MinnPost CEO Andrew Wallmeyer has left the nonprofit news organization by mutual agreement with its board of directors. Wallmeyer’s last day at Minneapolis-based MinnPost was Friday, January 24. MinnPost board chair Rebecca Shavlik is now serving as interim CEO. Shavlik says that the board will appoint a steering committee in its search for a new CEO but has not done so yet. 

“We mutually decided to part ways,” Shavlik says. “We’re just at a point in time where it was time for some changes within the organization.” 

Shavlik praised Wallmeyer’s MinnPost tenure, noting that he drove a strong increase in membership. But she noted that MinnPost and other nonprofits are facing a challenging fundraising climate. 

Shavlik heads up a family foundation and works extensively within the philanthropic community. “There seems to be less giving going on,” she says. “Those are challenges that I think any nonprofit faces.” 

MinnPost’s annual revenue is roughly $2 million, Shavlik says, adding, “It’s been pretty consistent for the past few years.” 

The news operation has 19 employees, not counting the CEO position or independent contractors and freelancers. No changes are planned for MinnPost’s news coverage or editorial direction. 

“Our membership has continued to increase, but like all nonprofits you’re doing everything on a shoestring budget,” Shavlik says. 

MinnPost was founded in 2007 by former Star Tribune publisher Joel Kramer and his wife Laurie. Both remain on the MinnPost board of directors. Wallmeyer started as publisher in May 2014. He was promoted to CEO in 2016 as the Kramers transitioned out of management. 

In an emailed statement to Twin Cities Business Wallmeyer said: “MinnPost is a fantastic organization and I loved my time there, but after almost six years it was time for me to move on. I think the world of the MinnPost staff and board, and I know Minnesota needs MinnPost's brand of public-service journalism now more than ever. I wish the organization and everyone there all the best. I'll be cheering them on from the sidelines as a loyal reader and donor.”

MinnPost posted a short article about the change last week. 

Twin Cities Business and MinnPost have a long-standing content-sharing agreement, under which each can post select stories from the other publication. 

“Interim is interim,” Shavlik says. “It is not anybody’s plan for me to stay in this role for very long.”