Lara Ames comes from a long line of family who strive to be of service to others. Be it through agriculture, animals, or commercial expansion, the Ames name is known for its ability to develop critical infrastructure, which improves the quality of life for all people of Minnesota and beyond.

Well versed in public relations her entire career, Lara owns Arabian Horse Times, the longest standing Arabian horse publication in the U.S., oversees the family farm, Cedar Ridge Arabians, a national champion breeding farm for over 50 years, and owns a land development company that deals in commercial real estate. All her endeavors align with one critical goal: to make the lives of others better. Through her hard work and determination, success in these areas has afforded her the honor of reaching other areas near and dear to her including sports and health.

Kate Anastasi is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Radisson Blu Mall of America, a role she has held since June 2022, where she has quickly made a significant impact. With over 15 years of experience in events and hospitality, she has been a key member of the Radisson Blu team for more than a decade. Kate's leadership is defined by her commitment to creating unforgettable guest experiences and fostering a supportive work environment for her team. In addition to her professional role, she serves on the Bloomington Chamber Advisory Board, further demonstrating her dedication to the local community. Outside of work, Kate enjoys attending fitness classes, shuttling her kids to their various sports and activities, and spending time with her husband and family at their cabin in Northern Minnesota.

Kalsey Beach is the owner of Do Good Events, an event planning business focused on helping non-profits and corporate clients create impactful events and providing a stress free planning experience. She’s passionate about how events bring people together, and her attention to detail ensures every experience is memorable.

In addition to event planning, Kalsey is a coach for Wayzata High School Cross Country and Track Field. Her enthusiasm for sports runs deep, especially within Minnesota’s vibrant sports community, and she loves how events—whether athletic competitions or community gatherings—build connections, foster community, and create memories. Outside of her professional and coaching roles, Kalsey loves to spend time outdoors in all of Minnesota's seasons with her husband and three kids.

Named Twin Cities Business Magazine 100 people to know, Mich Berthiaume has spent over 25 years becoming the leading local expert of Minnesota-born brands while curating several LOCAL Market experiences for the likes of Mall of America, the Super Bowl, The Dayton’s Project, the Minnesota Twins Gate 34 Experience, the Minnesota Twins and U.S. Bank Partnership for Bipoc brands, The Four Seasons Hotel, Malcolm Yards, Viking Lakes, and several additional local marketplaces throughout the United States. Mich has developed and positioned products in the marketplace for several major retailers and manufacturers, including Faribault Mill, Ecolab, and Brooks Brothers.

Outside of her career, Mich is an avid sports fan who can often be found cheering from the sidelines of many Minnesota games. She also enjoys traveling, walking, spending time with her two daughters, and mentoring local makers.

Erika L. Binger is the Founding Director of V3 Sports, a Center in North Minneapolis to provide health, wellness, equity, and opportunity through fitness, water safety, education, and economic equity. Ms. Binger has an extensive career working with youth and sports, as well as racial equity. She is a former collegiate athlete, served on community and foundation boards as well as in leadership roles at her church. Ms. Binger has a dual masters in Organizational Leadership and Biomechanics of Exercise and Nutrition, as well as USA Triathlon Coaching and USA Swimming Certifications and former chair of Minneapolis Sports and Events. She continues to compete on the International Championship level in Aquathlon.

Devry Boughner Vorwerk is the Founder and CEO of DevryBV Sustainable Strategies, a leader in integrated sustainability solutions for businesses of all sizes. She is a well-known global food executive and corporate officer, having served as Chief Communications Officer and Global Head of Corporate Affairs at Cargill and as Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Grubhub. She is also a sustainability entrepreneur serving on the Advisory Boards of Culinary Sciences, Inc. and Agrology.ag. Early in her career she worked for the World Bank Group, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and served as an industry analyst and White House appointed chief economist for the Chairman of the U.S. International Trade Commission. Devry is a senior fellow at The Conference Board and a Member of the International Advisory Council of APCO Worldwide. Today, she enjoys life in Minnesota, where she lives with her husband and two children. In her spare time, Devry enjoys attending her children’s ice hockey games, is an elementary school track coach, and is an active member of her local church.

CEO and Founder Tyrre Burks was born and raised in the southside of Chicago, where his love of sports began. As a former collegiate and professional athlete, he was motivated to found Players Health because of the impact youth sports had on his life. He experienced firsthand the positive impact sports can have on someone’s life when the experience is filled with love, trust, and safety. Having a positive influence on sports culture has been a dream of his for his entire life. From athlete to coach to entrepreneur, Tyrre is on a mission through Players Health to create safer and more accessible environments for all sports.

Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Constance (Tori) Campbell is serving her first term on the Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Council. Campbell believes it’s essential for Tribal Members to be involved in their government. She spent the past eight years working as a liaison in the Tribe’s education department, helping native students succeed in the classroom. She ran for Tribal Council because she wanted to take on an expanded role that could help accomplish her goal of continuing to support the growth of the Dakota language and culture within her community.

Education is a passion for Campbell, especially around Dakota culture and language. She completed an immersive Dakota Language internship with the Tribe’s language department and often travels to present to various organizations and groups on Indian Education. Campbell chaired the Red Wing School District’s Native American Parent Committee for more than six years and served on committees for ethics and diversification. Her volunteer work expands beyond the Tribal Community to include the Red Wing Royal Ambassador Committee and Red Cottage Montessori. Campbell also sits on the board of directors for the Minnesota Indian Education Association.

