Announcing Our New President & CEO - Angie Whitcomb, IOM

On behalf of the Hospitality Minnesota Association and the Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation Boards of Directors, it is my great pleasure to announce that Angie Whitcomb, IOM, has been selected to lead the organizations as our next President & CEO.

Whitcomb, a true champion for business growth, has worked as a non-profit executive for 13 years after a successful career in the recruiting and staffing industry. In her most recent role as Executive Vice-President of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber, Whitcomb put her deep understanding of strategic planning, membership growth, leadership development, and workforce development strategy to use serving nearly 2,000 members in the 7-county metro area. In addition, she oversaw the growth of 4 of the 6 strategic initiatives of the organization. Angie is an innovator and thought leader; she has proven experience diversifying and growing revenue streams through value-added member focused programming and partnerships.

Prior to joining the Minneapolis Regional Chamber in 2021, Whitcomb served as the President & CEO of the Shakopee Chamber & Visitors Bureau. In her 11 year tenure, Whitcomb transformed the organization into a strong advocacy partner representing over 2,000 companies and 25,000 jobs in the Shakopee area.

“I’m excited for Angie to serve as the next CEO of Hospitality Minnesota – with her deep connections in the business community, passion for workforce development and excitement for hospitality, she will spark positive energy and momentum across all of our industry segments,” stated JJ Haywood, Chair of the CEO Search Committee.

Whitcomb also currently serves as a Trustee for the US Chamber Institute of Organization Management (IOM), the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals. She has served in several leadership roles for this organization since earning her IOM designation in 2014.

Angie states, “I am honored to have been selected to lead the Hospitality Minnesota team as the organization continues to strengthen our advocacy and program offerings to best serve our members and the hospitality industry statewide.”

As the Chair of the Hospitality Minnesota Board of Directors, I’m excited for you to meet Angie and the opportunities for engaging with her will be coming soon.

I personally want to thank my fellow CEO Search Committee members for their dedication and time to this process. Chair: JJ Haywood, Co-Chair (Pizza Lucé): Branden Robinson (South Pier Inn), Members: Howard Anderson (Odyssey Resorts), Jim Benson (Sourcewell) and Joe DeRose (Riverside Resort).

Angie will begin her new role on April 10, and will work during her first week with Liz Rammer, whose retirement was announced in January.

Sincerely,

Cathy Bovard, D’Amico Catering

Chair, Hospitality Minnesota Board of Directors