President & Chief Executive Officer

https://mhta.org/ www.ballingerleafblad.com

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President & CEO of Minnesota High Tech Association

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW The Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) is the state’s premier professional association for technology companies, organizations, educational institutions and government agencies that participate in the full spectrum of technology — IT, advanced manufacturing, bio and life sciences and the fast growing clean, green and edutech fields. Companies range from long-established corporations to small and growing startups. Minnesota currently ranks number 8 on the 2018 Milken Science and Technology Index. This index incorporates 107 individual indicators that measure states on their science and technology capabilities and broader commercialization ecosystems that contribute to firm expansion, high-skills job creation, and broad economic growth. Minnesota’s high rank demonstrates its successful foundation and preparedness for future innovative economic competitiveness and adaptability. The success and health of Minnesota’s technology community is the driving mission of MHTA. The organization exists to facilitate sharing insights among industry peers, counsel with and lobby government and K-20 academic leaders and create environments where industry participants can connect with their peers and skilled service providers. MHTA has approximately 300 member companies, forty members on the Board of Directors, eight members on the Minnesota High Tech Foundation board, and 10 employees. Members of MHTA become part of a proven, powerful network of executives, innovators and entrepreneurs working together to address the issues Minnesota technology companies care about most. They tap into a wealth of resources for raising capital and developing world-class talent for their organizations. They also become part of a strong, unified industry voice for improving Minnesota’s business environment.

Mission

Make Minnesota one of the country’s top-five technology states

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VALUE OF THE MINNESOTA HIGH TECH ASSOCIATION As the driving force behind Minnesota’s technology ecosystem for 35 years, the Minnesota High Tech Association gives a unified, influential voice to the state’s technology businesses and marshals support from government, education and community leaders and institutions. MHTA focuses its efforts in four pillars, Workforce, Education, Entrepreneurship, and Public Policy. Technology veterans and newcomers alike join MHTA to help propel the growth of their companies and continue to grow Minnesota’s technology industry on a national and international scale. Visit mhta.org for additional information on the programs and benefits MHTA has to offer. MHTA is a member of the Technology Councils of North America (TECNA), a national trade organization that represents 53 state and regional technology trade organizations which in turn represent more than 22,000 technology-related companies in North America. This partnership provides valuable insights into best practices and collaboration among states. PROGRAMS AND SERVICES SciTechsperience The SciTechsperience Internship Program connects college students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines to internships in small Minnesota companies. Businesses that hire interns receive a dollar for dollar wage match to cover 50 percent of wages paid, up to $2,500.

Through SciTechsperience, MHTA helps develop Minnesota’s STEM workforce by providing hands-on learning opportunities and keeping talented STEM students in Minnesota after they graduate to strengthen our innovation economy. Over 650 students have been placed in internships since the program was established in 2012.

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MHTA Foundation/STEM

The MHTA Foundation supports the STEM Education and workforce career continuum. Undergraduate students pursuing STEM-related degrees are encouraged to apply for STEM Scholarships through the MHTA Foundation. The MHTA Foundation has awarded $541,000 to 135 undergraduate students over the last 10 years.

MN SBIR MHTA is now the Minnesota host of the Small Business Administration Federal and State Technology Partnership Program, which works to help Minnesota firms compete and win Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding. From innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization, MN-SBIR is the State’s focal point to assist seed, early stage, emerging and existing firms (1-500 employees) to successfully access non-dilutive federal funding through the SBIR and STTR Programs. MN-SBIR is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Department of Employment and Economic Development, University of Minnesota – Office of Technology Commercialization, and MHTA. Public Policy/Research Public policy is at the core of MHTA. As MHTA works to help make Minnesota a top-five science and technology state, it advocates for policies that enhance Minnesota’s economic competitiveness and foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. MHTA advocates for a range of issues, including: the Angel Tax Credit program; the research and development tax credit; STEM internships; the data center sales tax exemption; cybersecurity; statewide broadband deployment, along with other technology and telecommunications issues. Minnesota’s high-tech industries play an important role in fueling Minnesota’s prosperity. It’s important to have a pulse on Minnesota’s innovation economy. To help better inform and contribute to the dialogue regarding the innovation economy, MHTA is devoting more attention to research. Research is focused on funding of early-stage companies, workforce, and innovation