Campbell holds an associate degree from the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts – Minneapolis and a bachelor’s in business from the University of Phoenix. Campbell was born in Red Wing and lives on Prairie Island. She is a foodie who enjoys traveling, watching her three children dance, attending pow wows, crafting, celebrating Halloween, and cheering on Minnesota sports teams.

Casey Carlson serves as the SVP/Chief Marketing Officer at Blaze Credit Union where his primary role is building awareness of Blaze and credit unions. Carlson has over 30 years of experience in marketing and leadership roles within credit unions. Along with CEO, Dan Stoltz, Carlson helped develop and grow the SPIRE Credit Union brand before it merged with Hiway Credit Union to form Blaze Credit Union in January of 2024. Over the years, Carlson has built credit union sponsorships with the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Timberwolves, St Paul Saints, Minnesota United, 3M Open, St Cloud Rox, and Ogilive Racetrack. He has also formed endorsement relationships with athletes such as Harmon Killebrew, Kirk Cousins, Mike Veeck, Lindsay Whalen, Greta Myers, Tony Oliva, and Gable Steveson. Carlson grew up in various parts of western Montana, but Minnesota has been his home for the last 30+ years. He has a wife and two grown children and in his spare time, coaches high school baseball and serves on the board of the Woodbury Youth Athletic League (WYAL).

Mr. Carnival's practice in legislative and administrative law includes representing Carnival Berns, P.A. clients' interests at the Minnesota Legislature and before county and city governments in and around the Twin Cities area. He has served as General Counsel to Minnesota Sports and Events, and also serves on their Executive Board. In his spare time, Mr. Carnival is a public address announcer for various high school and college sporting events and is a member of the National Association of Sports Public Address Announcers. He has been a softball and baseball umpire and a youth hockey referee, certified by the national governing association, USA Hockey.

Ethan Casson leads as the Chief Executive Officer for the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Minnesota Lynx, the Iowa Wolves, and T-Wolves Gaming. Casson also serves on the NBA Board of Governors as the Timberwolves and Lynx Alternate Governor.

As CEO, Casson oversees all business operations, working closely with ownership and the executive team on setting the organization’s strategic vision. In February 2023 he was selected as one of Sports Business Journal’s “ALL IN: Leaders in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.” In the summer of 2022, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal named Casson a Most Admired CEO. Casson was recognized for his work in advancing social justice and equity in the community and the success the team achieved both on and off the court the previous year.

Since Casson’s arrival, the Timberwolves experienced consistent growth in all key metrics including season tickets, attendance, television viewership, corporate partnerships, merchandise, and social engagement. The Minnesota Lynx remain one of the model franchises in the WNBA, having been named WNBA Franchise of the Year for the 2017 and 2018 seasons including being crowned WNBA Champions in 2017. Further, Casson led the efforts in securing an NBA 2K team, joining 22 other NBA franchises with a 2K eSports team. In its inaugural season, T-Wolves Gaming won the 2019 NBA 2K Championship.

He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Timberwolves and Lynx Fastbreak Foundation, the Board of Directors for YouthLink, the Advisory Board for Positive Coaching Alliance, and is a member of the Minnesota Business Partnership.

Kyle Chank currently serves as the Vice President of Operations for MV Ventures, where his role is primarily focused as General Manager of the 200+ acre campus of Viking Lakes, owned by the Wilf family and most notably home to the world headquarters of the Minnesota Vikings Football Club. As General Manager, he is responsible for building the foundation, culture, programming and all logistical elements to bring the live, work, play campus to life. Chank most recently served as the Vice President of Operations and Logistics for the Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee, with a hand in all operational elements relating to Super Bowl LII in February 2018. Super Bowl LII was his fourth Super Bowl, previously holding management and operational roles in Houston (LI), San Francisco (50), and Arizona (XLIX). Proof that Minnesota was his favorite Super Bowl, he is originally from Palm Springs, California and has now lived thru six Minnesota winters.

After graduating from Brown University, Kathleen knew working in the sports industry would be a fulfilling way to connect her passion for sports with professional relationship development. Having previous experience with the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers in their premium sales departments, she moved back to her hometown to join the Minnesota Vikings New Stadium project through Van Wagner Sports and Entertainment. Prior to the opening of U.S. Bank Stadium, she joined the Corporate Partnerships sales team and has now transitioned into a role leading our Premium Sales team. After working and living throughout the country, she is proud to be a member of the Minnesota Vikings franchise.

Philicia began her career with the Miami Dolphins in 2015 after graduating from the University of South Florida with her MBA and Masters in Sport & Entertainment Management. After staying with the Dolphins for (4) seasons she took a chance and began working for a start up football league as the Director of Sales in Atlanta called the Alliance of American Football. Unfortunately, the league folded after (7) months and upon it being terminated she was able to get a chance to go back into pro sports and work for the New Orleans Saints (NFL) and New Orleans Pelicans (NBA) as their Manager of Inside Sales for (2) seasons. During that time, the Pelicans received the #1 Draft Pick and her sales team’s reaction to the prospects of getting Zion Williamson went viral on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. This was one of the most memorable experiences of her career. As part of the Pelicans organization, she was able to earn the opportunity to move on to be The Assistant General Manager of the Pelicans G League team in Birmingham, Alabama where she was able to help the team set a record attendance. They also won an award for the 2nd most cash sponsorships in the league and had the #1 and #3 top sellers in the league that year. Now, Philicia currently serves as the Director of Brand Partnerships for the Minnesota Twins where she oversees a sponsorship team and helps build relationships between major brands and the Minnesota Twins Baseball Club. Philicia is big on family values and has a Mini–Australian Shepherd named Dodger.

