Brian Voerding Email & Phone Number

Little Falls, Minnesota, United States

I have the great joy and privilege of leading this incredible community-building organization that does so much good in so many ways for Central Minnesota that I am regularly surprised - and impressed! - every time I'm in community to discover new ways we've supported the people and places of this region for nearly 40 years.My work, ultimately, is as a champion, coach and guide for our strategies and work - all designed to be deeply in service to our region, building and supporting equitable economies and thriving communities. I cultivate relationships and partnerships, advocate for funding and resources, support and develop our staff, and position our programs, lending and grantmaking to serve as complementary forces alongside all our partners and collaborators.

Little Falls, Minnesota, United States

Lead the Foundation’s portfolio of entrepreneurship programs, services, and lending with vision, strategy, management, and hands-on work across three teams; serve on the leadership team and guide strategy, operations, vision and culture across the organization; co-lead special initiatives and cross-functional teams, including state-funded grant and loan programs and grantmaking; serve as a public face and spokesperson for the Foundation within finance and philanthropy networks. My leadership has cultivated: - CDFI loan fund growth to nearly $20 million, annual lending to record levels, a microloan product for underserved entrepreneurs, a first-ever strategic plan, and record capitalization efforts that include an unprecedented $10 million loan purchase program; currently leading subsidiary reorganization and adding staff- Growth for the Initiators Fellowship, a two-year suite of services and support for social entrepreneurs, to serve nearly two-thirds of rural Minnesota and attract multiple major new investments- The expansion of Enterprise Academy, a business training program for low-income and entrepreneurs of color, to serve several diverse communities; success has attracted statewide attention and several new funders- Dramatic growth in culturally competent business coaching, technical assistance, and training - from serving 50 to more than 250 entrepreneurs annually- Delivery of the Small Business Relief Grant program, $8.8 million to more than 800 businesses; and a $2 million grant that created the $1.1 million Transformative Funding for Nonprofits and provided more than $700,000 to small, rural businesses - the largest single programs in Foundation history - State and federal advocacy that led to increased funding for business support organizations, no-cost loan capital, and consideration of new CDFI certification rules - Increased Foundation presence and deeper networks within state and regional CDFI, philanthropic, nonprofit and corporate circles

Minnesota

Co-founded consulting firm that guides individual and collective transformation working with individuals, organizations and cities on development strategies, leadership and changemaking, and authentically engaging diverse communities. Brilliance has designed and led half-day to multi-day workshops, facilitated immersive change-driven groups, designed inclusive engagement and community-building processes for governments, businesses and nonprofits, co-created creative interventions to empower underserved populations, developed holistic leadership training curriculum, and more.

Winona

Founder and leader of Engage Winona, an innovative social-change nonprofit driving civic action and social change by creating equitable access, voice and power in community and economic development. Directed all operations and strategy, cultivated and guided a high-performing board, led development and fundraising, managed paid and volunteer staff, designed programs, facilitated public engagement, and convened coalitions to address complex challenges. Led a sustained donor campaign and drew investments from several large foundations to triple the operating budget during the pandemic.Key successes included: a multiyear partnership with the City of Winona to reshape economic development through entrepreneurship, arts and recreation; creation of the Winona Nonprofit Roundtable, more than 40 nonprofits leading collaborative fundraising, advocacy, and resource-sharing; a community-led revitalization campaign; and Lived Experience Leaders, a fellowship for underserved changemakers that launched multiple organizations and drew statewide investment.

Winona, Minnesota

Taught and developed coursework across multiple fields: organizational leadership, entrepreneurship, nonprofit management, social work, and journalism. Designed engaged curriculum that connected students to real-world experiences and workplaces in mutually beneficial ways that led to future employment. Served on a select advisory board for the College of Business to reimagine programs and partnerships with large area employers.

Winona Daily News

Led operations, strategy, HR, and directed editorial content for a regional digital and print media organization, publishing seven-day-a-week print products and 24/7 online content.Directly managed 25-30 employees and an organization with a $12-15 million annual budget, and served on the executive team overseeing a regional group of more than 12 publications and 200 employees with oversight over all areas including editorial, sales, finance, and operations. Led cross-functional regional teams on long-term projects on strategy, culture, and revenue growth.Designed and implemented an award-winning approach of community-focused solutions journalism. Provided lead editorial writing and advocacy, with a focus on the state Legislature and federal issues; collaborated with city leaders and then-U.S. Rep. Walz and Sen. Klobuchar on a successful campaign for federal funds to replace Winona's interstate bridge. Led multiple state award-winning projects, and wrote hundreds of editorials on issues ranging from human rights to rural economic development to the importance of sidewalks.Served as the organization's public face, leading community projects, serving on boards, speaking to groups, sampling chili and learning line dances for nonprofit benefits, and convening leaders to address community challenges.

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Led development, finance, and operations for a national award-winning nonprofit dedicated to jazz performance and education in the Twin Cities and rural Minnesota. Secured multi-year operational funding from state and national grantmakers, led corporate and individual giving campaigns, coordinated programs, and managed community partnerships.

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Reporter and editor for several local, state and national publications, with a focus on covering rural Minnesota, social issues, community and economic development, arts and culture, and other topics. Primary publications included:- Winona Daily News (2005-07; winner of several state feature and investigative awards)- MinnPost- Mpls.St.Paul- Minnesota Monthly- Several former Twin Cities media outlets - Southwest and Downtown Journals, Rake magazine, City Pages, Metro- AOL/Spinner national music and culture sites

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Covered higher education, agriculture, environment and other beats for MinnPost as one of its founding reporters, and wrote enterprise features and profiles.

Master Of Arts (M.A.), Organizational Leadership

Studies and research focused on: Executive leadership; organizational management; strategy and vision; finances and budgeting; human.

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Behavioral Psychology, Music

Activities and Societies: Oracle newspaper editor Studies and research focused on behaviors and motivations within groups.