Board Members
Clarence Bischoff
Board PresidentClarence is the founder of Blue Water Farms and a community organizer who is focused on sustainability. His experiences include developing a farmer’s market, a food cooperative, natural step study groups, and with others the Minnesota Aquaculture Association. Clarence has sustainably-operated businesses include Vasa Gardens, a market farm, and Cardinal Hardwoods, a supplier of forest products and custom woodworking service for contractors.
Prior to his work in the sustainability field, Clarence was a Human Services professional, providing supervisory and staff development to public and higher education organizations for thirty five years. He holds a BS in Sociology and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
Paul Damhoff
Board Member - TreasurerPaul Damhoff is the founder of Simply Shrimp in Blomkest, MN. Paul grew up on the family farm, but switched from dairy cows to shrimp in 2016.
Michael Ziebell
MNAA Board - SecretaryMichael Ziebell is Secretary of the MNAA Board and works in Marine Shrimp production.
As President and CEO of The trū Shrimp Company, with many years of executive, strategic and marketing management experience, Mr. Ziebell leads the trū Shrimp team to a shared vision of the future. He also has 22 years with Schwan’s Company and 6 years leading a manufacturing company which experience he brings to the MNAA board.
Mr. Ziebell earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and a Masters of Business Administration from Minnesota’s own University of St. Thomas.
Barry Thoele
Board Member - Bait Dealers RepresentativeI have owned and operated Lincoln Bait for over 32 years, first as a harvester. In 1999 I began construction of my fish farm consisting of 13 ponds, 3 outdoor spawning raceways, and 7000 sq. ft. of high tunnel season extending structures for hydroponic food production added in to deal with the increase in nutrients common in extensive fish farming. I raise redtail chubs, common shiners for wholesale bait and wetland plants for restoration purposes.
I have been active in the previous Aquaculture Association and have been involved with mediation and education with and for MN DNR fisheries and spend hours instructing new wardens in training. I have been an advocate for education and the advancement of aquaculture and aquaponics in MN since before aquaponics was a common word. With the belief that MN fishing bait should come from MN.
I am an IAC (Industry Advisory Council) member for MN to NCRAC (North Central Region Aquaculture Center) and am the Bait Industry Representative to MN DNR for MNAA working toward better understanding and working with MNDNR to improve bait availability in MN from MN waters.
Dean Dovolis
2020-2023 Board MemberSustainability architect and supporter of housing and agriculture.
Dean founded DJR Architecture in 1985 in the East Phillips Neighborhood of Minneapolis with an emphasis on affordable housing and community development. Dean works with EPNI to develop the East Phillips Indoor Urban Farm, in Djibuti to develop a major hydro-culture business for he country and region, and with Blue Water Farms as Board Chair and stockholder in Welch, MN to develop an indoor walleye farm.
Dean continues to evolve DJR Architecture into a broad based provider of architectural services while still playing an active role in the development of sustainable communities. As an activist, Dean is passionate about saving the Roof Depot building and prioritizing communities of color in the development of the East Phillips Indoor Urban Farm. Dean received his Bachelor of Architecture and Environmental Design from the University of Minnesota and his Master of Architecture and Urban Design from Harvard University. He is part of the the American Institute of Architecture, LEED Accredited Professional, and NCARB.