Elissa Hansen, Northspan President & CEO, leads the organization with more than 20 years of experience in business, community, organizational, and economic development across Minnesota and Wisconsin. She invests her time creatively advancing others' capabilities. In Elissa’s role at Northspan, she engages with and elevates every client by facilitating tough conversations and moving organizations forward with action-oriented strategic planning models. She works to create a setting for meaningful communications that respects diverse perspectives, creates joint resolve, and inspires individual and group action.She has previous experience with the Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX), Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation, and most recently, Steam Creative Consulting. She currently serves on the Duluth Airport Authority Board, Kitchi Gammi Club Board, and is an APEX Board Member. She is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), an Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Qualified Administrator, and a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP).Hansen grew up in central Minnesota and achieved her undergraduate and master's degrees from Northern Arizona University. After living and working across the country, she chose to make Duluth her home. She is a graduate of both the Leadership Duluth and Blandin Community Leadership programs. Hansen has also been honored as one of the Duluth News Tribune’s “20 under 40,” which celebrates professionals who are making a positive impact and working for change in the region.