About Maren Amdal

For more than a decade I’ve helped people and organizations pair plans with vision, build strategic initiatives and operational direction, and strike a balance between art and administration.

As a professional association executive director, strategic planning consultant, and music director for one of Minnesota’s oldest performing arts organizations, I unify collective dreams with the complex realities of nonprofit management.

My passion for non-profits is evident in my life and work.  Working with, for and leading non-profits since 1997, I love what happens when a “small group of thoughtful, committed people” sets out to improve a community, unite under a common cause, change the world.  I get excited when I can offer an idea or framework that allows a group to see itself differently, to envision success, to attain bigger goals.  I like to work with both practical, detail-oriented individuals, but also foster an atmosphere where creativity can flourish.  Working within the confines of limited budgets, small staff and passionate volunteers make my job exciting.  I like watching the process unfold as new ideas are adopted and long-standing programs are enhanced.

My commitment to my work goes beyond career and professional development; beyond being successful – to being joyful.  Earning the CAE credential is certainly a testament to my passion for organizational development and excellence; but perhaps more telling is the joy I find in spending a Sunday afternoon in my kitchen with the wall covered in sticky notes, a pot of soup bubbling on the stove, as I work with a colleague through a complete organizational restructure; or a Friday night with a glass of wine in front of my fireplace, laptop tuned to PowerPoint, drafting the first version of an organizations new 3-year plan; or a Saturday morning amid markers and easel boards, sharing doughnuts and coffee and dreams in the company of a committed group of volunteers.

No one wants to trudge to success. So, let’s work together to find the “play” in your organizational planning — I promise the results will be worth it!

Awards, Appointments & Memberships

  • Centennial 100 Women of Promise, Girl Scouts River Valley, 2012
  • 40 Under 40 Honoree, The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, Minneapolis, MN, 2011
  • Fellow, Feminist Leadership Fellowship, University of Minnesota, Humphrey Institute, Minneapolis, MN, 2008
  • Board Member, Lake Harriett Spiritual Community, Minneapolis, MN, 2010-11
  • Board Member, Wirth Community Grocery, Minneapolis, MN, 2010-present
  • Member, National Association of Professional Women, 2011-present
  • Member, Minnesota Women’s Consortium, St. Paul, MN, 2005-present
  • Member, American Society of Association Executives, Washington, DC 2009-present
  • Member, Midwest Society of Association Executive, Roseville, MN 2009-present
  • Member, BWN (Business Women Network), Minneapolis, MN 2010-present