2024 CEO Transition
After several decades of dedicated service, including more than ten years as president and CEO, Lynn Noren has announced her retirement. Her advocacy has transformed the lives of people with disabilities and opened doors for thousands of people in Minnesota and Wisconsin, leaving an enduring impact in our communities.
Lynn is more than someone we see in the halls at Rise, she’s also a friend and mentor. We will miss her dearly, but we are also excited about what’s next. Thanks to her leadership, Rise is ready to keep growing and changing as we stay focused on our mission to support people to live their best lives.
A Letter From Lynn
Lynn Noren supporting a person served during Rise's early years.
Lynn Noren smiles with a Rise picnic attendee in 2021.
Greetings,
I wanted to share with you that I will be retiring from Rise, likely by the end of 2024. I have been working with the Rise Board of Directors for some time to plan for my retirement, so while this news is now being shared publicly, it’s important to know we’ve been planning for the transition for a while. This year, I will celebrate 45 years of service to Rise---that’s a long run! I have loved every minute of my tenure, and I will forever be inspired by the work of this incredible organization.
The time is right for me for several reasons. Together, we have made great progress to advance our programs and services as well as Rise’s administrative capabilities in my time as President & CEO. That collective work will support Rise’s future so I feel confident that a new leader will join us at a time that is ripe for developing future strategies for the organization. Personally, I have learned in life that some people don’t get the opportunity to enjoy a robust retirement, and I really want to enjoy that phase of life. I have retirement goals that will hopefully allow me more time to travel, work in my gardens and volunteer in the community. My family is also very important to me, and I’ll be able to spend more time supporting them in my retirement.
The Board and I have been planning for a smooth transition. They have engaged a search firm to assist in the process of recruiting a new President & CEO. I am committed to be involved as long as is needed to support the new leader. We will be sharing updates with you as the position gets posted and when the new leader is hired. It was important to me to share this news with you myself and we will continue to share news with you as we go through this process.
Rise is an important part of my life, and I feel so fortunate to have worked closely with the exceptional people we serve, their families, our incredibly talented team members, and community supporters. In many ways, I grew up at Rise at the same time Rise was “growing up”, and I treasure that experience. I plan to stay involved with Rise in the future, cheering the organization on as a valued supporter.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for everything.
Lynn Noren
Executive Search and Transition Timeline
Information and events will be added to this timeline as they become available.
May 9, 2024
Lynn Noren's retirement is announced.
June 2024
Position description will be published.
Join us to Celebrate Lynn's Retirement!
August 19, 2024 | 5 p.m.
Forgotten Star Brewery
38 Northern Stacks Dr, Fridley, MN 55421
Please join us for an open house celebration of Lynn's storied career!
Refreshments will be provided, with food and drinks available for purchase.
Lynn smiles with Terry Keyes for the camera.