Tuesday March 24, 2026
MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA NAMES KATIE NELSEN AS VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT
The Minnesota Orchestra announced today that Katie Nelsen has been appointed its vice president of advancement. Nelsen, who currently leads external relations at the Children’s Theatre Company (CTC), will guide the Orchestra’s fundraising vision, overseeing major gift, annual fund and endowment initiatives, and seeking to expand philanthropic opportunities for the organization. She begins her new role on April 13.
“Katie has a significant depth and breadth of fundraising experience in our community,” said Minnesota Orchestra President and CEO Isaac Thompson. “Her reputation as a dynamic organizational leader and exceptional relationship builder make her a natural fit for this role. We are delighted to welcome her to the Orchestra and look forward to collaborating as we continue to broaden the Orchestra’s circle of supporters.”
Nelsen joined CTC in 2017 as its director of development and was promoted in 2025 to senior director of external relations, a role in which she leads the combined efforts of the development, marketing, communications and audience services teams. Prior to that, she served as chief advancement officer for Opportunity Partners (2014-17), a comprehensive provider of employment and residential services for adults with disabilities in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and the Animal Humane Society (2006-2014), where she led development and marketing functions to build long-term sustainable financial support for the organization. Nelsen began her career at Minnesota Public Radio, holding a variety of positions before serving as director of individual giving.
Growing up in the Twin Cities, Nelsen’s connection to the Minnesota Orchestra dates back to childhood. She attended concerts through school field trips and family outings, and later worked at the Orchestra’s summertime Cabaret Pops and Sommerfest concerts.
“I am thrilled to join the Minnesota Orchestra at such an exciting and transformative time,” said Nelsen. “Music has been a throughline in my life—from working at the Orchestra during college to my early career days at Minnesota Public Radio—and it is especially meaningful to return to this extraordinary organization in this new capacity. I am inspired by the opportunity to help advance a bold vision for the Orchestra’s future by strengthening community connections, cultivating philanthropic partnerships, and ensuring that the power of music continues to enrich and unite audiences for generations to come.”
Nelsen has served as a faculty member for the Certified Fundraising Executive Review Course and as an advisory committee member for the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits in reviewing Principles & Practices of Nonprofit Excellence. In 2013, the Minnesota Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professions named her Outstanding Professional Fundraiser of the Year. She has held board positions with the Bethlehem Music Series and Can Do Canines. Nelsen holds a BA in business and music from Luther College and a master’s in arts administration from Saint Mary’s University.
PRESS CONTACTS
Gwen Pappas, Vice President of Communications and Public Relations
Alexandra Robinson, Content and Communications Manager
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