Roseville disability leader wins state level 'Tip of the Spear' award

A 44-year veteran of the disability services field with a wide history of advocacy was named for her state association’s annual “Tip of the Spear Award,” which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated characteristics, traits and skills that have improved the lives of people with disabilities.

Selected by an independent panel separate from the state group, the award was presented to Lynne Megan by Julie Johnson, president of the Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation (MOHR).

“The Tip of the Spear Award recognizes somebody who jumps to act and inspires others to do the same,” said Johnson. “Lynne always thinks about people with disabilities, communicates with everybody all the time about the importance of the work we do and the importance of including people with disabilities in the community.”

Megan said she was humbled and inspired by the honor and being recognized among her peers. “Know that our work is not done. We still have amazing changes that we can and want to do to be able to move our future forward,” she said.

Megan is president and CEO of TSE, Inc. a St. Paul-based disability day service and employment provider serving 260 people, almost half of them in community-based jobs, explains industry veteran Bob Brick, the COO of Excelerate.

Working with The Arc of Minnesota, she supported the “Unlock the Waiting List” bill in the 1990s which allowed more than 7,000 people with disabilities to access services through an expanded waiver program, Brick said.

Megan is part of the Optimist Club and is bringing that experience to young people with disabilities, said Johnson. She’s active in MOHR on its board and with ARRM and has served as a member of the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities.

On the national level, Megan helped advance the objectives of the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), serving on its board, as a trustee, advisor and in leadership development, said ANCOR CEO Barbara Merrill. “There really isn’t a substantive ANCOR initiative that hasn’t benefited from Lynne’s passion, dedication and steady leadership.”

21st Century Bank VP John Bennett made similar comments in a nomination letter recommending Megan. “Her commitment to meet and address the needs of the less fortunate knows no boundaries as her reach spans city, state and national levels. Her influence carries tremendous weight and merit both personally and professionally, which she shares eagerly on every worthy cause.”

MOHR is comprised of about 100 Adult Day, day training and habilitation, extended employment, and supported employment service provider members serving in excess of 26,000 Minnesotans with disabilities. Members are committed to respecting each individual, using a person-centered approach, and expanding work opportunities. More information is available at mohrmn.org.