April 2, 2026
Join us in welcoming the newest additions to the Center for Irish Music Board of Directors!
John Murray
John Murray grew up in Galway on Ireland’s west coast. He has lived in the United States for the past twenty years, including seventeen years in the Twin Cities, where he has remained connected to the Irish community. John is a graduate of the University of Galway.
Professionally, John is a Senior Finance Director at CHS Inc. in Inver Grove Heights, bringing extensive experience in finance, strategy, and business transformation. As a board member of the Center for Irish Music, John is passionate about supporting the preservation, teaching, and celebration of Irish traditional music, and is committed to helping ensure the organization’s long-term sustainability and impact.
Beth Nunnally
Beth Nunnally discovered her rich Irish heritage on her mother’s side (100% Hayes from County Limerick) after her mother’s passing in 2004. Then she was introduced to set dancing when an aunt invited her on an Irish music cruise. At a set dancing session in Minnesota, Beth met musician Tom Lockney who offered to teach her the fiddle. Now, Beth enjoys playing at the Sunday learner sessions at the Celtic Junction.
Beth brings a wealth of financial and tax expertise to the board. She is the Associate VP of Finance for the Office of Academic and Clinical Affairs at the University of Minnesota and previously served as the University’s tax director. A licensed certified public accountant in Minnesota, Beth was a non-profit tax consultant for Coopers & Lybrand and has served in a board capacity to many local non-profit organizations including Catholic Charities.
Kim Scanlan, PhD
Kim was drawn to CIM through her grandchildren, Ginger and John Anderson, her stepdaughter, Kelly Scanlan and her husband, Tim, who all have taken lessons and participated in activities at CIM. And, while Kim started playing piano as a young girl, her lack of practice meant mom stopped those lessons! However, Kim took piano up again as a retired adult and has also dabbled with other instruments.
Kim Scanlan is a retired Corporate Services/Human Resources professional with proven leadership capabilities working for both profit and non-profit organizations. She is also an adjunct professor and has served as a consultant for many organizations in the areas of strategic planning, leadership, organizational development and human resources.
In addition, we are announcing other changes to our officer positions.
In September, Greg Padden became the Center for Irish Music’s new board chair. Thanks, Greg! Greg plays whistle, guitar, and sings, and has served on the CIM board for several years, including treasurer, and a longtime core volunteer for the Minnesota Irish Music Weekend. As Director of Power Supply and Markets at Great River Energy, Greg brings expertise in project management, collaborative teamwork, and strategic planning to the CIM board leadership. Greg’s kids are both CIM alumni.
A massive thank you to Dave McKenna who served as CIM’s board chair from 2019-2025! Dave’s leadership as was characterized by thoughtful and efficient meetings, and a respect for our instructors and the music; a deeply-held value that set the tone for the organization in a time of significant growth and transition. Dave is serving an additional year on the board as CIM’s past president.
Thanks to Mike Lynch and Mike O’Connor for their longterm service on the CIM board. Both Lynch and O’Connor stepped off the board in September.
Mike Lynch (bodhrán player, Owner of Controls & Meters) served on the CIM board for 18 years, including board chair for several years. Lynch’s entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen helped to support CIM’s move to the Celtic Junction building and the transition from volunteer-run to a staff-led organization. As bar & permit manager from 2009-2020, Mike (and his volunteer team) served pints to countless community members at the Celtic Junction's events, generating income for Center for Irish Music, Irish Fair of Minnesota, and Irish Arts Minnesota. Mike passed away unexpectedly in January 2026.
Mike O’Connor (guitarist, member of An Luan, retired actuary & co-owner of Blueberry Fields of Stillwater) served for 14 years as treasurer and board chair. He brought extensive experience in finance to CIM’s board and dedicated many volunteer hours to the Éigse committee and board-led committees and task forces. Mike’s detailed and thoughtful contributions to the organization are too numerous to count - the staff still uses his intricately designed scheduling spreadsheet to organize the Minnesota Irish Music Weekend each year.
Norah, Dave, Mike Lynch and Mike O'Connor showing off their new CIM outfits at our annual Instructors, Staff & Board meeting in October 2025
Greg Padden and his wife Lisa celebrating at a past Éigse gala. Fun-fact: CIM's most-viewed YouTube short is of Greg's son Conor playing Rocky Road to Dublin at the CIM booth at the Irish Fair!