Professional Assistance Team

What is the P.A.T.?

The job of leadership in public school systems is very complex and leaders might encounter difficult situations such as issues with personnel, parents, communities or school boards. MASA wants to provide our members with as much assistance as possible. Therefore, in addition to the MASA legal support services, we have created the Professional Assistance Team (P.A.T.).

The Professional Assistance Team is made up of individuals who have a wealth of experience in operating schools. The P.A.T. will use their experience to help their colleagues when they need consultation and/or advice if they run into a difficult situation. Each member has promised to treat every contact with confidentiality. The only case in which information may be shared is in the event that a situation is complex enough that a member may require legal assistance, and will be directed to the MASA Executive Director.

Examples of services the P.A.T. provides:

• Answers to questions regarding your role as a superintendent or central office leader
• Advice on how to handle specific situations involving the community, school board(s), employees, students, and operational situations
• Communication situations
• The P.A.T. will always maintain confidentiality when working with our members.

MASA members are encouraged to contact any member of the P.A.T. directly for assistance or expertise!

Dr. Michael Favor
Superintendent
Intermediate School District 917
Cell: 612-859-5700
Office: 651-423-8214
michael.favor@isd917.org

Dr. Michael Favor is a dedicated educational servant leader committed to achieving educational equity and fostering student success. For the past five years, he has served as the Superintendent of Intermediate School District 917. Throughout his career, he has been driven by a mission to provide innovative leadership that opens pathways to college and careers while improving social-emotional and academic outcomes for all students.

Before his current superintendency, Dr. Favor served as Assistant Superintendent for Roseville Area Schools, where he focused on enhancing community engagement, overseeing systems accountability, and implementing strategic equity professional learning plans. His extensive background in educational leadership also includes roles as Interim Superintendent for Monticello Public Schools, Executive Director of Schools & Student Services for Robbinsdale Area Schools, and Principal at several high schools, including Minneapolis Southwest, Robbinsdale Cooper, and Minneapolis North Community High School.

Dr. Favor has extensive experience developing culturally responsive teaching environments, expanding post-secondary options, and building strong service-learning partnerships to support student growth and community involvement. Dr. Favor completed his undergraduate studies at North Dakota State University. He also holds a Master of Education (M.Ed) degree from Hamline University, as well as a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (EdD) from St. Cloud State University, where he also completed his Superintendent licensure program. Most recently, Dr. Favor received his Director of Special Education licensure through Minnesota State University, Mankato. His foundational drive and teamwork skills trace back to his alma mater, North Dakota State University (NDSU), where he played football as a Bison and was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

Dr. Annette Freiheit
Retired Superintendent
Last District Served: Winona Area Public Schools
Cell: 507-421-8558
annette.freiheit@gmail.com

Dr. Annette Freiheit has 34 years experience as an elementary teacher, elementary principal, curriculum director, and superintendent in central and southern Minnesota public schools. Annette completed the AASA National Superintendent Certification Program and participated in the MASA Aspiring Superintendent and the Great Start Cohorts. She completed her Bachelor and Master's degrees at Winona State University and Doctorate at Hamline University. She is retired and currently serving on the Minnesota State Academies Board of Directors.

Dr. Jeffrey Holm
Retired Superintendent
Last District Served: Willmar Public Schools
Cell: 320-979-7764
jholm86@gmail.com

Jeff has 38 years of public school experience. He has been a teacher, a principal, an assistant superintendent, and a superintendent. Jeff completed the AASA National Superintendent Certification Program and is a passionate advocate for public education.

Dr. Peter Olson-Skog
Superintendent
W. St. Paul-Mendota Hgts.-Eagan Area Schools
peter.olsonskog@isd197.org
651-216-7304

Dr. Peter Olson-Skog began serving as Superintendent of West Saint Paul, Mendota Heights, and Eagan Area Schools in 2017. He was named a Richard Green Scholar for his doctoral research, which described how district offices can support and empower principals. He has also been an assistant superintendent, director of teaching and learning, principal, research/assessment/evaluation coordinator, and teacher. Dr. Olson-Skog has given all of this tuition money to the University of Minnesota. He holds a BA in Elementary Education, an MA in Human Resource Development, and a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy. His K12 principal and superintendent licensure were also from the U of M. Go Gophers! He and his wife, Amy, their three kids, and two dogs have lived in the metro area since 1999. Growing up, Peter lived on both coasts and in Canada, yet you won't catch him saying "Eh" anymore.

Mr. Chris Lindholm
Superintendent
Cook County Public Schools
Cell: 218-851-2976
clindholm@isd166.org

Chris Lindholm has served as the superintendent for Cook County Schools since 2021.  Prior to that he was a teacher and coach in Northfield, dean of students at Edina High School, assistant principal and principal in Shakopee, assistant superintendent in Burnsville, and superintendent for eight years in Pequot Lakes.  Chris has completed degrees at St. Olaf College, Winona State University, St. Mary's University, and Minnesota State University, Mankato.