Staff List | Contact
Meet the Meet Minneapolis Team
Melvin Tennant, CAE
President & CEO Meet Minneapolis
melvint@minneapolis.org
Melvin oversees the day-to-day operations of Meet Minneapolis, 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
Senior Vice President Branding & Strategy
courtneyr@minneapolis.org
612-767-8036
As the Senior 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.
Sandy Christensen
Vice President Finance & Administration
sandyc@minneapolis.org
Sandy joined Meet Minneapolis in May of 2016 as the Vice President of Finance & Administration. In this role, she is responsible for organization support functions including financial planning and accounting, human resources and employee benefits administration, information technology, as well as statutory compliance and reporting. The focus of Finance & Administration is to ensure that the organization has the financial, technological and staffing resources to be successful.
