Nathan Ferris

Joining the board in 2015, Nathan serves as the Vice President/Secretary of the Board and the chair of the personnel committee. He is a graduate of Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with a minor in Athletic Training and is currently the Patrol Sergeant who supervises the night shift at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, as well as a team leader of the Emergency Response Team and Field Training Coordinator.

Nathan’s family has been associated with non-profits his entire life. His sister, who has Down Syndrome, received services from Fraser, a Twin Cities-based non-profit, from a young age. His father has been on the Board of Directors for Fraser for many years. All of which ultimately inspired him to be involved in a non-profit.

He has had contact with many at-risk children through his job at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office who have needed the help, support, and services that Positive Alternatives strives to provide. Positive Alternatives’ mission, in part, is to equip at-risk youth and young adults with the social, emotional and developmental skills needed to flourish – something that Nathan says he loves being a part of.

Nathan’s hobbies include woodworking, running and mountain biking. A special interest of his is mentoring at his local church and chaperoning mission trips. Him and his wife of 26 years have three very active boys, whose interests include multiple sports, music, and education – keeping them very busy!