FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Valerie Lockhart
Director of Communications and Outreach
IgniteMN.org
[email protected]
PRESS RELEASE: IgniteMN Welcomes Interim Executive Director in Partnership with Creating Community Consulting
Red Wing, MN — March 24, 2025 — IgniteMN is pleased to announce that Pam Bishop has been appointed as Interim Executive Director through a new partnership with Creating Community Consulting. This marks an exciting step forward in leadership and strategic direction for the organization as it prepares to launch a regional search for its next permanent Executive Director.
Pam brings decades of experience in regional economic development and nonprofit leadership, most recently serving as Vice President of Economic Development at Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF). Her deep understanding of Southern Minnesota’s entrepreneurial landscape and her longstanding commitment to rural vitality make her an ideal guide for IgniteMN during this transitional period.
“We are thrilled to welcome Pam as Interim Executive Director,” said Beth Benike, Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for IgniteMN. “Her insight into our region, coupled with her proven leadership, positions us for a strong and thoughtful transition as we continue to grow our impact.”
This partnership with Creating Community Consulting also signals the firm’s expansion into Southeastern Minnesota. IgniteMN is honored to be one of the first assignments in the region for the consultancy, which focuses on supporting organizations through leadership transitions, strategic planning, and community engagement.
As Interim Executive Director, Pam will help guide the organization through day-to-day operations and assist in developing a comprehensive search process to identify the next leader who will carry IgniteMN’s mission forward.
###About IgniteMN
IgniteMN serves as a regional hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, and collaboration, working with partners across Southeast Minnesota to connect entrepreneurs and innovators to the resources, training, mentorship, and support they need to launch, grow, and scale their businesses. Through coworking space, educational programming, and regional collaboration, IgniteMN drives economic vitality across rural communities.
For media inquiries or interviews, please contact Valerie Lockhart at [email protected].
