FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Grandma's Marathon Names Executive Director
The Grandma’s Marathon-Duluth, Inc. board of directors has announced the
selection of Shane Bauer as the organization’s next executive director.
Bauer, 38, will succeed the current executive director, Jon Carlson, who is
retiring. Carlson will guide the organization through next month’s
Grandma’s Marathon weekend, following which the transition process will
conclude.
"Grandma's Marathon is the right place for my contribution to our community
right now. I'm excited to be part of the team again, one that includes over
six thousand community members coming together to create extraordinary
experiences for both residents and visitors,” Bauer said. “And, I'm really
looking forward to working with the incredible staff, board, sponsors, and
volunteers who make it all possible."
Bauer was a full-time member of the Grandma’s Marathon staff from 2001 to
2007 as Promotion and Design Director. He then launched his own company –
Laughingstock Design – and in 2010 opened a Duluth retail store named Happy
Space. He is the founder and director of the Twin Ports Bridge Festival,
which celebrates its fifth anniversary on Sept. 11.
"On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are pleased to bring Shane Bauer
forward as our new Executive Director,” said John Hartwick, chairperson of
the 17-member board that governs Grandma’s Marathon. “Shane has a great
passion for Grandma’s Marathon, and his previous experience with the
organization will be an asset. We look forward to the 40th running of
Grandma’s Marathon and many years of success with Shane as our leader.”
A nationwide search for the organization’s top position was initiated after
Carlson’s Feb. 18 retirement announcement. Carlson has been executive
director since Sept. 2013 when he was chosen to succeed race founder Scott
Keenan, who stepped down after 37 years with the organization.
Grandma’s Marathon weekend features milestone events in the next two years.
This year marks the 25th running of the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon.
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 13th largest marathon in the U.S. and is presented by
Toyota and Wells Fargo.
###
|
