MEET OUR TEAM Email Jeanne Jeanne Weigum President Jeanne has served as the President of ANSR since 1980, though her path to leading the organization for nearly four decades has somewhat humble roots. The Association for Nonsmokers’ Rights, as it was called at the time, was in the midst of fighting for the nation’s first statewide clean indoor air law in 1975. Jeanne saw an ad in a local paper about the association’s work and decided to become a member, which only cost $1. After becoming a member, Jeanne soon joined the ANSR board and eventually moved her way up to the full-time President, a role for which she has never taken a salary. From ground-breaking smoke-free housing work to innovative approaches to preventing youth tobacco use, she has provided strategic direction for numerous public policy wins in Minnesota. She remains deeply committed to enhancing public health and her community. When not fighting the good fight at ANSR, you’ll find Jeanne baking in the winter, gardening in the spring and summer, and up to her ankles in rescue dogs year round. Email Emily Emily Anderson Director of Policy Emily is a Program Director who focuses on point-of-sale policy work and clean outdoor air in parks and on college campuses. Since her first year at Macalester College in Saint Paul, Emily knew she wanted to work at a nonprofit and contribute to a greater good. After graduate school and stops at a few other nonprofits, she found her niche in public health policy and tobacco prevention at ANSR. Emily has supported dozens of Minnesota communities in passing tobacco-free parks policies and has worked closely with colleges and universities, including the University of Minnesota, in adopting tobacco-free campus policies. She advocated for a first-of-its-kind cigar pricing ordinance in Brooklyn Center. She has presented at several public health conferences, including the National Summit on Smokeless and Spit Tobacco and the National Conference on Tobacco or Health. Outside of work Emily enjoys spending time with her family in Minneapolis and heading into the great outdoors to bike, camp and skijor. While Minnesota is now home, she takes pride in teaching her two young daughters to say “Go, Pack, Go!” Email Katie Katie Engman Program Director, Policy & Compliance Katie has led school and community commercial tobacco-prevention efforts since 2002, centering her work on youth education, advocacy, and engagement. She has been instrumental in advancing local policies, including ending the sale of flavored products, smoke-free workplaces, youth access laws, tobacco-free parks, and numerous updates to city ordinances. Most recently, she began coordinating THC and cannabis compliance checks, building on her decades of experience conducting tobacco compliance checks. Outside the office one might find Katie in the middle of a lake, having arrived there via swimming, boating, or paddling. She also enjoys planning family adventures, such as trips to the beach and cheering on her kids at their activities. Email Jason Jason Lind Director of Finance and IT Jason is ANSR’s Director of Finance and IT. He joined ANSR in 2020 and has a long history of nonprofit work. Jason helps manage the overall ANSR budget and ensures we are good stewards of the funds we receive. He is passionate about technology and enjoys teaching and discussing tech of almost any kind. Personally, he enjoys going for long walk-and-talks with his wife, throwing not-so-perfect spirals to his twin boys, and playing pickleball. Email Molly Molly Schmidtke Policy and Technical Assistance Manager Molly is a Policy and Technical Assistance Manager. In this role, Molly is responsible for conducting outreach and education events, supporting youth policy and advocacy efforts, and supporting all other ANSR tobacco prevention efforts. Some of her accomplishments include: multiple flavored commercial tobacco restrictions in MN communities, working with youth to create, disseminate and evaluate vaping prevalence surveys with youth partners, as well as creating and disseminating a toolkit focused on the environmental impacts of commercial tobacco products. She has a BS from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in Public Health – Community Health Education and a Master’s in Public Health degree from the University of Minnesota. She is also a Certified Health Education Specialist. She is passionate about many public health topics, such as health equity, policy and advocacy. Outside of work, Molly loves to be out on the Mississippi River and watching the Minnesota Wild. Email Chris Christopher Smith Community Policy Advocate Chris started at ANSR as a contracted Campaign Organizer in 2020 and officially joined the team as a Community Policy Advocate in 2022. Chris enjoys connecting communities with lawmakers and city leadership. He believes that community engagement is key to developing sound equitable policies. Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s in advocacy and political leadership -both from Metropolitan State University. He comes to ANSR with a breadth of community organizing experience, from working closely with faith communities as a congregational organizer, to field organizing during numerous election cycles for political and issue campaigns. At ANSR Chris is focused on local tobacco prevention policy at point of sale and smoke-free housing. While not working in the office, Chris spends much of his time biking, developing bikepacking routes for his next adventure, and cheering on the St. Paul Saints with friends and family. Chris is a downtown St. Paul resident and considers himself to be an “armchair Urbanist” since he often criticizes street design, even though he does not hold a degree in engineering or urban planning. Email Alex Alexandra Eberhart Project Lead Alex is a Project Lead primarily working on the Live Smoke Free program housed at ANSR. She assists multi-unit housing properties in adopting smoke-free policies and contributes to community outreach, resident engagement, and enforcement strategies for smoke-free