The GREATER MSP Partnership Names Jake Blumberg as Itasca Project Managing Director

Leadership Transition - Jake Blumberg will become managing director of the Itasca Project under the GREATER MSP Partnership, effective February 12, 2025 [1] - Jake Blumberg has served as executive director of GiveMN since 2015, helping generate over $300 million for Minnesota nonprofits and schools, including a record-breaking $37.4 million during the most recent Give to the Max Day [2] - Jake Blumberg expressed pride in GiveMN's impact and excitement to join GREATER MSP, aiming to build on its legacy of civic engagement and innovative collaboration [3] Itasca Project and GREATER MSP Partnership - The Itasca Project is a cross-sector alliance focused on strengthening the Minneapolis-Saint Paul region's civic ecosystem and addressing long-term issues for regional prosperity [3] - Since its formation, the Itasca Project has advanced early childhood education, increased local and diverse supplier spending, improved career readiness, and supported affordable housing strategies [3] - GREATER MSP is a coalition of over 4,500 individuals from 300+ businesses, universities, cities, counties, and philanthropic organizations, working to accelerate economic growth in the 15-county Minneapolis-Saint Paul region [6] GiveMN Overview - GiveMN is an independent nonprofit organization that has facilitated over $430 million in donations for more than 14,000 nonprofits and schools since 2009 [8] - GiveMN operates through GiveMN.org, RaiseMN, and events like Give to the Max Day, with over 770,000 donors participating [8] - RaiseMN focuses on transforming nonprofit fundraising for small- to medium-sized organizations through coaching and sustainable practices [8] Leadership and Organizational Impact - Peter Frosch, President and CEO of GREATER MSP, highlighted Jake Blumberg's leadership and innovative thinking as key to building a thriving civic ecosystem [4] - Steve Grove, CEO of the Minnesota Star Tribune, emphasized Jake Blumberg's energy and passion for reimagining the Itasca Project's role in regional growth [4] - Jenna Ray, GiveMN's deputy executive director and Chief Impact Officer, has been appointed interim executive director following Jake Blumberg's transition [4] - Rev Dr Michael Self Sr, Chair of the GiveMN Board of Directors, expressed gratitude for Jake Blumberg's leadership and optimism for GiveMN's future [5]