Kirsten Kennedy

Kirsten Kennedy is the executive director of the Minnesota Center for Employee Ownership (MNCEO), where she leads the organization’s efforts in networking, fundraising, program expansion, and education. She works to connect business owners, employees, and other key stakeholders across Minnesota with the knowledge and resources needed to explore and embrace employee ownership.

Before joining MNCEO, Kirsten served as mayor of North Branch, Minnesota, where she championed economic development, affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, and support for individuals facing chronic mental health challenges and homelessness. Kirsten holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in political advocacy and leadership from the University of Minnesota. She has also earned a certificate in continuous improvement management and a Six Sigma Lean Black Belt in healthcare from the Management and Strategy Institute. A dedicated advocate for grassroots community building and social justice, she recently completed a prestigious Bush Fellowship, focusing on improving community health.