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THE POSITION…

President and CEO of Minnesota High Tech Association The President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Minnesota High Tech Association will provide strategic leadership for MHTA – the state's premier technology professional association. MHTA serves as the unifying voice for the technology and related sectors. The CEO has primary responsibility to support growth, sustainability, and global competitiveness of Minnesota’s technology-based economy through advocacy, collaboration and education. With an eye to educating, influencing and uniting Minnesota’s technology community, the President and CEO of MHTA is a catalyst in stimulating innovation and growth. The CEO is responsible for delivering programs and services that align with the needs of member businesses and organizations, developing key partnerships between industry, academia, and government institutions, and growing MHTA membership. This role calls for a leader who seeks to make an impact in the region through meeting the changing needs of diverse members. Further, the CEO will be comfortable with assessing and recommending changes both internal and external to the organization. He or she will be a positive force, overseeing and cultivating a positive employee culture focused on collaboration, creativity and service. The CEO is both a visionary and a hands-on executor. He or she will employ an inclusive style to listen and respond to pressing issues in the sector. Essential Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a 3 to 5-year strategic plan, in conjunction with the MHTA Executive Committee, Board of Directors and staff leadership, providing clear strategic priorities that grow and protect the technology industry in the state of Minnesota. Develop and oversee excellence in yearly planning and the operationalization of that plan in alignment to the strategic plan.

• Oversee all communication and marketing campaigns ensuring their alignment with strategic priorities and the overall vision of MHTA goals.

• Create strategies that drive influence regarding state policy and funding that ensure ongoing growth and development of Minnesota’s technology industry.

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Organizational Advancement

• Set a strategy for organizational advancement.

• Lead all MHTA initiatives aimed at cultivation, procurement and maintenance of MHTA’s top industry investors and sponsors.

• Actively participate in the growth and retention of member base, while also generating innovative offerings that create valuable connections, expand the technology workforce, and foster strong successful partnerships.

• Act as chief spokesperson for MHTA, communicating powerfully and effectively on issues that support the organizational goals and priorities.

• Build valuable connections and strong consensus, both inside and outside MHTA; act as an ambassador and create greater visibility among the constituents of the technology industry throughout the state.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Establish credibility, build trusted relationships and balance competing interests evenly throughout MHTA and within all sectors of the broader stakeholder community.

• Develop the Board of Directors and its related committee structure in collaboration with the Board leadership to ensure optimal performance, goal achievement and increased engagement. Foster diversity in board membership and a strong succession plan.

• Prioritize and execute on key relationships among influential community partners; sustain a unified "voice" and marshal corresponding support from government, education and community leaders and institutions.

Finance and Operations

• Manage financial functions, including annual budget development and allocation, and effective mid- and long-term forecasting and planning.

• Demonstrate consistent management of complex organizational and administrative issues, while maintaining a strong course toward the mission and core values of MHTA and its key stakeholders. Enable personal growth of staff and acceptable retention metrics.

• In close collaboration with Board leadership, create and execute plans for operational excellence that involve the systems, processes and personnel needs that further develop the advancement of the organization.

• Develop, facilitate, and instruct the ACE Leadership program for developing and connecting the regions next generation of leaders.

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Supervisory Responsibilities The President & CEO reports to the Board of Directors of Minnesota High Tech Association. Positions reporting directly to the President & CEO are the Director of Finance & Administration, Director of Program Events and Sponsorship, Events and Data Specialist, Director of SBIR/STTR Program Assistance, Director of Public Policy & Research, Director of Membership and Sponsorship, and SciTechsperience Program Director. QUALIFICATIONS The President & CEO will bring proven leadership, business acumen, and relationship management experience and a commitment to MHTA’s mission. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and characteristics: Essential Qualifications

• Over ten years in senior management experience in a non-profit, for-profit, or government organization.

• Bachelor’s Degree required; MBA or Master’s degree preferred.

• Ability to direct the organization’s financial and budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, maintain positive outcomes, and increase efficiency. Fiscal planning and management. P/L responsibility.

• Can cultivate a strong external presence through community involvement.

• Ability to direct, plan and implement policies, objectives and activities of the organization to ensure continuing operations, maximize return on investments and increase impact and successful outcomes.

• A high degree of ethical conduct, integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism. Desired Qualifications

• Passion for or experience in technology industry.

• Interest or experience in leading a member or professional organization and a commitment to the value brought by member organizations.

• Proven experience growing an organization on a regional scale.

• Experience with lobbying/ government relations.

• Ability to develop excellent relations with members and recruit and retain member organizations across technology types.

• Passion for evolving member needs, interests and ideas for learning, connection and change.

• Skills in working with a Board of Directors and other constituents with a high ability to cultivate relationships.

• Thought leadership in the technology space; a spirit of lifelong learning.

