Mission Statement
US Men’s Shed Association will work toward a future where all can improve and maintain their health and well-being by participating in men’s sheds.
The US Men’s Sheds Association is Led by These National Directors.
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MARK WINSTON
Director, US Men’s Sheds [email protected] Mark Winston, a founding director of the USMSA, has worked in the Men’s Shed movement in the US for over seven years and helped start the second Men’s Shed in Canada in 2014. His career began in corporate life in the Washington, DC area. Mark’s journey took a significant turn when he transitioned from corporate life in Washington, DC, to embark on his entrepreneurial path. Mark has been an entrepreneur for half his life and has worked as a consultant on starting new businesses and raising venture capital. Mark’s motto is: Helping others is the best thing you can do for yourself. We Are Stronger Together. |
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DAVID HELMERS
Director, US Men’s Sheds David has dedicated his career to the development of the Australian Men’s Shed Association. The idea of creating an association to represent Men’s Sheds collectively and to freely share information between sheds was conceived of at the National Conference in 2007. An estimated 3,000 Men’s Sheds operate in 12 different countries based on this uniquely Australian concept. David continues to peruse the development of Men’s Sheds. He advocates for social health and the prevention of social isolation that many men are vulnerable to following the loss of employment. |
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SANDRA MANON
Director, US Men’s Sheds [email protected] Sandra is a member of the Four County Suicide Prevention Coalition as well as a 1st responder volunteer to the scene of a suicide through the Four County L.O.S.S team (Local Outreach for Survivors of Suicide). Sandra lost her dad at age 66 by suicide on September 10th, 2007 – World Suicide Prevention Day and it has become a part of her life’s journey ever since. It was through her work on the Coalition that led her to the US Men’s Shed Association! Sandra is passionate about finding ways for people to engage in positive mental health and is a mental health speaker in Northwest Ohio. She is thankful for the purpose God had to use her pain to support and encourage others! Sandra has a bachelor's degree in communications from Eastern Michigan University. Professionally she works in healthcare as a Human Resources Coordinator and is a trained Stephen’s Ministry Care Giver. When she isn’t working or volunteering, she loves spending time with her husband Andy and 3 kids, Kiersten, Emily & Jacob. |
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TOMMY FOLK
Director, US Men’s Sheds [email protected] Tommy along with founder Beulah Laster was instrumental in starting the Ruston Community Men’s Shed in 2018. He has been President of the Ruston Community Men’s Shed Board of Directors since 2019. He believes in “Men’s” Sheds and the US Men’s Shed Association. Tommy has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, is a Registered Professional Engineer and licensed Contractor in Louisiana. Tommy has worked for 31 years in the construction industry, starting out as a laborer, then working his way up the ranks eventually becoming President and Group Operating Officer. He currently is the Chairman of the Board of the remaining Timber Company He has been involved in Louisiana Associated General Contractors (committee chairs, officer, and Board member), Associated General Contractors of America, private school board and treasurer, President of the local credit union, adjunct professor in Construction Engineering at Louisiana Tech University and construction management, including renovation of a 1928 movie theater into a center of the arts. |
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BOB JEWELL
Director, US Men’s Sheds [email protected] Bob is a founding member of the Aloha Community Shed in Hawaii. He relocated from Sydney, Australia to Hawaii in 2002. After retiring in 2016, Bob brought with him a diverse professional background, having owned businesses, and held various roles, including newsagent, electronics sales, security alarms, safety instructor for the U.S. Marines, and motorcycle instructor. Bob was introduced to The Men’s Shed movement in 2011 during a visit to family in Australia. Inspired by the initiative, he became involved in the first shed in the U.S. in Honolulu, Hawaii in 2016, and then co-founded Aloha Community Shed in 2021. His business acumen, extensive experience, marketing expertise, and passion for community service contributes significantly to the ongoing success and expansion of The Shed movement. “Sheds Save Lives” |
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JANICE ALTMAN
Director, US Men’s Sheds [email protected] Janice is a former motivational speaker, non-profit Executive Director, and business/skills trainer. She met US Men’s Shed founder Mark Winston while living in Wyoming (skiing and photographing bears) and immediately connected with the Men’s Shed holistic view of aging, wanting to support this grassroots movement. She holds a Master’s in Organization Development, has been a national keynote speaker, and is passionate about writing newsletters, fundraising, and supporting start-ups. She lives in San Jose, CA, and most recently worked as a project management/bus. Comms instructor at the Meta campus and has supported interns hired by dozens of Fortune 100 corporations in the Silicon Valley. Janice began her career as founder of the first Family Resource Center in Kings County and was an early developer/trainer of IEP/504 forms in CA. She taught work training programs, served as an adjunct professor, and consulted for non-profits, medical practices, tourism, and financial institutions. She has earned state and national recognition, including multiple “Best of” awards for her interactive breakout sessions, CA First 5 Model Project, and a CA Teaching Award, which granted her access to exclusive Moffett Field tours. She has worked with USMSA since 2019. While she hopes to be a visionary leader again one day, she is currently focused on spreadsheets and budgets. She believes local Sheds change lives and is optimistic that we will see more Sheds open in 2025-2026. |
Directors Emeritus
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PHIL JOHNSON
Director Emeritus |
GLENN SEARS
Director Emeritus |
STEVE WERNER
Director Emeritus |
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Guiding Principles of the Men's Sheds Association
- Community and Inclusion: We foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where all members feel valued and supported.
- Collaboration: We work together to build strong relationships among Sheds, partners, and the broader community.
- Empowerment: We provide resources and guidance to help local Sheds succeed independently while benefiting from national support.
- Transparency and Accountability: We operate with honesty, integrity, and responsibility in all aspects of governance and finance.
- Well-being and Purpose: We promote mental, emotional, physical and social well-being by encouraging meaningful activities and connections.
- Sustainability and Growth: We strive for long-term impact by ensuring the sustainability of individual sheds and the broader movement.
Vision Statement
We envision a future where everyone has a place to connect, contribute, and thrive—fostering friendships and camaraderie, lifelong learning, and resilience in communities across the U.S. We support local Sheds with resources and guidance to help them start, grow, and thrive.
