2023 Notable Leaders in Arts, Sports, and Entertainment

Sports teams, museums, theater, and live music help define the unique identity of the Twin Cities. They enrich lives, bring people together, create jobs, and drive economic growth. TCB’s 11 notable leaders in arts, sports, and entertainment are tireless advocates for their organizations while pioneering growth strategies to keep them at the top of their game.

Methodology: The individuals featured did not pay to be included. Their profiles were drawn from nomination materials. This list is not comprehensive; it includes only people who were nominated and accepted after editorial review. To qualify for this list, individuals must have at least five years of experience in their field and have shown the ability to effect change in their roles or areas of practice.

To nominate other best-in-class executives in their fields, click here.
2023 Notable Leaders in Technology

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Mary Ann Aufderheide

Mary Ann Aufderheide

Executive director, VocalEssence
In 20 years as executive director, Mary Ann Aufderheide has established VocalEssence as a premier choral music organization in Minneapolis, with a commitment to inclusion, access, and equity. Her initiatives
Dara Beevas

Dara Beevas

Co-CEO/co-founder, Wise Ink
As a co-founder of Minneapolis publishing company Wise Ink, Dara Beevas seeks authors whose mission is to share stories that ignite change, tolerance, and growth. Under her leadership, Wise Ink
Wendy Blackshaw

Wendy Blackshaw

President/CEO, Minnesota Sports & Events
Wendy Blackshaw built Minnesota Sports and Events to bring world-class events to the state to drive economic impact, enhance Minnesota’s reputation, and create influential community initiatives—and it’s working. Since the
Peter C. Brosius

Peter C. Brosius

Artistic director, Children’s Theatre Co.
In his 27-year tenure with the Children’s Theatre Company (CTC), award-winning artistic director Peter C. Brosius has overseen the commission, development, and premiere of more than 70 new plays and
Kyle Carpenter

Kyle Carpenter

CEO, MacPhail Center for Music
With a focus on innovation and access, Kyle Carpenter has propelled the MacPhail Center for Music to become the largest community music school in the country. Since he joined in
Ethan Casson

Ethan Casson

CEO, Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx
Ethan Casson is entering his eighth season as CEO for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Lynx, Iowa Wolves, and T-Wolves Gaming. He oversees all business operations, working closely with ownership to
Mary Ceruti

Mary Ceruti

Executive director, Walker Art Center
Walker Art Center was already facing challenges when Mary Ceruti arrived, which were exacerbated by the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020. She has since reinvigorated the museum’s
Phil Esten

Phil Esten

Vice president/director of athletics, University of St. Thomas
When Phil Esten returned to his alma mater in 2019 as the vice president and director of athletics, he was immediately faced with a task athletics leaders rarely confront: finding
Sarah Fossen

Sarah Fossen

Executive director, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
As the executive director of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts (MCA), Sarah Fossen advocates for arts funding at the Capitol and the efforts of thousands of arts advocates and grassroots
John Frawley

John Frawley

Director, Minnesota Zoo; president, Minnesota Zoo Foundation
Becoming director of the Minnesota Zoo in 2016 was a full-circle moment for John Frawley; he worked there as a zookeeper early in his career in the late 1980s. Returning
Bri Rosas

Bri Rosas

President, Opus Sports Partners
Bri Rosas is a sports business executive and former NBA and WNBA vice president, with nearly two decades of experience spanning professional sports, consumer brands, and media. In 2021, Rosas