The Super Bowl and NCAA Final Four get more attention, but the Twin Cities is currently building toward something even bigger: playing host to the 2026 U.S. Special Olympics, which is expected to bring in 100,000 visitors and $70 million in economic impact. The father of a five-sport Special Olympian, Adam Hjerpe has been involved with Special Olympics for years, and now he takes on his biggest leadership role as board chair for the 2026 games. It’s a fitting extension to his work at Optum’s growth office, where he’s tasked with supporting growth and innovation companywide. Hiring people with disabilities is another focus—of 100 interns with intellectual and physical disabilities, 70 have been hired full time.

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