Naomi Pesky Named Hennepin Theatre Trust VP of External Relations

Hennepin Theatre Trust has announced that Naomi Pesky will join the organization in November 2014 as Vice President of External Relations to oversee the overall positioning of the Trust and its leadership role in the new downtown Cultural District. Pesky brings more than 15 years of experience in leading teams, building brands and managing marketing and communications in the non-profit and corporate sectors. She will apply her expertise to developing a brand for the Cultural District, refining Trust messaging and leading the implementation of organizational strategies and resource development.

Pesky joins the Trust after serving for five years as Director of Marketing and Communications at Minnesota Philanthropy Partners, a network of more than 1,700 charitable affiliates across Minnesota. Prior to her work at MN Partners, she worked extensively in brand management, with 10 years of experience at General Mills. Pesky serves on the board of Park Square Theatre in St. Paul and the board of Temple Israel in Minneapolis. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern University and a master's degree in business administration from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. Pesky was also a 2012-2013 policy fellow at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.

"Naomi is the right person at the right time for the Trust, bringing a rare combination of experience in philanthropy, marketing, branding and communications as well as talent, relationships and a love of the arts that are vital to advancing our mission," commented Tom Hoch, President/CEO of Hennepin Theatre Trust. "She is a thoughtful, savvy and recognized leader who will play an instrumental role in bringing to life our vision of a vibrant Cultural District filled with arts, culture and economic activity."

Pesky stated, "I'm honored to join the Trust at such an exciting time. I look forward to working with many partners to realize the immense potential of the Cultural District, introducing audiences to the great live performances at the Trust's four theatres, and to engaging donors and the public in the organization's arts, education and community work."

Naomi Pesky will join an existing Hennepin Theatre Trust team that continues to power new Cultural District initiatives such as the Made Here window art showcases in vacant storefronts and Pop-Up Parks, program the historic theatres with unmatched live performances and expand community engagement and educational opportunities.