FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Grandma's Marathon Executive Director Announces Retirement
(Duluth, Minn.) Grandma's Marathon-Duluth, Inc. has announced the
retirement of Jon Carlson as the executive director effective September 30,
2015.
"My 12 years here with Grandma's Marathon have been more enjoyable and
rewarding than I could have ever imagined. Obviously, this year's Grandma's
Marathon will now mean a bit more than the others," Carlson said. "In the
meantime, we have a lot of work left to do to ensure a great event for the
participants coming to our race in June, and I am eager to continue our
focus toward that goal."
Carlson, 61, was the nonprofit organization's race director from July 2003
until September 2013, when he was chosen to succeed Scott Keenan, who
stepped down after 37 years with the organization. Keenan started Grandma's
Marathon with the North Shore Striders Running Club in 1977 and in May 2013
announced Grandma's Marathon that year would be his last as executive
director.
"The bottom line is simply my desire to spend more time with my family,"
Carlson said. "My wife and kids deserve more of me, and I am just thankful
and excited to be at the point in my career and my life to have this
opportunity to do so."
Prior to joining Grandma's Marathon as race director in 2003, Carlson had
worked in the Minnesota Power employee benefits department since 1980. He
served on the Grandma's Marathon board from October 2002 until being hired
as a full-time staff member.
"Jon's dedication and efforts as race director and executive director have
been major factors in the growth and stability of our races and events.
While his guidance and passion will be deeply missed, we appreciate having
him here in the coming months to assist with the transition," said John
Hartwick, chairperson of the 17-member board that governs Grandma's
Marathon. "Our board and staff could not be happier for Jon and his family,
and we all wish them well in this next chapter."
The successor for the organization's top position will be selected through
a nationwide search that is expected to result in a new director being on
board by the end of May. Carlson will guide the organization during the
upcoming Grandma's Marathon weekend in June and will have time both before
and after the 2015 race weekend to work with the new director in order to
ease the transition process.
Grandma's Marathon weekend features milestone events in the next two years.
This year marks the 25th running of the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon - for
which lottery registration closes on Friday. Then, in 2016, Grandma's
Marathon celebrates its 40th anniversary.
Grandma's Marathon-Duluth, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) Minnesota nonprofit
corporation focused on promoting and developing running and athletic events
in the Twin Ports area. The organization's signature race, Grandma's
Marathon, is the one of the largest marathons in the U.S. and is presented
by Toyota and Wells Fargo.
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