational leadership, visionary thinking, and unwavering dedication to mission- and community-driven service. Her proven ability to cultivate innovation, foster collaboration, and deliver measurable results makes her the right leader to carry our work forward.
In Karina’s words:
“It is both a privilege and a calling to join Volunteers of America Minnesota and Wisconsin. I have long believed that compassion, purpose, and community are the foundations of meaningful change. I’m honored to walk alongside the exceptional staff, valued partners, and those we serve as we continue to expand our mission and meet the evolving needs of our communities.”
A New Chapter Begins
Karina’s appointment marks a new chapter in our shared journey to build Healthy Communities for All—places where every person has the opportunity to thrive. With her leadership, and your continued partnership, we will strengthen our impact in communities across the region advancing our mission to help people build hope, resilience, and well-being through the integration of health, housing, and human services for the 20,000 individuals we serve each year.
At this milestone moment, we also offer our profound gratitude to Julie Manworren, who will retire after more than five years of exceptional leadership at VOA MN/WI and a remarkable 40+ year career of service to others. Under Julie’s guidance, our organization has grown stronger, more integrated, and more responsive to the people and communities we serve. Her legacy of compassion, integrity, and perseverance has laid a strong foundation for the future.
Thank You
To our community, thank you. Your trust and partnership make our mission possible every day.
As we step into the next chapter of our 129-year journey, we welcome Karina, celebrate Julie, and continue our work together to close the gap between people and possibility.