Minneapolis (May 19, 2025) — Today, Meet Minneapolis officially announced Abby Poeske as its Vice President of Destination Development and Public Affairs. In this role, Poeske will oversee the implementation of the new 10-year destination master plan as well as lead the organization’s government relations and community engagement work. She replaces Bill Deef, who recently retired from Meet Minneapolis after 40 years with the organization.

“Abby brings a deep understanding of how destinations succeed when public, private and community interests are aligned,” said Meet Minneapolis President and CEO Melvin Tennant. “Her experience managing high-impact projects and strategic planning efforts at the municipal level, paired with her passion for community building, make her an ideal fit for this role.”

“I was really inspired by the ambitious goals outlined in the ‘Destination Minneapolis’ plan. It provides a clear roadmap for meaningful progress,” explained Poeske. “I believe this role is a natural fit for my background in place-based development, municipal government and community engagement. I’m eager to collaborate with partners across the city to help bring that vision to life and use my skills to make a positive impact on Minneapolis.”

Most recently, Poeske served as a Senior Advisor to Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb, where she oversaw a portfolio of transformative initiatives, including the city’s 10-year strategic plan and the allocation of more than $500 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding. Prior to that role, she served as the inaugural executive director of a nonprofit focused on revitalizing a historic downtown district near Akron, Ohio. Her professional background also includes several years in higher education, where she led experiential learning initiatives both domestically and abroad.

Poeske holds a doctorate in Urban Studies and Public Affairs from Cleveland State University, an MBA from Walsh University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a former Fulbright Scholar to Ukraine.

“I have experienced Minneapolis as a tourist for more than a decade and know what a special place this is,” added Poeske. “Now that it is my home, I’m excited to help lead the strategic planning and public engagement to ensure we have a strong visitor economy for years to come.”

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ABOUT MEET MINNEAPOLIS
Meet Minneapolis is a private, not-for-profit, member-based association. It actively promotes and sells the Minneapolis area as a destination for conventions and meetings, works to maximize the visitor experience and markets the city as a desirable tourist destination to maximize the economic benefit to the greater Minneapolis area. Meet Minneapolis is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of Destinations International.

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MEDIA CONTACTS
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