Steve Dunbar founded Ivy Properties in 2007. A Minneapolis based real estate development company committed to superior results for its partners & clients. Ivy has been fortunate to work in numerous communities throughout Minnesota with a focus on multi-family housing. Working with private partnerships and governmental agencies, Ivy has developed over 1,000 units in Minnesota.

Kaylin Eidsness is the Chief Marketing Officer for Northwestern Mutual – Twin Cities, a role she's held since 2023. With over 15 years of experience in marketing, branding, and public relations, Kaylin brings a unique blend of strategic thinking and creative execution to the role. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual, Kaylin honed her skills in high-pressure environments, including serving as the Public Information Officer for the Edina Police and Fire Departments. This experience instilled in her the importance of clear, concise communication, quick decision-making, and the ability to navigate complex and often unexpected situations. Kaylin's passion for community extends beyond her professional life. For more than a decade, she’s been an active member of the Rotary Club of Edina and constantly seeks ways to make a positive impact. In her free time, you'll find Kaylin and her husband cheering on their three kids at their various events, trying out new recipes (with varying degrees of success), and exploring the country with her family and friends.

Agnelo Fernandes serves as the CEO of Cote Hospitality, owners of the historic Grand View Lodge, Spa & Golf resort; Tanque Verde Ranch based in Tucson, Arizona, and Camp Lincoln for Boys and Camp Lake Hubert for Girls. The multifaceted hospitality company specializes in resort operations, outdoor hospitality, real estate, and development services. Recognized as an inspirational industry thought leader, Agnelo is a brand and growth strategist, skilled in building and scaling global hospitality and lifestyle brands. His extensive background includes transforming and elevating businesses across Luxury Lifestyle, Leisure, Hospitality, Resorts & Hotels, Travel & Tourism, Food & Beverage, Spa & Wellness, Real Estate, Food & Beverage, Golf, and Retail.

A visionary leader, Agnelo excels in brand strategy, digital transformation, and creating customer-centric experiences. His expertise includes setting culture, integrated marketing, talent development, and forming strategic alliances. Known for building high-performing teams, he fosters a culture of accountability, execution, and excellence. He has served on various global tourism boards and advisory councils, promoting destinations and special events.

Agnelo approaches leadership with purpose, starting each day with gratitude and a commitment to service excellence. He attributes his success to his family, the teams he has led, and his industry network. He remains dedicated to the industry through volunteer work with various professional and cultural organizations and enjoys mentoring young professionals.

Krista Fragola leads Growth & Development for Voyage Wealth Architects, a premier values-based wealth management firm in Minneapolis. Krista has 20+ years of leadership experience managing growth strategy, business development and channel partnerships for innovative, emerging growth companies, where she has built strong networks and relationships in a variety of industries, from Silicon Valley tech to NYC commercial real estate. Krista is also the former founder/owner of Maha Boutique in Wayzata.

Krista has been a lifelong supporter of our Minnesota sports teams and is a tireless advocate for the benefits of athletic participation at the youth level, especially for young girls. A former All-American track athlete at the University of St. Thomas, she now enjoys traveling to Southern California to support her twin daughters’ collegiate soccer careers at Claremont McKenna College. Krista and her husband live in the Lake Minnetonka community.

Amanda Friedrich, CMP, serves as the Vice President of Sales and Service at Visit Saint Paul, where she leads the sales department in securing events and boosting the city's economy. With over 18 years of experience, her strategic vision maintains Saint Paul's status as a premier destination for meetings and conventions. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Josh, and stays busy attending her two children, Harper and Hunter’s, activities, and sporting events.

Kaden is a Minnesota transplant, by way of South Dakota and California. A Communications graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Kaden is passionate about hospitality and how it brings people together to create meaningful experiences. When he’s not at work selling the Royal Sonesta to the sports and entertainment markets in Minneapolis, he can be found taking a hot yoga class, at home watching Twins, Timberwolves, or Wisconsin basketball games, or traveling with close friends on the weekends.

Chris is the President and Owner of Sport Resource Group in Edina, MN. Prior to starting Sport Resource Group, Chris worked for the Florida Marlins, CBS Sports and a local hockey dasherboard manufacturer. Sport Resource Group is the world leader of portable sports containment systems, and provides containment solutions to professional and civic organizations in the hockey, soccer, lacrosse and football worlds. Chris co-owns Sport Resource Group with his wife, Maria, and they have three children - two daughters in college and one son who is a senior in high school.

As the Senior Director of Ticket Sales and Service for the Minnesota Twins, Craig leads the Season and Group Ticket Sales Divisions. He is responsible for the strategic planning, vision, and execution of all aspects of the sales department, including both retention and new business initiatives. Craig’s leadership, innovation, and passion for Twins baseball have been central to his success within the organization. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire in 2004. Shortly after graduating, he began his career with the Twins as an Inside Sales Representative and has dedicated his entire 21-year professional journey to the organization. Outside of Target Field, Craig enjoys running, spending time with family and friends, golfing with his wife Rose, and making memories with their daughter Lainey.

