Press Release: Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy launches national search for new leader
Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy launches national search for new leader
DATE: 01/16//25 CONTACT: Mair Allen, MCEA, mallen@mncenter.org
St. Paul, Minnesota – Minnesota’s leading environmental law nonprofit launched a national search for a new leader Thursday following the announcement that its chief executive officer is stepping down.
The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy’s Board of Directors will oversee the robust search process, which will culminate in the hiring of a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) sometime this summer. Founded in 1974, MCEA has been using the law and science to protect Minnesota’s environment, natural resources, and the health of its people for the past 50 years.
The new hire will replace outgoing CEO Kathryn Hoffman, who was promoted from staff attorney to CEO in 2016.
“Kathryn has been an incredible asset to MCEA, helping to spur rapid growth and increase the organization's impact throughout the state. Those accomplishments weren’t achieved alone, though. Our success has always been achieved through the collective work of our exceptional staff and the strong support of our community, and that will continue,” said MCEA Board Chair, Rebecca Otto. “While it’s bittersweet for a leader to move on, MCEA is well positioned for a smooth transition, and we are confident our next leader will continue to ensure the organization remains at the forefront of Minnesota’s environmental movement.”
Hoffman oversaw tremendous growth and pivotal legal battles while leading the organization, including key court wins in the ongoing fight to prevent PolyMet’s flawed sulfide mine proposal from polluting the water and air of northeastern Minnesota. MCEA earned multiple awards for workplace excellence during her tenure. Her last day will be in July.
"MCEA has a key role to play at this time in history, when we need lawyers more than ever and powerful organizations willing to stand up for our right to clean air and water. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve this extraordinary organization, and I am confident it will continue to thrive. It's time to pass the baton, and I look forward to seeing what exciting ideas the next person will bring,” Hoffman said of her decision to step down.
MCEA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with offices in St. Paul and Duluth, Minn. More information about the organization as well as the search for its next leader is available at www.mncenter.org.
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