FFN Staff
Executive Director Thomas Flanagan
As Finlandia Foundation National celebrates the 70th anniversary of its founding, the leading independent source of support for Finnish culture in the United States has hired its first paid executive.
Thomas (Tommy) Flanagan is the newly appointed executive director of the non-profit organization that has, since it was established in 1953, been run by a volunteer board of directors.
The executive director represents FFN in the community. It is his responsibility to lead the operation, overseeing its mission, administration, fundraising and strategic plan.
Tommy, a Montana-born Finnish American, is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, with a BA in Political Science and German and minor in Global Studies. He achieved a masters in German and European Studies at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, and took courses in political science, German, Finnish and Swedish at Åbo Akademi University. Most recently, he was Language Programs Officer at Goethe-Institut. Tommy is a founding member of the FFN Young Leaders Board.
Contact: thomas.flanagan @ finlandiafoundation.org
Communications Director Minea Lindqvist Herwitz
Minea Lindqvist Herwitz serves as the first Communications Director at Finlandia Foundation National, a role created as the organization expanded following the success of the Saving Finland in America campaign and the departure of long-time communications manager, Kath Usitalo.
Minea is a digital marketing expert, coach, and consultant with a professional background in media production, impact storytelling, and filmmaking. She combines her artistic sensibility and strategic insight to elevate brands, organizations, and individuals. Minea spent over ten years in community bank and nonprofit marketing, where she captured and highlighted stories of environmental and community impact that resonated deeply with local audiences.
As a former grant recipient of the Finlandia Foundation, she produced two short narrative films in Finland, reflecting her passion for the arts and her ongoing connection to Finnish culture. Fluent in English and Finnish, Minea holds dual BAs in Psychology and Literature: Creative Writing from UC Santa Cruz. She is committed to fostering meaningful connections through communication, creativity, and compassion. Born and currently residing in the San Francisco Bay Area, she considers both the U.S. and Finland home.
Contact: communications@finlandiafoundation.org
Operations Manager Jessica Ann
For general inquiries, chapter issues, membership questions, change of address and all general inquiries:
- Email: office @ finlandiafoundation.org
- Telephone: 626-795-2081
- Mailing & shipping address:
Finlandia Foundation National
254 N. Lake Ave. #852
Pasadena, CA 91101 - Street address:
470 W. Walnut St.
Pasadena, CA 91103