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Leadership and Communication Style

• A leadership style of awareness, presence, authenticity, empathy, and clarity.

• Experience in building an organizational culture with a high level of coaching, employee engagement and collaboration.

• A positive approach to taking an organization through change.

• Outstanding communications skills (board, community and political).

• Excellence in external relations including public speaking to a variety of audiences.

• Ability to build and retain strong, cross-functional teams. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The compensation package for this position is highly attractive and includes participation in the organization’s benefits plan.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information and to apply for the position, please contact:

Bob Schoenbaum Marcia Ballinger, PhD Partner Of Counsel Co-Founder/Principal

612-280-1368 651-341-4840 bob@ballingerleafblad.com marcia@ballingerleafblad.com

CIVIC SEARCH REIMAGINED

Minnesota High Tech Association is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

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PRESENTING THE TWIN CITIES OF MINNEAPOLIS AND ST. PAUL

When the Twin Cities hosted the Super

Bowl in 2018, it cast an international light

on what the organizing committee

dubbed “The Bold North.” It also gave the

world an up-close and personal view of

what those of us who live here already

knew. Minnesota Nice is for real.

The Twin Cities of Saint Paul and

Minneapolis are a unique blend of small

town and major cosmopolitan hub. Both

urban cores boast a thriving business

atmosphere. Saint Paul, as the state

capitol, is home to state government and

has a more historical vibe. Minneapolis is

the larger and more commercial of the

two cities. Outside of the central

downtowns, however, both cities have

many distinct neighborhoods, and

residents identify more with their

individual communities than with the

larger city as a whole. And the best news

is housing in most of our friendly

neighborhoods is affordable and

welcoming.

The Twin Cities lives up to its Bold North

tagline in every way. Residents enjoy four

very distinct seasons, none of which will let

you down.

According to the website WalletHub,

Minneapolis ranks 12th in America for cities

with the most green space. Both cities share

a common root of being river towns, and the

great outdoors is a major attraction for

residents and visitors alike. In addition to the

mighty Mississippi River, there are more than

900 lakes in the metro area and surrounding

suburbs, upwards of 300 parks, and miles of

biking and walking trails.

Nearly every weekend in the summer there

are several outdoor events for participants

and spectators—triathlons, biking races,

running races, boat races, water skiing

competitions, cultural celebrations, golf

tournaments, and more.

The summer highlight for many Minnesotans

is the Minnesota State Fair. One of the

largest of its kind in the country, ours is a

world-class showcase of Minnesota’s best in

agriculture, industry, arts and entertainment.

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Held on a 320-acre parcel located between

St. Paul and Minneapolis, it is a self-

supported organization and has been held

on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds every

year since 1885.

As summer turns to fall, the region puts

on a breathtaking autumn show that

draws visitors from miles around. While

fall is a fleeting spectacle, the active

lifestyle of Minnesotans doesn't go

dormant during the winter either.

Being hardy in every way, we take

advantage the miles of cross-country

skiing trails, downhill ski areas, ice skating,

snowmobiling, sledding, and ice fishing.

In recent years Minneapolis and St. Paul

have become two of the most diverse

cities in America. Almost six percent of

the population identifies as LGBTQ, with

many Twin Cities’ organizations in arts,

politics, culture, advocacy and religious

sectors serving the community.

Minnesota’s Somali community is one of

the largest in the United States. St. Paul is

the heart of Minnesota’s Hmong

community as well, and is home to the

largest urban concentration of Hmong

residents in the country. It is by design

that we’ve embraced such ethnic

uniqueness. Our multi-cultural

communities present us with diversity in

the workplace, a strong workforce and an

added bonus of getting to know the

world, and coming to understand

different cultures on a more intimate

scale right here at home.

One of the best places to get a taste of

our many blended cultures is Midtown

Global Market on Lake Street in

Minneapolis. Midtown Global Market is a

welcoming indoor market and meeting

place featuring an abundance of ethnic

dishes, gifts and groceries, from Mexican

and Middle Eastern to Vietnamese,

Indian, Swedish and Italian.

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Many Hmong and Vietnamese restaurants

and shops are located in the Frogtown

neighborhood as well, on and around

University and Lexington avenues.

Hmongtown Marketplace on Como

Avenue and Hmong Village on Johnson

Parkway on St. Paul’s East Side feature a

wide variety of traditional foods, clothing,

fabrics and crafts, as well as farmers

markets.

There are countless arts and culture

offerings in the Twin Cities. The Grammy

Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra has a

reputation as one of the top orchestras in

the world. The Saint Paul Chamber

Orchestra is also regarded as one of the

finest chamber orchestras in the world.