housing. Alex also supports youth engagement and advocacy efforts to prevent commercial tobacco use, empowering young leaders to make a difference. Alex earned a Master’s in Public Health from St. Ambrose University and a BS in Public Health - Health Administration from Winona State University. With her long-standing passion for community well-being, she is eager to further ANSR’s mission and engage with communities in promoting smoke-free living. Outside of work, you can find her playing pickleball, reading a book, or enjoying the outdoors. Email Sheila Sheila Watercott Regional ATOD Prevention Coordinator - Region 7 Sheila Watercott serves as a Minnesota Regional Alcohol, Tobacco, & Other Drug Prevention Coordinator (RPC) in the 7 county Metro Region. She has over 15 years experience coordinating community projects focused on health and safety. Prior to taking this role, she was a Community Health Educator and Project Coordinator in Little Falls and Morrison County. She has worked with community partners to achieve outcomes in reducing youth substance use, in growing awareness of effective substance use prevention strategies, and in growing knowledge of the harms of youth substance use, including the use of marijuana, alcohol, commercial tobacco products, and prescription drugs. Email Jaclyn Jaclyn Frank Live Smoke Free Community Outreach Coordinator Jaclyn is a Community Outreach Coordinator for the Live Smoke Free program at ANSR. Jaclyn collaborates with property managers, residents, local public health, and state partners to promote, implement, and evaluate smoke-free multi-unit housing policies. She has a background in mixed-methods research, advocacy, and systems improvement across various public health domains including housing, chronic diseases, and the public health workforce, all with a strong focus on health equity. Jaclyn has a BS in Public Health from Purdue University and an MPH from the University of Minnesota in Public Health Administration and Policy. Outside of work, you might find her running along the Mississippi River, singing karaoke, or finishing a puzzle. Email Moe Moe Sadique Event Coordinator Moe serves as the Event Coordinator for the Minnesota Prevention Resource Center. Their role includes planning MPRC training and events, such as the annual MN Prevention Program Sharing conference, and providing administrative support to other ANSR programs. Moe has a background in civic engagement, organizing and politics, as well as experience leading teams in managing medical and pharmacy benefits. They are passionate about using their project coordination and program development skills to advance the work of MPRC. Moe also loves nature, music, crafts, reading, and spending time with their son and their dog. Email Gabrielle Gabrielle Horsford Community Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator Gabrielle is a Community Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator, working on Point of Sale, Flavors, and Tobacco Marketing. Gabrielle supports advocacy efforts, outreach and education events, and provides administrative support to other ANSR programs. Gabrielle has a public health background, with a passion for eliminating racial health disparities by combining policy advocacy with theory-driven behavior change practices. She has a BA in psychology from the College of Saint Benedict, and an MPH in Community Health Promotion from the University of Minnesota –School of Public Health. Outside of work, Gabrielle enjoys educating young people at the community college level, eating her husband’s cooking, and walking their two dogs. Email Jeffrey Jeffrey Palaniappan Ting Community Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator Jeffrey is a Community Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator, supporting the Point of Sales team with youth engagement, advocacy, and community outreach. He is passionate about community capacity building, youth empowerment, and health literacy. He earned his B.S. in Environmental Management from Indiana University Bloomington, and his MPH in Community Health Promotion from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. In the everyday, Jeffrey loves board and video games, attempting family recipes, and spending time with loved ones.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF COMMERCIAL TOBACCO Commercial tobacco products like cigarettes and e-cigarettes have a substantial impact on our environment. These products contribute to the litter problem, with cigarettes being the most littered product in the US and e-cigarettes contributing to the single-use plastic problem and electronic waste. Throughout their life cycle, commercial tobacco products contribute to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, litter, single-use plastic waste and electronic waste, threatening our planet and our people. Environmental Impact of Commercial Tobacco Toolkit Environmental Impact of Commercial Tobacco Factsheet Paragraph Download the PDF Hazardous Waste Disposal Factsheet Paragraph Download the Fact Sheet Youth E-Cigarette Environmental Graphic Paragraph Download the Graphic Additional Environmental Resources From the Public Health Law Center, FDA and more. Download Resources Environmental Impacts Lesson Plan This is Chapter 9 of ANSR's Tobacco 101 curriculum. Download Lesson Plan Additional Materials Available Upon Request Environmental Impacts and Hazardous Waste Presentation Examples of Letters of Support Letters to the Editors on the Environmental Impacts Request Materials Tobacco - Threat to our Environment (WHO SEARO)

