RED WING, MN — The Board of Directors of IgniteMN is pleased to announce the appointment of Susan Langer as the organization’s new Executive Director. A seasoned entrepreneur, ecosystem builder, and longtime champion of the Minnesota startup community, Langer steps into the role with over 30 years of leadership experience across the nonprofit, financial services, and public-private sectors. She officially accepted the role and laid out her plan for the next 90 days last night during the Ignite Cup pitch competition.
Langer’s connection to IgniteMN is deeply personal; she has been involved with the organization since its earliest days, first as a founder building a company in Red Wing, then as an Ignite Cup winner, mentor, judge, and eventually as the organization’s Entrepreneur Lead.
“IgniteMN has been part of my entrepreneurial journey from the start,” said Langer. “I believe strongly in helping entrepreneurs thrive, not only through programming, but through relationships, encouragement, and access to opportunity. I am honored to help steward the organization that played such a meaningful role in my own journey”.
Background and Looking Forward
Langer is the founder and CEO of Spave, a purpose-driven fintech platform launched out of Red Wing. Her background also includes serving on the founding senior leadership team of Partners in Food Solutions, a global partnership featuring General Mills and Cargill, and holding executive roles at Green Tree Financial.
As Executive Director, Langer will focus on:
- Reinvigorating the Startup Community: Re-establishing deep connections and ensuring entrepreneurs have seamless access to vital resources.
- Strategic Growth: Leveraging her “founder-first” mindset to ensure Ignite grows sustainably while staying true to its mission.
- Ecosystem Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce, the City of Red Wing, and regional economic development leaders.
“Susan is a visionary who leads with both empathy and accountability,” noted the search committee. “She is already deeply embedded in our community and possesses a rare understanding of the needs of both the founders we serve and the stakeholders who support us.”
Langer also currently serves as Vice Chair of the City of Red Wing Advisory Planning Commission and is a board member for Goodhue County Habitat for Humanity.
About IgniteMN
IgniteMN supports entrepreneurs and fuels economic growth by providing a space where innovators can refresh, refine, and scale their ideas. Through programming like the Ignite Cup and a robust network of mentors, the organization acts as a primary convenor for the regional startup ecosystem.
Media Contact:
Valerie Lockhart
Director of Communications and Entrepreneurship
651-327-2626
info@ignitemn.org
*NOTE: Photo credit goes to Center on Rural Innovation.
