Minnestar, the nonprofit that seeks to connect the technology and startup community, is searching for a new executive director as its first-ever leader plans to depart.
The nonprofit’s current executive director, Maria Ploessl, announced Thursday her intent to leave her role this June. Ploessl was the first executive director for Minnestar, which had previously been volunteer-run for more than 10 years, when she took the helm in 2017.
“As we look to the future, I decided that the time is right for me to make space for new leadership at Minnestar,” Ploessl said in a letter to the Minnestar community. “Thanks to this incredible community, we have a rock solid foundation and I personally can’t wait to see where the organization can go under new leadership.”
Founded in 2006, Minnestar offers programs, resources and events to help support growth in the technology and startup community. It has two cornerstone events throughout the year, Minnebar, an annual technology conference that is participant-led, and Minnedemo, which showcases Minnesota-made technology.
Ploessl has served on strategic initiative groups for Forge North, including in racial equity and entrepreneurial support efforts, and was an operations chair for the board of directors for TechnovationMN, a nonprofit that works to empower girls to use technology to make an impact in their community.
Ploessl told the Business Journal in an email that the role has been the best job she’s ever had. “There is nothing like it – and no day is the same,” she said. “... It allowed me to connect with and leverage the unique talents that exist in our community, and build really amazing things – together.”
Though she is taking time to decide on her next role, Ploessl’s future plans involve opportunities “where I can leverage innovation and strategic leadership to grow people, programs or initiatives,” she said.
"It is hard to imagine a Minnestar without Maria at the helm," Antoinette Smith, vice chair of the Minnestar Board of Directors said in a news release. "As Minnestar's very first executive director, she has been instrumental in keeping the organization's mission and values alive."
The nonprofit will work with Ploessl on the leadership transition. Click here to learn more about the position and how to apply. Applications are due March 24.