OUR MISSION ANSR is dedicated to reducing the human and economic costs of commercial tobacco, nicotine and other drug use in Minnesota. Our core commitments are: to protect young Minnesotans from a lifetime of addiction; to ensure that all Minnesotans can breathe clean, smoke-free air everywhere; and to reduce health inequities and other disparities in relation to commercial tobacco, nicotine and other drugs. In 1975, ANSR helped pass the nation’s first comprehensive state clean indoor air legislation. Since then, ANSR has continued to play a leading role in shaping tobacco policy and has been involved in every major state-wide policy, such as the Freedom to Breathe Act in 2007 and raising the tobacco tax in 2013. ANSR helped Minneapolis and Saint Paul restrict the sales of flavored tobacco, including menthol, and also helped Edina become the first Minneapolis city to raise the tobacco sales age to 21. Financial Documents 2023 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2023 Federal Form 990 Annual Reports 2023 Annual Report 2022 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2022 Federal Form 990 2022 Annual Report 2021 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2021 Federal Form 990 2021 Annual Report 2020 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2020 Federal Form 990 2020 Annual Report 2019 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2019 Federal Form 990 2019 Annual Report 2018 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2018 Federal Form 990 2018 Annual Report 2017 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2017 Federal Form 990 2017 Annual Report

Councilmembers vote to protect youth and join over 30 other Minnesota communities that have limited the sale of flavored tobacco. Plymouth, Minn. (April 29, 2026) – The Plymouth City Council voted to pass sweeping changes to the Plymouth City Code that includes ending the sale of flavored tobacco within city limits. The city council put the health and wellbeing of youth first, recognizing that flavors hook kids and strong local policies are necessary to remove access to highly addictive substances like tobacco and nicotine. Plymouth joins over 30 other Minnesota communities that have restricted the sale of flavored tobacco, and 30.4% of Minnesotans already live in communities that have taken action to pass policies that limit the sale of flavored tobacco. The Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota and local advocates applaud the Plymouth City Council for their support and protection of Plymouth youth. “As a business owner myself, I know what it’s like to have regulations change, and I understand this has an impact. As a policymaker, I have to look at the impact as an entire population, as an entire city,” said Plymouth councilmember Joel Spoonheim during the city council meeting on April 28. “Nicotine is addictive – it increases mental health issues like anxiety and depression, especially when introduced to young people before the age of 25. Right now, this is one issue where we can be part of the solution in the region, and as the seventh largest Minnesota city, I do feel it’s our responsibility to make the best decisions we can.” “When I view this ordinance, I have to balance out the side of me that wants to be very pro-business with that of public health,” said Plymouth councilmember Kimberly Nelson during the city council meeting on April 28. “We’re talking about nicotine and tobacco being the number one preventable public health problem in America — which is also leading to massive health care costs. As much as I take a lot of pride in Plymouth being a city that is business-friendly, we also have to make sure that we’re staying one of the healthiest cities.” Tobacco use remains the number one killer in Minnesota, claiming nearly 6,000 lives and costing Minnesotans over $4.7 billion in excess healthcare costs every year. The tobacco industry has a long history of targeting kids with candy-like flavors and misleading marketing to build a customer base of lifelong users. Nearly 14% of Minnesota high school students reported using e-cigarettes during the past 30 days, and 76% of Minnesota students who have ever tried a commercial tobacco product started with a flavored one. National data show that about 95% of adult smokers begin smoking before they turn 21.  The Plymouth City Council first discussed potential amendments to the tobacco licensing ordinance at study sessions on Oct. 28, 2025, and Jan. 27, 2026. Following these discussions, staff prepared a draft ordinance incorporating council direction. A public hearing was held on April 13, 2026, following a required notice to all license holders in accordance with Minnesota State Statute 461.19. After the hearing, the council directed staff to return with the ordinance as presented for consideration of adoption at the April 28 meeting. “Policies like the ones before you — ending the sale of flavored tobacco products, limiting retailer density and eliminating price promotions — prioritize the well-being of people over the profits of the tobacco industry,” said Dr. Lisa Mattson, Plymouth resident and president of Minnesota Medical Association, during the April 13 public hearing. “These policies will prevent youth initiation, support quitting and protect the health of all Plymouth residents.” “For such dangerous items, tobacco products are far too attractive and far too attainable because of the profit-centered methods of the tobacco industry,” said Shivam Srivastava, Plymouth resident and sophomore at Breck School, during the April 13 public hearing. “Youth suffer the greatest consequences of these policies, and as a high schooler, I have seen and heard these stories firsthand. Restricting tobacco sellers and prohibiting the sale of flavored tobacco products is a crucial step in protecting Minnesotan youth, and a step that many cities across Minnesota have already taken.” The sweeping package of Plymouth City Code changes includes revising tobacco product definitions, licensing, prohibited acts, penalties, severability and license fees including: Prohibiting the sale of flavored products Setting the maximum number of new tobacco licenses at zero Establishing a 500-foot buffer from schools and youth-oriented park amenities for new licenses Eliminating couponing and price promotions Increasing the annual license fee Increasing administrative penalties for violations Updating ordinance language (purpose, definitions and severability) Read the full City of Plymouth ordinance changes here.

