Experienced Leader Tapped to Head Initiative Foundation

(KNSI) — The Initiative Foundation has a new president.

The Board of Trustees announced that Brian Voerding was selected to helm the Little Falls-based organization Thursday morning.

Voerding has served as the Initiative Foundation’s Foundation’s vice president for inclusive entrepreneurship since June 2021. Since then, he has expanded business lending and support services while playing a central role in two of the Initiative Foundation’s largest-ever grantmaking programs: He oversaw the 2021-2022 distribution of $8.8 million in COVID-era relief grants to 800 Central Minnesota small businesses, and he helped to secure and implement a multi-million dollar effort supported by the Otto Bremer Trust that drove $1.1 million in transformative funding to nonprofits and an additional $700,000-plus to rural small and minority-owned businesses, according to a press release.

The release says Voerding will lead efforts to grow economic opportunities, inspire stronger communities and champion generosity in the region.

He succeeds former Initiative Foundation President Matt Varilek, who stepped down in June to become commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Rooted in central Minnesota, growing up in the Wright County community of Montrose, Voerding lives in St. Cloud with his family.

“I am thrilled to lead the Initiative Foundation and be a part of this team that has such an incredible impact in the communities we serve. I’m eager to build on the legacy of those who came before me to provide strategic funding and support for small businesses and nonprofit organizations, to cultivate the next generation of rural leaders, and to facilitate a spirit of generosity and inclusivity in Central Minnesota.”

“My life’s work has been dedicated to improving lives and transforming communities in Minnesota, and I can’t wait to serve as a strong voice as we work to attract resources and inspire the generosity of others to invest in our region. Advocating for and delivering resources and creating equitable opportunities is my personal and professional wellspring.”

“We were presented with a deep pool of candidates, and at the end of a long and thorough process we were pleased to select Brian-an internal candidate and a passionate advocate for growing the promise and prosperity of Central Minnesota,” said Kim Ellingson, chair for the Initiative Foundation’sFoundation’s Board of Trustees.

The Initiative Foundation serves the 14 counties and two Native nations of Central Minnesota. Since 1986, the Initiative Foundation and its Partner Funds have invested multiple millions in the region through targeted grants and business financing investments.

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