John Harrington, the former Commissioner for the Department of Public Safety for Minnesota, was appointed by Governor Tim Walz and served until January 2023. Before becoming the Commissioner of Public Safety, Harrington served as the Chief of the Metro Transit Police from 2012-2019, helping to create the Homeless Action team and increasing diversity from 5-50%. Commissioner Harrington is a former member of the Minnesota Senate representing District 67, which includes the East area of Saint Paul. Harrington was the 39th Police Chief for St. Paul Police Department, serving from 2004-2010, where he began his police career in 1977. As St. Paul Police Chief, Harrington tackled some of the city's most challenging problems, developing programs that significantly reduced domestic violence and gang involvement. John grew up in Chicago, graduated from Dartmouth College, and earned a master's degree at the University of St. Thomas. In addition, he graduated from the FBI National Academy and Harvard Senior Management Institute. He is a founder of Ujamaa Place, a nonprofit organization in St Paul that serves African American men who are economically disadvantaged and have experienced repeated cycles of failure. He is working on his doctorate in Administration of Justice, a long-time goal of his.

Joshua Hasko is a shareholder with Messerli Kramer and serves as the firm’s President. Hasko has been an active member of the firm’s board of directors and served as chair of the Business Litigation Department. Josh is consistently included on the Minnesota Super Lawyers® list, which recognizes the top 2.5% of lawyers in the State and has been named to Super Lawyer’s® Top 100 List since 2016. He is also regularly recognized for his work in commercial litigation as one of The Best Lawyers in America©. He concentrates his practice on commercial business disputes, with an emphasis on complex contract and business tort litigation; creditor remedies and Uniform Commercial Code disputes including equipment leasing and secured transactions; fiduciary duty and shareholder claims; and real estate litigation. He practices in state and federal courts, bankruptcy courts, appellate courts, and in arbitration proceedings.

BJ Hellyer has been a student of the game at Northwestern Mutual since 1996, starting as an intern before working his way from a full-time Financial Representative to Managing Director. After 10 years as the Chief Development Officer, BJ was appointed Managing Partner of Northwestern Mutual – Twin Cities. BJ believes in the value of partnering with others to purposefully pursue their potential & is grateful for the opportunity to impact his community. BJ also enjoys the flexibility his career offers because it enables him to spend time with the people he cares about most. BJ and his wife, Kirsten, have two daughters, Josie and Laney, and son, Miles. BJ enjoys reading, exercising, golf & is an avid supporter of the Vikings and Twins.

Molly Hynes works for NBC Sports Next as an Account Manager for its Hockey Partnerships. She has grown with the company from starting in sales, going to its customer implementation team, and now serving as an Account Manager for Hockey. Aside from her day job, she has coached high school tennis for 8 years, along with assisting at camps throughout the year. Her passions of sports and helping others are combined through her work at NBC Sports Next as she works within the youth sports area during the day, but she also helps grow relationships and facilitate community events with many of our Better Together partners. That consists of setting up mentorship groups, organizing local volunteer events, arranging donation drives, meeting with partners, etc. She is passionate about making sports and activities more accessible for everyone, especially in Minnesota.

Kory Kingsbury grew up in the Brainerd Lakes Area of Minnesota. He moved to the Twin Cities and graduated from the University of Northwestern while starting his hospitality career. He is a Senior Sales Manager at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot where he assists in providing excellent experiences within the sports and corporate markets along with additional sales and marketing support. Kory lives in Minneapolis with his wife and two children and enjoys being active, volunteering, and cheering for Minnesota sports teams.

Shannon Knoepke is the Market President and Chief Revenue Officer for Townsquare Media, overseeing the Rochester, Faribault, and Owatonna markets. She is a dynamic leader with a successful career in the media industry, known for her rapid advancement and accomplishments. Shannon’s foundation in athletics as a three-sport athlete in high school helped her develop a strong work ethic and competitive spirit. After college, she quickly moved up the ranks in various media organizations. Shannon has held leadership roles at Cumulus, WCCO Radio, Clear Channel Radio, CBS Radio, Entercom/Audacy and Media Bridge. Her current position at Townsquare Media showcases her dedication to driving growth and success in the media sector.

Henry Lake has been a prominent member on the sports scene in Minnesota for the last 20 years as a talk show radio host for KFAN Radio and WCCO Radio. Aside from his nightly show, "The Lakeshow" on WCCO Radio, he also had Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Twins postgame responsibilities. Henry enjoys down time with friends, checking out live music, relaxing with a workout at a gym near you, and doing community work that positively supports our community.

Sarah Lee, currently serving as the Senior Manager of Corporate Partnerships, has been with Special Olympics Minnesota for over 5-years. She began her journey with the organization on the sports programming team before making a transition to corporate sponsorship. Her work extends to the playing field as she participates as a Unified Partner on a Special Olympics Unified flag football team. Today, she's a pivotal part of the team gearing up for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota, showcasing her unwavering dedication to making Minnesota a more inclusive place.

