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CAC board announces Anika Rychner as interim executive director
By Lauren Viska, Faribault Daily News
December 12, 2025
The Community Action Center entered a period of transition on Nov. 5 after former Executive Director Scott Wopata announced he would step down to take a position with the City of Northfield.
In his outgoing message, Wopata acknowledged the challenges of leadership transitions while expressing deep pride in CAC’s culture, growth and community partnerships.
”During my time at CAC, I am proud of the culture we fostered, the exponential growth, and the national leading zero-energy housing projects,” he said. “But I am most proud of the leaders that have emerged from our diverse staff, participants, volunteers, and partners. CAC is a place of strength and resilience because we trust and support each other as neighbors helping neighbors. You have trusted me, and I trust the strength of our community to support and carry this mission with abundance for decades to come.”
In response to Wopata’s departure, the CAC Board of Directors named Senior Director Anika Rychner as Interim Executive Director. When the board approached Rychner about, she felt “honored to be asked and be trusted with the responsibility.”
”It feels like a natural thing in this moment, because I know the organization well,” said Rychner about stepping into the role. “I’ve been involved in its growth and success for many years, and so this is just a period of time where some extra support is needed, and I feel grateful to be trusted with that.”
Rychner said her goal while in this transition period is to provide steadiness, communication and clarity. She wants to ensure current projects continue to thrive.
“We’re in the middle of building Ridgeview heights in Faribault, so making sure that that project is successful and coordinated,” she said. “We have other people that are helping with that, including one of our board members. We also have a renovation project in the works for our Faribault food shelf and resource center, so making sure that that process goes smoothly.”
A lot of Rychner’s work before this was to support the staff and volunteers who have been working closely with the community. She hopes to continue that during the transition period.
“In some ways, this doesn’t feel all that different because there’s just a different level of responsibility in ensuring that people feel supported during this time,” she said. “We want them to feel comfortable and confident in the organization that this community is listening to for what needs they have, and providing that sense of calm and and also continuing the good work. Our community in Rice County is incredibly supportive of CAC, and so we are in a very good position.
“This will be a great opportunity for the person coming in as the new director — they’ll be stepping into a really good, strong organization that that is cared and loved by the cared for and loved by the community.”
Rychner said the transition period could be anywhere from three to six months, it just depends on when they find the right person to fit the role.
The Board said they are confident that Rychner will continue to champion the mission of building a healthy, caring and community for all — work that CAC staff carry out with excellence every day.
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