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Sustainable Stillwater MN is thrilled to announce the appointment of Andi Arnold as our first Executive Director, effective March 1, 2025. Andi recently relocated to Stillwater from Owatonna, Minnesota, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to help drive our mission forward.
As Executive Director, Andi will lead the organization in its efforts to create and support local initiatives that promote sustainability in the Stillwater, Minnesota area. A dedicated community leader, Andi has always found inspiration in nature and firmly believes that sustainability is fundamental to a community's overall health and vitality.
Andi has spent years working with nonprofits throughout Minnesota, focusing on community outreach and relationship-building across various sectors. Her recent work includes leading the Steele County Safe and Drug-Free Coalition and Engage Owatonna, along with holding numerous roles in business, art, and nonprofit sectors across southern Minnesota. Through all these experiences, she has developed a strong belief that collaboration is key to fostering a vibrant and resilient community where everyone can succeed together.
Outside of work, Andi enjoys hiking, cycling, kayaking, traveling, gardening, creating art, and collecting Pez dispensers. She also loves to learn, observe, write, and explore nature. Most of all, she cherishes spending time with her husband, Jon, along with family and friends, and being an active part of her community.
A Message from Andi:
“I am thrilled to join the Sustainable Stillwater team and to be part of such a dynamic community. I look forward to collaborating with the board, staff, and dedicated supporters to make a meaningful impact on local sustainability efforts.”
About Andi Arnold
Andi is a dedicated nonprofit leader with an extensive background in community engagement. A lifelong advocate for positive change, she has worked tirelessly to foster collaboration among community members, schools, businesses, government agencies, and cultural institutions.
Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking and Drawing from Minnesota State University, Mankato, Andi combines creative expertise with strategic thinking and technical skills.
Her diverse professional experience includes serving as the Community Engagement Coordinator at the Owatonna Chamber of Commerce, where she gathered community input via digital platforms to assist nonprofits, businesses, and local governments in making data-driven decisions. Prior to this, she worked as the Community Foundation Coordinator at the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, overseeing a variety of grant programs across 175 communities while providing strategic guidance to local initiatives. She has also held leadership roles such as Executive Director at Steele County Safe & Drug-Free Coalition and Director of Grants & Outreach at Community Pathways of Steele County, where she spearheaded fundraising efforts, marketing strategies, and countywide initiatives.
Known for her natural ability in problem-solving, strategic thinking, and communication, Andi excels at fostering partnerships and driving initiatives that lead to meaningful change. She has honed her skills in grant management, proposal writing, fundraising, and overseeing a wide variety of community programs and initiatives.
Beyond her professional roles, Andi has been deeply involved in the arts and her community. She served as Board Member and Past President of the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) and has actively participated in multiple community boards supporting tourism, parks, and arts organizations. As a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, she has also demonstrated a strong commitment to youth development.
With a deep belief in the power of collaboration and community engagement, Andi is committed to creating positive and lasting impacts in the regions she serves. We are excited to welcome her leadership and vision to Sustainable Stillwater MN!
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