Lisa Lissimore is a retired Minnesota State High School League Associate Director. In that role, she managed the organization’s sponsorship sales and marketing and the sports of basketball, softball, swimming and diving, cross country running, synchronized swimming and badminton. Prior to working for the Minnesota State High School League, Lisa worked for the Minnesota House of Representatives as a writer. She also coached women’s basketball at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul for five seasons, and one season at her alma mater Central High School, St. Paul. As an active member in her community, she is a member of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter of Links. She also co-founded the Shooting Stars Inner City Girls Basketball Clinic and is a member of the David Winfield Scholarship Award Committee; the Twin Cities Par Seekers Golf Tournament Planning Committee; Twin Cities Dunkers; and she has served on several University of Minnesota Athletic Department task forces and advisory committees.

Eric Lonnquist brings over 20 years of sales experience in the Minneapolis Market to his role as Region President at iHeartMedia. As the Region President for iHeartMedia, he oversees the leading media outlet in the Minneapolis/St. Paul market with multiple platforms, including its nine iconic broadcast stations; live events; data; and its digital businesses and platforms.

Before his impressive career in media sales, Eric spent two years playing professional baseball for the Kansas City Royals post-college. He then transitioned into media sales at Clear Channel Radio, where he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of the industry. Rejoining the iHeartMedia team in June 2024 as Senior Vice President of Sales, Eric quickly demonstrated his exceptional leadership and strategic vision, earning his promotion to Region President.

Eric's extensive background in media sales and leadership roles in major market sales includes his most recent position at Paycor and previous roles at SAP Concur and Center (Getcenter.com). His seasoned experience in the Minneapolis market, combined with his proven track record, makes him the perfect fit for iHeartMedia's dynamic team.

Born and raised in Minnesota, Eric is a proud graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato. Outside of his professional life, Eric enjoys spending time with his wife, Hayley, and their two sons, Chase (14) and Colton (12). The family are avid sports fans, dedicating much of their free time to watching the boys play baseball, hockey, and football.

Matt Majka is currently the President & Alternate Governor for Minnesota Sports and Entertainment (MSE). He previously held the positions of COO, Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President of Business Operations and Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Sponsorships. MSE is a regional sports and entertainment leader that has grown into several different business operations including the Minnesota Wild, its minor league affiliate, the Iowa Wild, 317 on Rice Park and the facility management of Xcel Energy Center and Saint Paul RiverCentre. During his tenure with the Wild, Majka has been instrumental in fostering the unique relationship between the hockey club and its fan base. The team's continued dedication to the fans of the "State of Hockey" is reflected in ESPN The Magazine's Ultimate Standings which named the Wild as the "Best Stadium Experience" in the National Hockey League from 2007 - 2010. Majka joined the Minnesota Wild in October 1997 after leaving Rollerblade, Inc. Majka currently serves on the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance, The Ordway Center for Performing Arts, the United States Hockey Hall of Fame and the BEL13VE in Miracles Foundation boards.

Bringing over two decades of diverse experience in the hospitality sector, Aaron currently holds the position of General Manager at Hyatt Regency Minneapolis. His career within the Hyatt brand has been marked by progressive roles, including a significant tenure as Hotel Manager at Hyatt Regency Chicago. Aaron’s leadership journey extended to roles such as Director of Operations at Hyatt Regency Chicago, Hyatt Regency St. Louis, and Hyatt Regency Baltimore. Aaron’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Tourism Management from James Madison University.

Tom McGinnis is a Senior Associate Athletics Director for the University of Minnesota Department of Athletics. He joined Gopher Athletics in 2011 and serves as a member of the department's senior management team. McGinnis serves as the sport administrator for the men's and women's hockey, soccer and wrestling programs. He currently oversees event management, facility operations/capital projects and information technology.

McGinnis was a member of the NCAA Men's Hockey Committee from 2013-19 and served as the chair from 2016-18. He also served on the boards for College Hockey, Inc., Sports Minneapolis, the Minnesota Sports Corporation, the governing body for the Minneapolis Local Organizing Committee for the 2019 Men’s Final Four, and the Executive Board for the 2022 Women’s Final Four Local Organizing Committee.

Prior to his position at Minnesota, McGinnis spent 14 years at The Ohio State University. He received his bachelor’s degree in sport management from Indiana University in 1997 and went on to earn a master's degree from The Ohio State University in 1999.

Karen is an award-winning tourism strategist with a diverse background in partnership development, meeting planning, and public relations in both the nonprofit and private sectors. Currently, Karen is the Business Development Director for Westopolis, promoting two great cities with one sweet destination. She is passionate about bringing new events, tournaments and conventions into Minnesota's sweet spot that will have a positive economic impact on the two communities.

Andrea Mokros has spent a career in public affairs and communications at the local, state and national level. Previously, Andrea served as senior vice president of corporate and public affairs in Weber Shandwick’s Minneapolis office; as vice president of communications and events for the Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee; in the White House as special assistant to the President and director of strategic planning for the First Lady; and as deputy chief of staff for both Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton and to U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar. Andrea is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, where she was proudly able to return to be the College of Liberal Arts Commencement Speaker in 2014. She currently serves on the Boards of Hennepin Theater Trust, College Possible, and Meet Minneapolis.