The Association for Nonsmokers – Minnesota and NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center conducted pre and post store assessments in Minneapolis to assess compliance with changes to the city’s tobacco ordinance in 2024 and 2025. A sample of commercial tobacco retailers were evaluated to measure store compliance with: May 2024 ordinance change (1) setting a minimum price per pack of cigarettes and other commercial tobacco products of $15.00 and (2) disallowing price discounts and coupons for commercial tobacco products. July 2025 ordinance change setting a minimum price for e-cigarettes/vapes of $25.00. Of 314 tobacco license holders in Minneapolis, a sample of approximately 30 stores were assessed before and after the implementation of the two tobacco ordinance changes. A pre-assessment was done in October 2023, and post-assessments were completed in December 2024 and December 2025. Stores were selected to be a representative sample of different types of stores (tobacco-only stores, convenience stores, and chain stores), as well as different neighborhoods and regions of the city. Each assessment used a slightly different sample of stores, resulting in 25 stores that were checked at all three points in time and an additional 4 stores that were checked at both post-assessments. Of the 29 stores checked at both post-assessments, the number of stores that were in compliance (did NOT sell a pack of cigarettes for under $15) went from 21 (72%) in December 2024 to 27 (93%) in December 2025. The number of stores that were in compliance (did NOT sell a can of chew for under $15) went from 17 (59%) in December 2024 to 25 (86%) in December 2025. This demonstrates that the tobacco ordinance change was effective at maintaining high prices for commercial tobacco products, and compliance improved over time. The December 2025 store assessment was modified to check prices for e-cigarettes/vapes, given the Minneapolis minimum price ordinance for vapes passed six months prior (July 2025). Of the 29 stores checked, 21 (72%) were in compliance (did not sell a vape for under $25). This demonstrates additional work is needed to improve compliance; however, based on the results for other commercial tobacco products, compliance may improve over time. Of the 25 stores checked at all points in time, the number of stores that were in compliance with not having in-store promotions for any tobacco products went from 20 (80%) before the ordinance change to 19 (76%) in December 2024 and 25 (100%) in December 2025. Most stores (80%) did not have promotions prior to the ordinance; however, that improved to no stores having tobacco promotions by approximately 16 months after the ordinance disallowing price discounts and coupons was implemented. Based on this evaluation, the Minneapolis tobacco ordinance changes were effective at maintaining high cigarette and chew prices and ending in-store promotions. Compliance with the city’s tobacco ordinance improved over time, though more work is needed to increase compliance with the new vape minimum price.

Commercial tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable illness and death in Minnesota and across the United States. Among commercial tobacco products, menthol and other flavored commercial tobacco items pose a unique risk. These flavors attract young people, making it easier to start using tobacco and harder to quit. To address this, the Association for Nonsmokers - Minnesota (ANSR) has launched a new initiative funded by the Minnesota Department of Health’s Reducing the Burden of Menthol and Flavored Commercial Tobacco Products through Policy Change  grant. his grant aims to reduce tobacco-related harm through local policy change. Why Focus on Menthol and Flavored Tobacco Products? Menthol and other flavors mask the harshness of commercial tobacco, making it more appealing, especially to youth and new users. Research shows that flavored tobacco products increase the likelihood of starting tobacco use and decrease the chances of quitting. This contributes to ongoing health disparities, particularly in communities where tobacco use is more common. By targeting these products, the grant seeks to: Prevent young people from starting commercial tobacco use Support adults who want to quit Promote health equity by reducing tobacco-related disparities Goals of the Grant The grant has two main goals that guide its work in Minnesota: 1. Advance Local and Tribal Policies The grant supports communities in creating and enforcing policies that prohibit the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products, including menthol. These policies help reduce access to these products, especially among youth. Local and Tribal governments play a crucial role in protecting public health by passing laws that limit tobacco sales. 2. Increase Community Coverage of Flavored Tobacco Policies The grant aims to expand the number of Minnesotans living in areas covered by flavored tobacco restrictions. This means more communities will have policies that reduce the availability of these products, leading to better health outcomes statewide. The Role of ANSR Emily Anderson, managing the grant at ANSR, brings experience in tobacco prevention and community engagement. ANSR works closely with local leaders, health organizations, and Tribal governments to build support for policy change. Their efforts include: Providing technical assistance to draft and implement policies Educating the public about the risks of flavored tobacco and about best practices for local policy change;  Supporting enforcement of new regulations This collaborative approach helps create lasting change that benefits all Minnesotans. Emily’s contact information: Email - Emily@ansrmn.org