Claire Wilson
Washington,DC
Summary
Proven strategic leader with over 15 years of experience in nonprofit, association, and government leadership. Successfully managed complex human services agencies and nonprofits, excelling in broad partnership and coalition building. Adept at strategic problem solving and deeply committed to promoting social justice through increased access to public programs. Demonstrates dedication to creating collaborative, safe, innovative, and equitable organizational cultures. Motivated by the drive to make our world a more just and joyous community.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
The Loppet Foundation
12.2020 - 11.2024
- Company Overview: An innovative and beloved Minnesota nonprofit that through a unique private/public partnership with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) provided programming, events and equity-based placemaking in the heart of Minneapolis. The organization's mission is to connect people to the outdoors through experiences that grow community.
- Led a skeleton team through Covid to provide the organization's traditional programming and events portfolio while focusing on stabilizing the finances, creating sustainable nonprofit systems, and growing the organizational infrastructure to meet the demand for outdoor programming
- Over the course of four years, the full-time staff grew from 8 to 28, the organizational budget increased by 1M and programming expanded to include nature-based learning, senior engagement, arts offerings, and creating civic and well-being engagement opportunities for over 80,000 Minnesotans
- Implemented an equity-centered organizational change model that led to increased diversity on staff and board, re-imagined mission and values, and created a strategic initiatives system that embedded equity in all aspects of organizational policy and practice
- Responsible for operational management of a 14,000 sq ft adventure and welcome center that included a restaurant, retail shop and community resources
Assistant Commissioner Community Supports Administration
Minnesota Department of Human Services
07.2016 - 08.2019
- Company Overview: The Minnesota Department of Human Services is Minnesota's largest agency, overseeing a significant portion of the state's overall budget. I directed all policy related to Housing Services, Behavioral Health, Disability Services, Aging Services and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services.
- Served as a key member of the Executive Leadership team, ultimately overseeing a significant portion (18B) of the state's overall budget
- Responsible for management, direction and operations of the state's human services system so that public policy was developed, priorities established and programs implemented in an integrated and equitable manner throughout the state
- Presented and justified budget and policy requests to the legislature resulting in several major historic reforms and investments including an overhaul of the state's Substance Use Disorder System, increased investments in mental health and housing supports, Medicaid billing for housing supports, and increases in MFIP (Minnesota Family Investment Program)
- Provided direct supervision to 9 division directors - overseeing in total 500 staff
- Directed and approved all fiscal policies, procedures and budgets for each division - and led the restructuring of several divisions to produce better outcomes for Minnesotans
- Developed, maintained and grew external relations for the administration - including strengthened relationships with non-profits, providers, federal, state and local officials, legislators, and advocates
- Championed racial-equity efforts internally resulting in the formation of equity committees, full-time Equity Directors across the agency and implementation of the state's first agency-wide Equity Policy
Executive Director
Minnesota Association of Community Mental Health Programs (MACMHP)
11.2013 - 05.2016
- Company Overview: The Minnesota Association of Community Mental Health Programs (MACMHP) is a statewide association of mental health providers serving over 100,000 Minnesotans annually
- Provided strategic direction and leadership to the board and other leadership representatives of a statewide association of mental health providers
- Developed and implemented organizational strategies to achieve set goals and objectives and secured long-term success.
- Led the board and membership through association wide legislative policy and advocacy development process, positioning the Association as one of the key players in the state's largest investment in community mental health
- Developed the membership through active volunteer engagement statewide - leading to an increase of organizational members and increased membership participation
- Created and led a coalition of county, state and community organizations to implement federal legislation resulting in the creation of the state's first Community Care Behavioral Health Clinics - a transformative payment and delivery system reform that resulted in six new clinics across the state
Voter Outreach Director
Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State
12.2009 - 05.2012
- Company Overview: The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State provided elections and business services to the state of Minnesota.
- Created and implemented state-wide engagement campaign targeting diverse communities who typically under-participate in the electoral process - including people of color and American Indians, veterans, college students and people with disabilities
- Created and led advisory volunteer committees of communities of color and other underrepresented groups to advise and lead the work and to design appropriate web-based tools, applications and programs
- Developed and strengthened partnerships between state, community and non-profit agencies to expand access to the electoral process - including the League of Women Voters, the Disability Law Center and the Immigrant Rights Center
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA) -
Bowdoin College
Brunswick, MEFellowship - Public Policy
Humphrey School Of Public Affairs
Minneapolis, MN 01-2014
Skills
- Fundraising
- Board relations
- Growth and Change management
- Staff management
- Partnership development
- Community and stakeholder engagement
- Budgeting and financial management
- Operations management
- Strategic planning
- Team leadership, training, and development
Civic Leadership
- Founder, Capitol Pathways: Legislative Internships for Young People of Color, 01/01/15, Present
- Board Member, Healthcare for the Homeless, Hennepin County, 01/01/18, 12/01/20
- Founding Advisory Committee Member, YOUR PATH: Recovery Supports, 01/01/20, Present
- Board of Directors and LGBTQ Host Program Participant, Avenues for Homeless Youth, 01/01/08, Present
- Board of Directors and Chair of Advancement Fund, Philanthro-Fund: LGBTQ Philanthropy, 01/01/12, 12/01/15
- Board of Directors, Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association, 01/01/09, 12/01/12
Timeline
Executive Director
The Loppet Foundation
12.2020 - 11.2024
Assistant Commissioner Community Supports Administration
Minnesota Department of Human Services
07.2016 - 08.2019
Executive Director
Minnesota Association of Community Mental Health Programs (MACMHP)
11.2013 - 05.2016
Voter Outreach Director
Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State
12.2009 - 05.2012
Bachelor of Arts (BA) -
Bowdoin College
Fellowship - Public Policy
Humphrey School Of Public Affairs
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