Michaela Mueller leads the marketing team at TRIA Orthopedics and is a dynamic marketing leader with a proven track record of driving growth, fostering collaboration, and developing innovative strategies. With 15+ years of healthcare experience at HealthPartners, Medtronic, and TRIA, she has successfully elevated brand presence, optimized multi-channel campaigns, and delivered measurable business impact. She holds an MBA from the University of Minnesota, leveraging her analytical mindset and creative problem-solving skills to navigate complex market landscapes.

TRIA Orthopedics is deeply rooted in Minnesota's sports community, with strong connections to the Wild, Twins, Saints, and MNSHL. Beyond her professional achievements, Michaela is passionate about giving back to the community, particularly through mentorship and leadership in youth sports. She has been actively involved with Fusion Soccer Club, coaching and developing young athletes, and serves as the Board Chairperson for the Family Enhancement Center, which provides counseling services to young women who have been sexually abused.

A lifelong athlete and sports fan, she enjoys soccer, running, and lifting. When not at work, she embraces the true Minnesotan lifestyle, spending weekends up north at the cabin and exploring new restaurants with her husband Dylan and their two daughters in Plymouth, MN.

Mike Olson is Co-Founder/Owner (CEO) of 360 Security Services, a managed security services firm specializing in the areas of cybersecurity, investigations, and risk management. Mike oversees an incredible team of experts and professionals responsible for helping individuals, organizations, schools, and others keep themselves safe in the areas of cyber, human, information, reputation, and physical security.

Before 360 Security Services, Mike completed a full career in the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) as a Senior Special Agent with over 22 years of successful experience in global law enforcement, protection of world leaders and venues, threat investigations, emergency management, high profile federal/state fraud investigations, and cyber and electronic crime investigations, having served multiple assignments in Chicago, IL, Washington D.C., and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mike held a Top Secret (SCI) Security Clearance. Mike has also proudly served as a St. Paul, MN Police Officer and in the field of retail Loss Prevention with several different major retail companies. Mike supervised and led the U.S. Secret Service’s MN Financial and Electronic Crimes Task Force before retiring from government service in 2018.

In 2022, Mike helped co-found a MN-based non-profit named “Campus Safety Coalition” with a mission to create safer university and college campuses throughout the United States for all stakeholders, including students, employees, and the general public. Mike has previously served on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Organized Retail Crime Association (MNORCA) and currently serves on the Board for the Financial Retail Protection Association (FRPA). Mike is a member of; the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI), the MN Association of Private Investigators & Protective Agents (MAPI) and partnered with the U.S. Secret Service Cyber Fraud Task Force (CFTF). Mike is also a proud member of the United States Secret Service Association (USSSA), the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), as well as ASIS International. Mike is certified as both an ISO27001 Information Security Management System (ISMS) Lead Implementer and Lead Auditor.

Dobby's passion for sports runs deep. As the grandson of “The Godfather of Tennis in South Dakota," he's been immersed in the athletic world since childhood. As a former Division 1 tennis player, Dobby merges his hotel sales career with his love for sports. Whether it's through strategic partnerships or volunteer work, he's always looking for ways to contribute to the sports community.

When he's not cheering on his beloved Minnesota sports teams, you can find Dobby hacking it up on the golf course or playing catch with his son. In his role as Director of Sales at the Drury Plaza Hotel St. Paul, Dobby is excited to play a part in the growth of sports tourism in Minnesota.

A 20 + year Sales, Strategy and Marketing Communication executive with expertise at leading global advertising agencies and destination marketing association. Dan is recognized for developing “win-win” strategies, partnerships, and promotions, with major corporations, media, entertainment, hotel, and sports properties to create private and public economic impact. Passionate about our tourism community, Dan spear-headed a six-city partnership with Explore Minnesota Tourism and American Society of Association Executives Association (ASAE) to increase the visibility of events and meetings to our state. Dan has served on committees for 2016 Ryder Cup, 2018 Super Bowl, 2019 NCAA Final Four, Minnesota Sports and Events (MNSE) and is the former president of Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Minnesota Chapter. Dan enjoys his family with his wife Ginnie and three kids: Shea, Molly and Henry

J. P. Paul serves as the team’s Vice President of Corporate Development and Guest Experience. In this role, Paul creates and executes new service and operational initiatives to further enhance the relationship between the Vikings, their fans, as well as their premium seating members. With an eye on Best-In-Class guest experiences, he is a chief architect of the Vikings’ “SKOL Service” philosophy which focuses on creating memorable experiences for fans and all U.S. Bank Stadium guests. Paul and his team play a key role in the operational relationship with U.S. Bank Stadium’s food service (Aramark), security (BEST Crowd Mgmt.) and facility management (ASM Global) providers.

Paul currently serves as Vice-Chair on the NFL’s Guest Experience Committee and is a member of the Association of Luxury Suite Directors, where he formerly served as the NFL’s Premium Seating Committee Chairman. Previously, he was recognized by Junior Achievement of Minnesota as their Capstone Volunteer of the Year and he currently sits on the Board of the InSports Foundation, an organization designed to help more kids participate in sport.

Abigail attended the University of Wisconsin Madison and graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering before starting her 12-year career in the commercial construction industry. She began at Gardner Builders as a project manager before transitioning into the role of Business Development Integrator. Abigail has found her calling at Gardner Builders, a company renowned for creating positive and impactful experiences in the commercial construction industry. Our company thrives on a hospitality-driven approach, ensuring that every interaction during the construction process is uplifting and beneficial for all involved. Abigail is a key part of our collaborative team dedicated to making each day brighter for others and consistently delivering the best results for our clients.

