Our Leadership

Meet the people behind the Cook County HRA

Board of Directors

Bill Gabler District 5 Commissioner - Board Chair

Bill Gabler has devoted his career to supporting governmental and nonprofit organizations in achieving strategic and financial success. His professional experience includes work with local and state agencies to create and expand affordable housing, as well as service with a nonprofit that provided seed funding for housing development. Bill also worked in the mortgage banking industry and later led the public and nonprofit investment banking group at Wells Fargo for more than 20 years. Throughout his career, he has maintained a strong commitment to advancing housing opportunities and strengthening community-serving institutions.

Chris O'Brien District 4 Commissioner - Vice Chair

Chris O’Brien is a retired business executive with a long career in solar and clean energy manufacturing and a lifelong commitment to renewable energy and efficiency. After years of visiting and living part-time in Cook County, he and his wife, Jane, moved to Grand Marais full-time in 2015 and remain active in several community organizations, including his roles as President of the Pincushion Ski and Run Club and the Cook County Local Energy Project. Chris enjoys exploring the outdoors through trail running, skiing, hiking, canoeing, biking, sailing, and extensive tandem bicycle travel with Jane both locally and abroad.

Bill Hansen District 2 Commissioner

Bill Hansen was formerly the owner of Sawbill Canoe Outfitters in Tofte, Minnesota. He has an extensive history of service on area government and non-profit boards of directors. His retirement job is Lead Captain of Schooner Hjordis at North House Folk School in Grand Marais. He lives in Grand Marais with his wife, Cindy.

Richard OIson District 1 Commissioner

Richard Olson was born and raised in Hastings, Minnesota, and studied Music, Theater, and Fine Arts before moving into design and founding EnvironDesign in 1985. He became a Certified Interior Designer on the first day Minnesota offered the credential and has created award-winning environments for retailers while now focusing on custom homes, furnishings, and commercial spaces. A lifelong visitor to Cook County, he moved to the area full-time in 1996 and has since contributed to more than sixty built projects, including three of his own homes.

Nick Lamoore District 3 Commissioner

Nick Lamoore moved to Cook County in 2022 with his wife and their assortment of indoor and outdoor animals, building their home together in a quiet stretch of the north woods. Completing a self-build gave him firsthand insight into the logistics and challenges of construction in remote communities. He is drawn to the strong sense of community and the serenity of the natural environment in Cook County. Nick looks forward to supporting the HRA’s efforts to improve the availability, safety, and efficiency of housing throughout the county.

Ann Sullivan District 4 Commissioner - County Board Alternate Representative

Ann Sullivan was born in the Twin Cities to two former naval officers but spent much of her youth exploring Cook County with her family. She developed a lifelong connection to the area through camping, hunting, fishing, and skiing trips along the North Shore and the Gunflint Trail. Ann and her husband, Tim—whom she met in seventh grade—continued to share a deep love for the BWCAW and Cook County. Their longtime dream of making Cook County their home eventually came true, even if it didn’t come with retirement.

Garry Gamble District 2 Commissioner - County Board Representative

Garry Gamble is married to his high school sweetheart, and together they have raised five children while cherishing the memory of their daughter Jessa, who passed away in 2021 and whose life and faith continue to inspire them. He brings over 35 years of professional experience, including service as Marketing Director for a major financial institution, Executive Director of a nonprofit organization, and as a Cook County Commissioner from 2013–2016. Guided by servant-leadership, thoughtful decision-making, and a deep appreciation for nature, creativity, and community, Garry approaches each day with humility, curiosity, and a commitment to living honorably.

Jeff Brand Executive Director

Jeff Brand was named Executive Director of the Cook County HRA in February 2025. Previously, he had been a successful community leader with housing experience in and out of public service. This included seven years as a realtor, eight years as a City Councilor with the City of Saint Peter, and four years on their Planning and Zoning Commission. Most recently he served as State Representative for District 18A in the Minnesota House of Representatives, including as Vice Chair of the Workforce Development Committee.