2025 -2026 DMM Leadership
Kristi “Cricket” Palmer – Governor
Kristi Palmer, known by most as “Cricket”, was born and raised in South Dakota. She is a small-town farm kid from NE South Dakota. As a former School Teacher, Soldier and Licensed Addiction Counselor, Cricket has a true passion to help youth and young adults. Cricket has been an Optimist member since 2005. Her favorite club youth project is Red Ribbon Week, which is the largest drug prevention program in the nation. The Rushmore Noon Optimist Club reaches nearly 15,000 youth during this action-packed week each October.
Visit Governor Kristi’s Happy New Year Optimist welcome message: Click Here
Contact Kristi: governor@optimist-dmm.org
Don Berger – Secretary
Don Berger has served as the DMM Governor (twice) and has held numerous DMM leadership positions. Don is DMM Past Governor, held the position of DMM OIF representative, OI Convention Ambassador, JOI Club co-chairperson, YAOC chairperson and Candidate Qualifications chairperson. Don is also the 2025-2026 DMM coordinator for the Young Adult Optimist Club (YAOC). Don chartered his YAOC club for members between the ages of 18 to 25 on September 28, 2025. Don is currently a member of the Saint Cloud Morning Club and the Central Minnesota Noon Optimist Club. It is said Optimism is in Don’s blood – that is because he has, B positive blood!
Contact Don: secretary@optimist-dmm.org
Chuck Gitzen – Treasurer
Chuck Gitzen is a member of the Roseville Area Optimist Club for the past seven years. Chuck is a Past Club President and is on his second term as District Treasurer.
Contact Chuck: treasurer@optimist-dmm.org
Gary Lambert – Immediate Past Governor
Gary Lambert is a charter member of the Eden Prairie Optimist Club servicing the club and the DMM for 47 years. He has served in many positions at the club and district level. Gary has been a Club President, Treasurer and has chaired many committees. Gary’s accomplishments include OI Distinguished Lt. Governor and Distinguished OI Foundation Representative.
Contact Gary: immediate-past-governor@optimist-dmm.org
Carmen Bakken – Governor Elect
Carmen Bakken has been a member of the Watertown SD Optimist Club since 2005. She serves as CLUB Secretary/Treasurer and Foundation Representative. She is a past DMM Governor (2021-2022) and current past DMM Secretary.
Contact Carmen: governor-elect@optimist-dmm.org