Long-Serving Executive Director to Step Down Following 40th Anniversary Event in October
St. Paul, Minn. – February 15, 2022 – Virginia Brophy Achman, who has served as Twin Cities In Motion’s Executive Director since 2004, has announced her decision to step down in December following the 40th Anniversary Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon this fall.
During her tenure with the organization beginning in 2000, Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend, the nonprofit’s signature event, grew to more than 30,000 participants. The organization also developed its current year-round calendar of running events. Likewise, the TCM staff grew from three full-time employees to 21 staff members today. The organization witnessed the expansion of its youth fitness mission and developed a charity fundraising program that has raised nearly $9 million for worthy causes to date.
“I have so many cherished memories from my time at Twin Cities In Motion, and I know even more will be made this year as we celebrate the marathon’s 40th anniversary,” Brophy Achman said. “It is an honor to lead an important Twin Cities institution like the marathon.”
“After 22 years the time is right for me to move in a new direction. I’m gratified to know TCM and the marathon are stronger and better positioned than ever. I leave knowing that, thanks to the current leadership, staff and volunteer teams that drive the event,” she added. “I’m excited to see how the organization evolves in the coming years, just as I’m excited to explore new professional challenges myself.”
Twin Cities In Motion President, Dean Orton, as the organization’s overall leader, has been working with Brophy Achman, the board and staff to address the transition.
“I am grateful to Virginia for the extended notice and the thoughtful process that is allowing us to address this leadership change, ensuring others will be well positioned to keep advancing the organization,” Orton said.
“Everyone is extremely grateful to Virginia for how she’s helped expand and develop the organization,” Orton added. “She is playing a significant role in shaping our recently adopted strategic plan that sets the stage for growth and greater inclusivity. We look forward to celebrating the marathon’s 40th anniversary with her, knowing she has been such an important part of our success.”
Twin Cities In Motion, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is led by a 16-member Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from an array of Twin Cities corporations and nonprofits and is powered by a 390-member year-round volunteer team that serves on planning and execution committees for marathon weekend and other TCM events.
“While Virginia’s impact on the organization cannot be overestimated,” Orton continued, “the marathon and Twin Cities In Motion is positioned for continued success in its next 40 years thanks to the remarkable team that will continue the legacy she helped build.”
Twin Cities In Motion will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon at this year’s event which runs from September 30 through October 2. The celebration will include new features for runners, kids and spectators.
The weekend includes the Health & Fitness Expo at Saint Paul RiverCentre which opens on Friday, September 30, as well as the TC 10K, presented by Dermatology Consultants, the TC 5K, presented by Fredrikson & Byron, P.A., and the Medtronic TC Family Events all taking place at the State Capitol grounds in St. Paul on Saturday, October 1.
The historic weekend culminates on Sunday, October 2, with the Medtronic TC 10 Mile and Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon which runs from downtown Minneapolis to the State Capitol Grounds. Twin Cities In Motion expects more than 30,000 participants for this year’s event.
Twin Cities In Motion (TCM) is the region’s premier running event company. Its mission is simple – ignite everyone’s inner athlete. TCM is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit that organizes dozens of events throughout the year, including the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, a Top 10 U.S. marathon, to provide opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and experiences to live an active, healthy lifestyle. Collectively, TCM and its charity partners that fundraise at TCM events regularly give back more than $1 million annually to a variety of causes. For more information, visit us at tcmevents.org, or find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @tcmarathon.
