MINNEAPOLIS (February 24, 2012) The Minneapolis Downtown Council announced today that Hennepin County Commissioner Mark Stenglein will serve as the organizations new President and CEO starting June 1, 2012.

An active member of the Twin Cities community, Stenglein will oversee the implementation of the Minneapolis Downtown Councils recently-released Intersections: Downtown 2025 Plan.

We are excited to have Mark Stenglein as the next leader for the Minneapolis Downtown Council, said Elliot Jaffee, U.S. Bank Twin Cities Market President and Board Chair of the Minneapolis Downtown Council. He is held in high regard for his accomplishments as a Hennepin County Commissioner, reflective of his ability to build productive relationships that truly address the needs of our community. We are confident that Marks proven leadership skills and very engaging style will provide an outstanding foundation for bringing the organization forward.

Stenglein will lead the Minneapolis Downtown Council as it works toward achieving the goals outlined in its 2025 Plan, including doubling downtown Minneapolis residential population, transforming Nicollet Mall, building Gateway Park, creating a consistently compelling downtown experience, establishing a downtown

sports district that includes a new Vikings stadium, leading the nation in transportation options, creating and sustaining green infrastructure, forging connections with the University of Minnesota, ending street homelessness, and launching a festival of ideas.

Downtown Minneapolis is a thriving urban destination, and I am anxious to contribute to the future growth of the city, said Stenglein. This is the perfect time for downtown business and elected leaders to bring their energy to the table to help preserve and grow what has been accomplished in Minneapolis.

Stenglein follows Sam Grabarski as President and CEO who has served in that capacity since 1996. Grabarski is credited along with many other community leaders for his leadership with several important accomplishments including, the expansion of the Minneapolis Convention Center, bringing light rail to downtown Minneapolis, a new ballpark for the Minnesota Twins, a central library, launch of a modern day improvement district, and being a true champion for downtown Minneapolis. He was the primary force for the previous plan for the Central Business District, Downtown 2010.

After June first, Grabarski will stay on as President Emeritus for a transition period to focus on several key initiatives. Ive greatly enjoyed my time at the Minneapolis Downtown Council and Im committed to a seamless period of transition between Mark and myself. He will make an excellent President and CEO during the exciting times ahead for downtown, said Grabarski.

Stenglein currently serves as Hennepin County Commissioner and Chairs the Budget and Capital Investment Committee. Stenglein was first elected as Hennepin County Commissioner in 1996. He was appointed Vice-Chair of the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners numerous times throughout his tenure. He has been a recognized force for expanding economic opportunities for people of color, and his high profile assignments have included service as Co-Chair of the Implementation Committee for Northstar Commuter Rail. Stenglein and the Hennepin County Commissioners have been strong advocates and hardworking public servants for downtown Minneapolis. Their tireless efforts and support have helped to accomplish much for downtown. He earned a bachelors degree and a

Masters in International Management from The University of St. Thomas and a Certificate in Government Leadership from Harvard. Stenglein has spent time

working overseas in the Middle East and Africa as well as owning his own business. Stenglein is actively involved in the community.

About the Minneapolis Downtown Council

The Minneapolis Downtown Council works to preserve and enhance a vital and attractive downtown for the people who invest, work, shop, visit and live in Minneapolis. Founded in 1955 and one of the oldest central business district associations in the nation, the Minneapolis Downtown Council produces such cherished Minneapolis events as the Aquatennial and Holidazzle Parade. For more information visit www.downtownmpls.com.

Contact:

Leah Wong

Minneapolis Downtown Council

D: 612.656.3816

C: 612.269.7986

E: leahw@downtownminneapolis.com

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