Staff List | Contact
Meet the Meet Minneapolis Team
Melvin Tennant, CAE
- President & CEO Meet Minneapolis
- melvint@minneapolis.org
- 612-767-8080
Melvin oversees the day-to-day operations of Meet Minneapolis and iDSS, including the professional and support staff. Melvin serves as the voice of Meet Minneapolis through speaking engagements, civic activities and political council meetings. He has served as president and CEO of Meet Minneapolis since November 2007. Melvin also is the executive director of Sports Minneapolis.
Brent Foerster
- Senior Vice President of Destination Sales
- brentf@minneapolis.org
- 612.767-8130
Brent is the senior vice president of Destination Sales. Joining Meet Minneapolis in May 2014, his focus is on sales and collaborating to drive more convention business to Minneapolis while strengthening relationships with the local hotel community. He oversees the Destination Sales teams at Meet Minneapolis, Sports Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Madonna Carr, CMP
- Vice President of Destination Services
- madonnac@minneapolis.org
- 612.767.8180
Madonna is the vice president of Destination Services where she oversees the department including facilitating booking conventions by assisting meeting planners with logistical needs, building attendance and delivering quality experiences to attendees. Madonna has been with Meet Minneapolis since 1991. She also oversees Housing Services and Meeting Services Plus.
Bill Deef
- Senior Vice President of Public Affairs
- billd@minneapolis.org
- 612.767.8110
Bill and his department oversee the Minneapolis Sister Cities programs and work on other public affairs initiatives. Since 1987, Bill has made significant contributions to the Minnesota tourism industry—such as serving as a chair of the Washburn Academy of Hospitality and Tourism.
Courtney Ries
- Vice President Branding & Strategy
- courtneyr@minneapolis.org
- 612-767-8036
As the vice president of Destination Branding & Strategy, Courtney oversees the marketing, public relations, partnership and visitor information departments. With her team, she is responsible for telling the story of Minneapolis and its offerings to potential visitors, meeting planners, media, locals and other stakeholders.
Donya Dawson
- CEO Office Associate & Projects Manager
- donyad@minneapolis.org
- 612-767-8068
Donya is the CEO associate and project manager supporting the CEO of Meet Minneapolis. She has several years’ experience in Human Resources and working with executive-level leadership.She works closely with the CEO, executive leadership teams, city officials and board of directors. Donya has been with Meet Minneapolis since March 2015.