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Rapson stepping down as head of McKnight Foundation
by Euan Kerr, Minnesota Public Radio
May 31, 2005

Rip Rapson is stepping down as president of the McKnight Foundation. He has held the post since 1999. (Photo courtesy of the McKnight Foundation)

Rip Rapson is stepping down as president of the McKnight Foundation, the state's largest. Rapson has led the Twin Cities-based foundation since 1999.

St. Paul, Minn. — During Rapson's tenure as the head of the McKnight Foundation, he has worked to find new ways to apply the foundation's resources, and to jump-start change in a tight economic climate. The foundation's activities range from the arts to economic development.

"Following new board leadership, the time is right to introduce new perspectives and explore fresh approaches to McKnight's continuing evolution," said Rapson. "That has been the history at McKnight, and is a part of the healthy cycle of vital and creative philanthropy."

Erika L. Binger, chair of The McKnight Foundation board of directors, praised Rapson's leadership.

"Rip proved himself to be as adept at leading the organization during the economic belt-tightening of recent years as he was during the economic boom times that marked his arrival at the foundation," said Binger. "He leaves a legacy of a foundation that has a stronger infrastructure and a more thoughtful strategic planning process."

Rapson will remain at McKnight as a senior fellow, working on national and local projects.

"One of the accomplishments of which I am most proud is having brought together diverse people in a wide variety of new conversations about the future of Minnesota," said Rapson. "Although The McKnight Foundation has been an extraordinary springboard to begin those discussions, I am eager to explore other ways of contributing to the shaping of our community's future."

Prior to joining the foundation, Rapson was a senior fellow at the University of Minnesota's Design Center for American Urban Landscape, where he led an effort to help revitalize aging suburban communities. Earlier, Rapson served for four years as deputy mayor of Minneapolis.

The McKnight Foundation is the largest in Minnesota, with $2 billion in assets. It distributes about $90 million each year in grants.

Peggy Birk, a senior vice president at Federated Insurance Companies of Owatonna, will serve as interim president of the foundation. The foundation will conduct a national search for a new president.