MASE 2026 Elections: Meet Your Candidates

In early April 2026, MASE will send emails to our Active and Joint MASA+MASE Active members (those membership levels are eligible to vote in our elections). We present statements from our candidates for President-Elect and Secretary. Candidates were asked to provide a short statement and a photo, and had the option of creating a flyer. Voting Members: If you do not receive an e-mail by April 3, 2026, please reach out to Laurie Pumper, laurie.pumper@mnase.org. Voting will close on April 17, 2026.

President-Elect

MASE has two nominees for the office of President-Elect. The person elected will serve one year as President-Elect, followed by one year as President, and one additional year as Past President. The President-Elect shall serve in the event of resignation or absence of the President. The President-Elect shall serve as Co-chair of the Organizational  Planning Committee and Federal Advocacy Subcommittee, appoint a Chair/Co-chair-Elect to each Standing Committee, and have such other responsibilities as necessary in regard to matters delegated by the President and/or Board of Directors.

Robert Dehnert

Faribault Public Schools

I am honored to submit my candidacy for MASE President-Elect.

I still remember my first experience in special education. As a volunteer in college, I met Ryan, a young child with autism who initially observed me with skepticism. Through patience and shared activities, I gained his trust. Watching Ryan's hesitant transformation into a joyful participant in our activities solidified my desire to pursue a career in special education. From that moment forward, I have served students with disabilities, and I would be humbled and honored to continue that service as MASE President-Elect.

With over 30 years of experience in special education and active MASE membership since 2008, I bring a solid track record of leadership. Having served as the Area F2 Representative, Legislative Committee member, and CEC Board Liaison, I understand the advocacy required to support our students. As a Director, MDE Peer Monitor, and Adjunct Professor, I balance deep technical knowledge in finance and law with the human element of our work. I ask for your vote to help lead MASE with wisdom, experience, and a steadfast focus on the students we serve.

Ryan Rehnstrand

Lionsgate Academy, Minnetonka

I am interested in serving as President-Elect for MASE because public education and the leaders who serve within it have been central to my life and career. Throughout my 26 years in education, I have been fortunate to work alongside passionate educators and leaders in special education who dedicate themselves every day to improving the lives of students and families. Those experiences have shaped my belief that strong leadership, collaboration, and advocacy are essential if we are going to continue strengthening our schools and communities, both traditional and charter school districts.

MASE has been an important professional community for me for the past 16 years. It provides a space where leaders can learn from one another, share challenges, and work collectively toward solutions that support students across Minnesota. I want to serve in this role because I value that sense of community and believe in giving back to an organization that supports so many educational leaders.

If elected, my goals would center on strengthening relationships among members, ensuring that all leaders feel supported in the complex work they do, and continuing to elevate the voice of public education across our state. School leaders are facing increasing challenges, from supporting student well-being to addressing workforce shortages and navigating rapidly changing expectations. I believe MASE can continue to play a critical role in helping leaders connect, learn, and advocate together.

Personally, I am committed to leading with humility, listening to the experiences of others, and building meaningful connections across districts and communities. I believe that the best ideas come from collaboration and honest conversation. As President-Elect, I would strive to represent the diverse perspectives of our members while helping MASE remain a strong, trusted voice for educational leadership in Minnesota. In my 26 years of education, I have worked in a single district, an Education District in greater Minnesota, and in a Charter school, which gives me a wide perspective of special education in Minnesota.

It would be an honor to serve the organization and the colleagues who work every day to make a difference in the lives of students.

Board Secretary

MASE has one nominee for the office of Secretary. The person elected will serve a two-year term, and then has the option of serving a second consecutive two-year term. The Secretary shall keep accurate minutes of MASE meetings and meetings of the officers. The Secretary shall carry on correspondence and other responsibilities as necessary in regard to matters as delegated by the President and/or Board of Directors. The secretary shall serve as a standing member of the Membership Committee.

Tiffany Litman

Area Special Education Cooperative, East Grand Forks

I am interested in serving as MASE Secretary as a way to give back to an organization that has played an important role in my growth as a special education leader. Through professional learning, mentorship, and collaboration, MASE has strengthened my leadership and connected me with colleagues across Minnesota who share a commitment to improving outcomes for students with disabilities. My vision is to support and strengthen this professional community through reliable leadership, clear communication, and thoughtful collaboration.

As Executive Director of the Area Special Education Cooperative, I manage complex systems and partner with multiple districts, which has strengthened my organizational skills and attention to detail. I currently serve on the MASE Membership, Nominations, and Legislative Committees, experiences that have deepened my understanding of MASE priorities and member engagement. As Secretary, I hope to support the work of the Board and contribute to an organization that continues to connect, support, and elevate special education leaders across our state.