As Experiential Marketing Project Manager for Mall of America, Danielle Platek drives all phases of project creation from project kickoff through results analysis, for projects such as experiential events, marketing campaigns, global Mall projects + other major initiatives.

Danielle has been with Mall of America for over a decade and thrives on providing positive and memorable experiences for Mall guests. From celebrity appearances and professional wrestling events, to driving seasonal marketing campaigns, and everything else in between—Danielle brings a wealth of knowledge to the projects she leads.

Danielle grew up in the La Crosse, WI area and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where she received a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing. When not running around Mall of America, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, shopping, traveling and golfing.

Jessica Poole has been an industry leader in athletics for over 20 years. She believes that sports can change the world and has enjoyed seeing the opportunities created and lives changed when people have the opportunity to participate in sports. While the bulk of her career has been spent in a college setting, Poole has spent time working in professional tennis and pre-professional soccer.

After spending a decade on air in TV news, Roshini returned home to Minneapolis in 2006 to start Roshini Multi Media--a boutique crisis strategy, media consulting, professional speaking, and content creation firm. She has conducted thousands of interviews during 25 years in broadcasting. In August 2022, Roshini launched The Crisis Files, which drops weekly on your favorite podcast platform. She is a regular contributor for the syndicated CrimeDoor TV; a legal analyst for Court TV; a crisis commentator for Twin Cities media; a political analyst for WJR Detroit and KNUS Denver; and author of Communicate That

Courtney S. Ries is the Vice President of Destination Branding and Strategy at Meet Minneapolis, the city’s tourism board. In her role, Courtney oversees the marketing, communications and public relations and partnership departments. Prior to her return to the region, Courtney oversaw the $10 million annual marketing budget for Travel Portland, the tourism board in Portland, Oregon. During her tenure, she also led the city’s Downtown Marketing Initiative, focusing on improving the economy and vitality of the city’s core through strategic development, advocacy, programming, activation and events. Courtney holds a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University in Chicago.

Leading strategic partnership initiatives for the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which owns and operates Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and six reliever airports in the Twin Cities area.

Dan is the Vice President/Region Manager-Minnesota for Hubbard Radio in Minneapolis Saint Paul. Dan oversees KS95, myTalk 107.1, 1500 ESPN, SKOR North, Garage Logic Podcast, Tom Barnard Podcast and Hubbard Interactive powered by 2060 in Minneapolis-St. Paul and 16 additional radio stations in Alexandria, Brainerd, Bemidji and Wadena.

A 42-year veteran of Minneapolis-Saint Paul radio, Dan’s first job was as an intern for WLOL 991/2, the #1 CHR in Minneapolis Saint Paul in the 1980’s. Since then, Dan has worked in radio promotion, marketing, sales and management, and for the last 27 years has been a General Manager for radio stations that include KFAN, K102, Cities 97, KMJZ, KOOL 108 and KDWB.

Dan has been recognized as one of Radio Ink’s Best Managers in Radio, Twin Cities Business Magazine’s 100 People to Know, a Radio Ink Radio Wayne Market Manager of the Year, and the inaugural winner of the NAB Marconi Award for Legendary Manager of the Year.

Under Dan’s leadership KS95 and myTalk 107.1 have been recognized with 14 AWM Gracie Awards, 12 NAB Marconi Awards, six NAB Crystal Awards and three NABEF Service to America Award. KS95 has also received four Upper Midwest Regional Emmy Awards for their work with the annual Clouds Choir for a Cause to benefit the Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Fund.

Dan is busy in the community serving on numerous boards and committees, including Pavek Museum, Courage Kenny and Alive and Kickin’.

Dan is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, married to Cyndy and has two daughters, Clare and Hannah.

Al Stauffacher holds a sports marketing degree from Metropolitan State University and has been a leader in the sports tourism market for decades achieving notable awards and recognition along the way. He took over as the CEO for the Twin Cities Gateway Visitors Bureau in 2021. Prior to that he was hired on as the Sports Marketing Director in 2016 and was the chairman of the board from the inception year of 2010. His accomplishments have garnered him the SDM Sports Economic Impact Tourism Awards in 2019 and 2020 along with the SportsETA Rise Up award in 2021. Al is currently the President of the Minnesota Sports Alliance and serves on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Association of Convention and Visitors Bureau as chair of the Public Policy Committee..

Beyond his professional successes, Al loves to spend time with his family and travel. Al is an enthusiastic sports fanatic playing broomball, softball and golf. He is the Governor of the American Broomball Alliance and a member of their Hall of Fame.

Brick x Mortar co-founder and marketing professional with experience leading successful growth in a variety of industries. Sussman recently exited as Partner and CMO of promotions and marketing firm Imprint Engine, leading them from $3.5M in revenue to $20M+ in revenue from 2018-2022. Prior to Imprint Engine, Zach was the Vice President of Marketing for Kaskaid Hospitality, one of the largest hospitality companies in Minnesota, centered around the successful CRAVE Restaurant brand. As one of the company's top executives from 2009-2018, Zach led Kaskaid from two restaurant locations and $7M in annual revenue to a hospitality juggernaut boasting 20+ restaurant locations in 8 states, 3 event centers, and a catering division with a combined $40M+ in annual revenue.

