About Us

Service Team

  • Michael Peterson, Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Peterson, Chief Executive Officer

    Mike has served as the permanent CEO of PATH Alliance since September 2008. Prior to that, he was interim CEO for about 16 months. This is actually Mike's second stint with PATH. He was Executive Director from 1983 to 1998. Between his two times with PATH, he worked as Deputy Administrator of the Idaho Department of Family and Community Services and with the Oregon Department of Human Resources.

    Mike has an MSW from Catholic University of America and a BA from St. Olaf College. He has spent his whole career in child welfare with both public and private agencies.

    Mike is a strong believer in the ability of foster families to provide a setting in which troubled children can heal and grow. He was active in the early development of treatment foster care in North America and regularly leads workshops and training in different aspects of child welfare.

  • Dave Kautto, Director of Financial Operations

    Dave Kautto, Director of Financial Operations

    As Director of Financial Operations, Dave takes an active role in all areas of financial management and serves as Chief Financial Officer for PATH Minnesota, PATH North Dakota and PATH Alliance. Dave has a BA from St. Thomas University and is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive). Before coming to PATH he served as the CFO for Chrysalis, a Center for Women in Minneapolis.

    Dave recognizes that sound financial management is at the heart of all successful non-profits. He believes that non profit accounting practices must be consistent and accurate. He works closely with other managers to make sure personnel and program decisions are supported by reliable financial information.

  • Jennifer Priestley, Accounting Manager/Supervisor

    Jennifer Priestley, Accounting Manager/Supervisor

    Jennifer has been employed by PATH since 1986, beginning part-time as an assistant bookkeeper. Jennifer's experience and responsibilities have included most of the positions in the PATH accounting department, changing and evolving to her present role of Accounting Manager/Supervisor. She brings a wealth of history and experience to her work with staff.

    As accounting supervisor, Jennifer oversees the billing aspect of PATH's financial operations. She and her staff work closely with insurance payees, medical assistance, county social services and the State Department of Human Services. As payment has become more complex, Jennifer has adapted to make certain PATH's billing systems run smoothly and efficiently. Her job understanding and her compassion for families and children have been major assets that Jennifer brings to her work at PATH.

    Jennifer has a BS degree in Business Administration from Mankato State University. Her personal interests include gardening, reading, swimming and family.

  • Kevin Johnson, Director of Information Technology

    Kevin Johnson, Director of Information Technology

    Kevin has served as the IT Director at PATH for six years. The IT Department has two full-time people, but their work touches all aspects of PATH in every corner of the organization.

    Kevin has a Masters Degree in Software Development and Design from the University of St. Thomas and a BS in Computer Science and Mathematics from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. He is one of those IT Directors who enjoys working with people almost as much as he likes fiddling in the server room. He endeavors not only to keep the PATH systems functioning smoothly, but also to help PATH people understand how to best use technology to support their work.