SPNN's Executive Director Mike Wassenaar announces his resignation

It is with a mix of excitement and sadness that we announce the resignation of our Executive Director, Mike Wassenaar. Mike has led the organization since 2000, bringing stability and guidance. Everyone at SPNN will be very sad to see him go, but we look forward to the next chapter in our history, as the Board of Directors conducts a search for a new leader. We wish Mike the best of luck in all his future endeavors, which we are certain he will be successful in.

From Mike Wassenaar, Executive Director of SPNN:

After 13 years as Executive Director of St Paul Neighborhood Network, I have asked our Board of Directors to consider my resignation effective March 1, 2013 and have asked the SPNN Board of Directors to begin the process of selecting a new Executive Director to have in place prior to my departure.  

I am extremely proud of SPNN and the work we do every day as educators and community media producers.  This is a far different organization than the one I found in 2000, and today I can say I will be leaving a healthy, growing organization that is recognized as a leader in community media and technology across the United States.

We have grown and deepened our television programming about local issues and life in Saint Paul in that time.   We have expanded our online media offerings to reach people via the internet and social media.  We have grown youth media programs that are recognized across the nation.   We work every day with diverse populations to help them communicate their story well.  And we have become a recognized leader in digital literacy education in Minnesota and the U.S.

SPNN has also given me the ability to work with community media organizations all across the United States.  This has helped me learn about innovations in our field, but it has also helped me cherish how special things are in Saint Paul. 

I have found the work at SPNN exciting because we always try to respond to our community’s needs as they emerge.  But in my heart and my head, I know that I must leave to pursue other opportunities. My gratitude has to go to all of our partners, our funders, our donors, our members, and our staff and volunteers.   They are too many to mention here in this brief space.  You have all taught me a great deal about leadership, service and the meaning of community as we do work in community media at SPNN.   Thank you.        

From Cody Fleishfresser, President of the Board of Directors of SPNN:

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank Mike for his service to the organization and our mission.  Although we are sad to see him go, we are excited for him as he initiates this next stage in his life and his career.  We are also excited for SPNN, and for the future of our organization. 

Under Mike’s leadership, SPNN has grown into a community media organization that is a valued asset to the people of St. Paul, and a nationally recognized leader in our field. The Board of Directors looks forward to working with our new Executive Director to build upon this strong foundation and legacy.

Over the course of the next few months, we will conduct a national search to find our new Executive Director.  During this search, our priority will be to find the best candidate for the Executive Director role, but to also ensure stability and continuity throughout the organization.  This is why we plan on having our new Executive Director in place prior to Mike's departure.  Both Mike and the Board of Directors want to ensure that this will be a smooth transition that will not disrupt the great work that SPNN is doing on a daily basis.   

Again, we thank Mike for his vision and leadership over the past 13 years and wish him continued success in his next endeavor.  We look forward to the next chapter at SPNN, and continuing to build community through media.