Since the early 1960s, the Guthrie Theater

has staged outstanding shows from the

classical to the modern. Popular national

shows and performers also tour through

the Twin Cities year-round at stages in

both Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and at

the University of Minnesota.

If you are a theatre-goer in the Twin Cities

you’ll never have a dull moment.

According to the Western States Arts

Federation, Minneapolis ranks as the fifth-

most “creatively vital” city in the country,

right after D.C., LA, NYC and Boston. The

Penumbra Theatre in St. Paul is the

country’s oldest African American theater.

We boast more than 40 venues with a

variety that even the most seasoned

thespian would notice.

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There are the magnificent musicals that

play on the State, Orpheum, and Pantages

stages and lots of local talent making a

statement on stages such as the Southern

Theater, New Century, and Illusion.

Hamilton, Les Miserables and West Side

Story are a few examples of productions

that have played here. Theater is also a

large component of life in Saint Paul. The

gorgeous 1000-seat Fitzgerald Theatre

acts as Minnesota Public Radio’s largest

broadcast studio. Staged productions

commission authors, artists and radio

hosts to create programming for the

public radio community. The Fitzgerald

Theater is St. Paul’s oldest theater and

celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2010.

The Ordway Center for the Performing

Arts has been recognized as one of

America’s leading not-for-profit

performing arts centers, and is home to a

wide variety of performances throughout

the year providing the finest in musical

theater, music, dance, and vocal artists in

its Music Theater and Concert Hall. In

addition, each year the Ordway presents

its Flint Hills Family Festival, serving more

than 50,000 children and adults through

its Ordway Education programs.

Dance companies such as James Sewell

Ballet, Minnesota Dance Theatre,

Ragamala, Zenon Dance Company and TU

Dance perform at an array of venues

including the renovated Cowles Center.

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For the museum-goer, there are more

than 60 museums in the metro area. The

Science Museum of Minnesota and the

Minnesota Children's Museum are

interactive learning facilities and fun

experiences for the entire family. The

African American Heritage Museum and

Gallery and the Minnesota History

Center are museum for all ages with

permanent and changing exhibits,

lectures and events.

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts has a

collection of more than 100,000 pieces.

The Walker Art Center has been called

“possibly the best contemporary art

museum in the U. S.” by Newsweek,

and has over 11,000 pieces. The

University of Minnesota's Weisman Art

Museum is also a contemporary art

destination.

The Somali Museum of Minnesota on East

Lake Street features hundreds of

traditional Somali artworks and artifacts

as well as educational programs.

For those who prefer activity of the

spectator variety, the Twin Cities is home

to the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota

Vikings, Minnesota Wild and the

Minnesota Timberwolves. We are also the

home of the four-time WNBA Champion

Minnesota Lynx and the Minnesota

United soccer team. We host in some of

the best sporting facilities in the county,

including Target Field, home of the

Minnesota Twins, and USBank Stadium, a

brand new, enclosed stadium where the

Minnesota Vikings host their NFL games.

Additionally, the stadium hosts early season

college baseball games of the University of

Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Popular music abounds, from the

Grammy-winning Sounds of Blackness to

Atmosphere. Outdoor concerts and

festivals such as the Basilica Block Party

and Rock the Garden are a common and

popular activity. After all, artists from

Bob Dylan to Prince have called the Twin

Cities home.

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The Twin Cities offer award-winning

restaurants (several chefs have been regional

James Beard Award winners). In addition to

the popular Mall of America, there are plenty

of unique shopping districts in both cities and

in the suburbs.

Beyond sports, the great outdoors,

entertainment, and culture, perhaps the

biggest attraction for the Twin Cities is the

lifestyle. Forbes hailed Saint Paul and

Minneapolis as one of the nation's healthiest

metros and USA Today named Saint Paul as

North America's “Most Romantic City.”

Minneapolis/St. Paul is also proud to have a

world-class international airport. In fact, the

Airports Council International named MSP the

2017 Best Airport in North America in its size

category, with more than 25 million

passengers a year.

Networking groups in technology,

manufacturing, healthcare and education

support their professions. Active Chambers

of commerce further business interests and

First Fridays Twin Cities celebrates African

American excellence.

The Twin Cities is a vibrant, richly diverse

Midwestern community where Minnesota Nice

is alive and well. We are the perfect blend of

small town/big city and our residents pride

themselves on their warm and welcoming ways.

There is a reason Business Insider ranked

Minneapolis/St. Paul number nine on its Top 50

Places to Live in America. We really are all that

and more!