Our Team.
Staff
Thomas Anderson | He/Him
Executive Director
Thomas graduated from the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities with degrees in Political Science and Communication Studies. Driven by his passion for education, he returned to the U of M to earn an M.Ed from the College of Education and Human Development. In 2019, after several years in his role as an educator, Thomas joined Students United as the Director of Government Relations, where he made a significant impact advocating for student interests at the policy level. By 2022, he stepped into the role of Executive Director, reflecting his dedication and leadership within the organization. Under his guidance, Students United continues to thrive, focusing on elevating student voices in higher education policy and fostering student leadership development. Thomas is passionate about empowering students and providing them with the skills and opportunities to become effective leaders and advocates. He emphasizes the importance of student involvement in policy-making processes and the development of future leaders.
Thomas enjoys most of his time outside of work with his two sons, Remy and Julien, and his wife, Ellie, exploring the parks, trails, and restaurants in the greater Longfellow, Minneapolis neighborhood, where they reside.
Kalista Mangahas | She/Her
Associate Executive Director
Kalista Mangahas is a graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead where she received her degree in Communications.
She started working at Students United in June 2016 as the Office Manager and in June 2018 became the Director of Operations. Kalista is excited to be given the opportunity to work with passionate, student leaders and will continue to advocate on their behalf.
Prior to working for Students United, Kalista worked at a local news station in Fargo, ND.
When she is not out planning Students United events, advocating for students, or doing operational tasks, you can find Kalista hidden away in a blanket fort watching an uncomfortable amount of HGTV or strolling the streets of St. Paul.
Dr. Meg Bartlett-Chase | She/Her
Director of Student Leadership
Meg earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in Psychology.
She then worked as a sex educator and crisis counselor for several years before deciding to continue her education at the University of Iowa in Education Policy & Leadership Studies. She completed her M.A. in 2020 and completed her Ph.D. in November of 2022.
Meg is passionate about finding new ways to empower students to use their voices for social change and self-advocacy. Outside of Students United, Meg loves to spoil her dog Archie, keep a respectful distance from her cat Barney, and visit local bookstores!
Casey Metcalfe | He/Him
Government Relations Manager
Casey Metcalfe, M.Ed (he/him) believes in the power of amplified student voice in K-12 and higher education. A former Minneapolis Public Schools teacher and current Manager of Government Relations at Students United, Casey spent 10 years in the classroom facilitating youth-led campaigns to influence district equity/engagement policy and park board governance.
Previously, Casey worked alongside fellow teachers at the state capitol to improve MDE data reporting and expand grants for highly successful teacher preparation programs. In his current role, Casey represents the 55,000 students of MN State’s seven universities at the capitol and mentors student members interested in pursuing careers in advocacy. In his free time, he is an avid flower gardener and a deeply average tennis player.
Adam Thompson | He/Him
Advocacy Coordinator
Adam Thompson serves as the Advocacy Coordinator for Students United, working directly with students, campuses, and the Minn State Systems Office to ensure our campuses are meeting student needs.
Adam, a Winona State Alum, has always held a deep passion for students, community organizing, and politics. Adam's previous experiences include numerous political campaigns, logistics for vaccination sites, and student government.
Connor Newby | He/Him
Operations and Events Manager
Connor graduated from Bemidji State University with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. He got involved with Student United his junior year through his student senate and later became part of the board of directors his senior year.
Connor is excited to be able to continue helping students advocate for the issues that are important to them. Beyond Students United, Connor enjoys playing way to many video games and hanging out with his dogs Dante and Wallace.
Grant Berg | He/Him
Public Relations Coordinator
Grant graduated from Augsburg University with a degree in history in 2020. Prior to joining Students United, Grant worked for a variety of nonprofits, from cancer awareness, to LGBTQIA+ advocacy and policy.
Through his range of experiences, Grant hopes to support student leaders give voice to their desires for change, and elevate the mission of Students United. Outside of work, Grant is an amateur genealogist and an avid birdwatcher.
Jess Khan | She/Her
Development Director
Jess Khan is a passionate nonprofit leader with over 20 years of experience in development, communications, and program management. She has a strong track record of building relationships, crafting compelling narratives, and driving strategies that fuel growth and impact. A lifelong champion for equity and inclusion, Jess is committed to supporting marginalized communities and expanding opportunities for students.
She holds a Bachelor of Journalism degree, cum laude, from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and began her career at ABC News in London before transitioning into the nonprofit sector. Her first role—as an advocate for survivors of domestic violence—sparked her deep, ongoing commitment to social justice work.
Jess has partnered with leadership teams to launch monthly giving programs, grow membership, and secure major grant funding. As Fundraising Chair for the Minnesota Urban Debate League advisory board, she created the Champion of Change Award honoring leaders like Representative Ilhan Omar, and has led advocacy efforts that improved services for students in the Minneapolis Public Schools.
An adventurer at heart, Jess has backpacked through Southeast Asia, Europe, Morocco, and Mexico, and lived in Hawaii, England, and Colorado. Though she loves warm beaches, she now calls Minnesota home—where she shares life with her two energetic kids, two mischievous cats, a snuggly pitbull, and a very sweet fish.
