Kathryn Sutton has led marketing efforts for Explore Minnesota by recognizing tourism as a gateway to broader economic growth. She reshaped the St. Paul-based agency’s role, positioning Minnesota as a place not just to visit but also to live, work, and do business. In March 2024, Sutton launched Star of the North, the agency’s most ambitious marketing campaign to date. This effort covers workforce attraction, tourism, and business development, highlighting the state’s quality of life and economic opportunities. The results have been immediate, as individuals exposed to the campaign have rated Minnesota 23% more positively than those unaware of it.