A Sustainable Future and Business Impact

Kate Nordstrum was named Executive and Artistic Director of The Great Northern—a 10-day festival that celebrates winter culture in Minneapolis and Saint Paul in an era of climate change—in December 2019. An “innovative impresario” (Pioneer Press) and “storied matchmaker” (Star Tribune) of artistic programming, Nordstrum also owns and manages Liquid Music (New York Times' “Best of Classical”), is co-founder/director of curatorial collective Infinite Palette, and produced the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s celebrated Fluxus Festival at its centennial. Named "Best Independent Producer" by the Star Tribune, Nordstrum's current/recent projects include copresentations and partnerships with the Walker Art Center, National Gallery of Art, Cincinnati Symphony, MASS MoCA, Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, On Being, Baryshnikov Arts Center, LA Philharmonic, Palm Springs Art Museum, Bedroom Community, New Amsterdam Records, Symphony Space, and American Swedish Institute. Nordstrum’s previous employers include Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, New York City Center, and The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra (where Liquid Music was founded in 2012). Nordstrum has been widely praised for her programmatic vision and catholic tastes, with media outlets describing her as “the most adventurous music curator in town” (MinnPost), “a presenter of rare initiative” (Star Tribune), and "Twin Cities' curatorial powerhouse with international pull” (Minnesota Public Radio). Her work in the field of performing arts planning and communications is extensive.

Gregg Mast serves as the Executive Director for Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM). CEEM is an industry-led, non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening Minnesota’s clean energy business ecosystem. The organization provides a unified voice for clean energy business across the state with a mission to provide educational leadership, collaboration, and policy analysis that accelerates clean energy market growth and smart energy policies. Mr. Mast has nearly 20 years of professional experience in project development, resource analysis, feasibility and financial analysis, and fuel risk management in the clean energy sector. He possesses deep expertise in the economic, marketing, financial, environmental, and policy aspects of clean energy. Mr. Mast has served as Vice President of The BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota where he was responsible for developing a long‐term strategic direction for Minnesota in the areas of renewable energy and renewable materials. Early on in his career, Mr. Mast worked in a variety of corporate finance and management capacities, including at Allianz Life, a wholly‐owned subsidiary of Allianz SE and Target Corporation. Mr. Mast received a B.A. from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and a M.B.A. in Finance from the Opus College of Business at the University of St. Thomas.

Amber is a Conservation Biologist by trade and education, and lives in Minneapolis with her husband, chocolate lab, and daughter. After graduating college in her home state of California, she traveled the U.S. teaching environmental education to urban youth and children with special needs. She also spent time managing biological field stations in Ecuador and Paraguay before meeting her husband and settling in Minnesota. Amber has been involved in zero waste living since early 2017, prompting her to start ZeroWasted.net as a resource for others wanting to live more sustainably. She loves to talk to anyone and everyone about ways they can reduce their waste. In her free time, she loves hiking, camping, the dog park, and being outside with friends.

Princess Haley, a proud Chicago native, has worked and served in Minnesota for more than twenty five years.  At AFC she is a co-founder and the Senior Engagement Officer.  She has a BS degree in Urban Teaching, her specialized studies are in Psychology, African History, Community Organizing and Life Coaching.  She believes that health is wealth and balances her life with painting, writing, performing and public speaking. Princess is passionate about creating space where people can find solutions to their own issues.  She is a teacher, a mother and a possibility thinker, who believes that human connections are strengthened in the garden, at the cutting board and the dinner table.