Eric Thieling is the general manager of Hilton Minneapolis. In his role, Eric oversees the 836-room hotel encompassing the entire city block adjacent to the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Eric’s extensive career spans more than 20 years in the hospitality industry. He has held key positions at various Hilton properties across prestigious locations including Boston, New York City, Baltimore, Columbus, Detroit, and Chicago. Notably, his most recent role was as the general manager at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago - Magnificent Mile/Hilton Grand Vacations Club Chicago Magnificent Mile, a dual-branded 456-room hotel featuring 20,000 square feet of meeting space.

Eric received his Bachelor of Liberal Arts & Science in Political Science from the University of Connecticut, and a certificate of culinary arts from the Connecticut Culinary Institute.

Alex Tittle is the Senior Director for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Medica. In this role, he is responsible for the strategy, execution and administration, program performance, and communication related to Medica’s diversity, equity and inclusion activities. He has held senior roles with The NFL’s MN Super Bowl Host Committee, MN Sports Facilities Authority/Vikings, the MN Department of Transportation and honorably served ten years in the active U. S. Army. Alex earned his Bachelor degree from The Citadel and a dual master’s degree in Human Resources & Management. Alex currently serves on the board of directors for the Page Education Foundation, the University of St. Thomas Law School and is the board chairman for Turning Point, a chemical treatment organization in North Minneapolis.

David Torres brings over 15 years of expertise in the service and hospitality industry to his role as a security professional. A seasoned Brazilian jiujitsu black belt, David has showcased his discipline and skill on a national stage through competitive events. Currently serving as the Security Manager for the Target Center, David diligently oversees event security, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all attendees.

David's passion for Brazilian jiujitsu serves as a guiding principle in his role as Security Manager. Cultivated through years of dedicated training, his commitment to discipline is evident in his leadership style, particularly evident in his adept handling of conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques at each event he oversees alongside his team.

Born and raised in New York, David now resides in the Twin Cities area with his wife and two children, where he continues to integrate his values of safety and integrity into both his personal and professional life.

Peter is a Managing Director at Accenture where he leads accounts at industry and world leading organizations. With a focus on his client’s success, Peter builds high performing and engaged teams to deliver innovative solutions that further advance the organization’s mission. He takes great pride in developing long-standing relationships and celebrating their success. Having grown up in Hutchinson, MN and attending Notre Dame, Peter now lives in Orono with his wife and two Notre Dame student sons who are both studying Mechanical Engineering. As active sports and outdoor fans, the family spends their time outside of work and school at various sporting events and along the North Shore of Minnesota.

Vedadi is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) at Signature Wealth Management and has his Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC™) designation. He holds the Series 7 and 66 licenses, as well as the Life, Accident, Health, and Variable Insurance License. He has over 30 years of experience in the financial, marketing, and human services industry, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of MN – Twin Cities. He lives in Golden Valley, is married to his wife, Mariam Vedadi, and is the proud father of two sons, Arman and Bijan.

Joseph “JJ” Wagner has been named the new CEO of the Minneapolis Club, effective January 2025. With over 30 years in club management, including 15 years as CEO of Bel-Air Country Club, JJ brings extensive experience to the role. A Minnesota native, he has previously led the Minneapolis Golf Club and The Wilds Golf Club. JJ holds an MBA from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin and served as national President of the Club Management Association of America. He will focus on enhancing operations, food and beverage services, and preserving the historic Clubhouse while ensuring financial stability. JJ and his wife, Connie, are excited to return to Minnesota after living in California and Texas.

Marcus Hotels & Resorts has appointed Jim Waldvogel as general manager of The Lofton Hotel, effective immediately. Waldvogel brings more than 30 years of hospitality experience, with more than 26 years of his career serving in various leadership positions at other hotels in the Minneapolis area for Marcus Hotels & Resorts. In addition to his new role, he continues to serve as managing director and general manager of the company's Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington property. Under his leadership, Hilton Bloomington/Minneapolis has earned Hilton's prestigious Award of Excellence four years in a row. Previously, Waldvogel served as general manager of Marcus Hotels & Resorts' formerly managed property, Crowne Plaza Northstar in Minneapolis. Waldvogel is an active community leader and volunteer in the Twin Cities area, having served on the boards for various local nonprofit organizations and convention and visitor bureaus. Married for 37 years with five children, Waldvogel lives in Mendota Heights, loves the hospitality industry, sports and competition, and is an active Pickleball player.

For the last 18 years, Patricia has worked in Commercial and Residential Real Estate. Previously spent several years operating an off- premise catering business and worked as an Events Coordinator for a Minneapolis cooking school. Currently developing a 20 acre neighborhood in Prospect Park named Malcolm Yards. I am the Developer, Owner and Operator of the Market at Malcolm Yards.

Sarah Wilmes is the Director of Destination Sales at Mall of America and oversees all private events and group tickets/experiences at MOA. She has been with the Mall for 12 years and loves the exciting atmosphere and creating unique experiences for all types of groups. She is also active within Meeting Professionals International and sits on the board of directors as the Director of Education for the Minnesota chapter. Sarah is an alumni of the University of Minnesota and in her free time enjoys cheering on the Gophers and traveling the world.