Move Minnesota Announces New Leadership
Move Minnesota is thrilled to announce that Sam Rockwell will become our new executive director on December 16.
“When we launched our executive director search this summer, we set out to find a strategic, collaborative leader committed to growing Move Minnesota and our movement for equitable transportation options. Someone with a vision for creating change, who values building relationships, and really understands how transportation policy and infrastructure impact people’s lives. Sam brings that and more. We’re so excited for him to apply his curiosity, passion, and his lived experience as a year-round transit rider, pedestrian, and bicyclist as he steps into this role. I’m confident that Sam is ready to lead and ready to grow with our organization, and I am so enthusiastic about what the future holds for Move Minnesota and this movement,” said Move Minnesota’s board chair, Ken Rodgers.
Our sincere thanks to Linnea House for serving as our interim executive director throughout this transition. Linnea will resume her role as Move Minnesota’s director of finance and administration next month, and we are grateful to have her continued leadership on our team.
Move Minnesota’s new executive director Sam Rockwell is a long-time advocate for our climate and for social justice. His background in transportation and land use spans organizing and policy and includes work with the University of Minnesota Foundation Real Estate Advisors, the Center for Prevention at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, the New York City Council, Columbia University’s Earth Institute, the World Wildlife Fund, Transportation Alternatives, and the Environmental Tax Policy Institute. He has also worked as a musician, handyman, and delivery tricycle driver. Sam holds a JD, magna cum laude, from Vermont Law School and is president of the Minneapolis Planning Commission. He lives in the Twin Cities metro with his wife Molly and their three very energetic kids.
“I am extremely excited to join Move Minnesota!” Sam shared. “Improving our transit and people-focused transportation systems is a crucial part of stabilizing our climate and building more just and equitable systems in society. Move Minnesota has a long history of pursuing this work and of inspiring others to join its efforts. I am honored to join the team and contribute to the ongoing legacy of this organization.”
A meet-and-greet event on Friday, January 10, will give supporters an opportunity to connect with Sam once he’s officially joined the Move Minnesota team later this winter. Event details will be released soon. Check our events calendar and sign up for Move Minnesota emails to stay updated!