Staff &

Board

Executive Assistant: Danielle.Gharineh@ppl-inc.org

Karla Henderson, President and CEO, has been in this role as of January 2025. Karla is tasked with leading the 50+-year-old organization into its next chapter by bringing an inspirational, collaborative, and empowering leadership style to the organization. Karla first came to PPL in March 2024 as Senior Vice President of Housing Stability which utilized her over 20 years of experience working with communities to create equity through community development, urban planning, and capital improvement. Before PPL, Karla served as the Director of Community Development for the City of Bloomington, Minnesota. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree in public resource management from Michigan State, Karla quickly rose to be a community leader in Detroit, her hometown. There, Karla served as Group Executive for the City of Detroit and Director of Capital Investment and Buildings Administration for Wayne County, Michigan. In these roles, Karla spearheaded community development, building strength and capacity for neighborhoods. Karla is currently serving on the board of directors of Land Bank Twin Cities, and Mall of America Community Foundation, as well as the 2024-25 co-chair of Leadership Twin Cities. 

Lauren Beecham Henry brings over 15 years of experience leading integrated marketing, giving and development strategies for major institutions, including her most recent role as SVP of Customer and Community Marketing at Bremer Bank. 

Lauren was recognized as a Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal 40 under 40 recipient. She is also the former Executive Director of Women Winning and currently serves as Board Chair of the Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota Foundation.

Executive Assistant: Danielle.Gharineh@ppl-inc.org

Antonio Cardona leads PPL’s workforce and education programs, including its adult and youth career pathways training programs and its two alternative high schools. Cardona previously served as Director of the Office of Public Charter Schools for Pillsbury United Communities, where he oversaw Pillsbury’s 20 charter schools, helped create its Urban Institute for Service and Learning, and served as Director of the Oak Park Community Center in North Minneapolis. He also led in the creation and expansion of the Twin Cities site of Public Allies. He joined PPL in February 2021.

Executive Assistant: clara.boyum@ppl-inc.org

Scott Cordes joined PPL in March 2017. Most recently the Director of Budget & Innovation at the City of Saint Paul, Scott was a leader in the city’s finance function for 12 years, including serving as Mayor Coleman’s Budget Director for 7 years. Under his direction of the Saint Paul Innovation Team, Saint Paul became a nationally-recognized leader in change management and service transformation for government programs. Scott’s significant strategic finance skills are complemented by deep experience in multi-year financial planning, true-cost analysis, capital/facilities planning, and a strong background in information technology and human resources. Scott has a bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University and a master’s degree in Public Policy from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.

Executive Assistant: clara.boyum@ppl-inc.org

Executive Assistant: abby.kamm@ppl-inc.org

Rashida Jackson, an experienced leader in human services, management, and affordable housing, is the Vice President of Housing Operations at PPL. With over 20 years of progressive leadership experience and a deep understanding of working with marginalized populations. Rashida oversees the Housing Stability Operations Team, managing a fiscal budget of over $30 million, with an acute eye to enriching experience for residents across PPL's portfolio of 1500+ affordable and supportive housing units. Rashida is committed to integrating PPL's housing services through participatory engagement from residents and by creating and leading successful management teams within diverse organizations.

Executive Assistant: clara.boyum@ppl-inc.org

Executive Assistant: abby.kamm@ppl-inc.org