There is new, temporary leadership at a prominent Minnesota business advocacy group after the sudden departure of the prior top executive.
The Minnesota Business Partnership named Erika Nelson and Abby Loesch as interim co-CEOs after the resignation of Kurt Zellers.
Zellers had run the organization since September 2023. He has a background in Republican politics, having served a stint as Minnesota House speaker and an unsuccessful run for governor in 2014.
The group didn't provide a reason for his departure, saying only that he βis no longer with the organization.β He didnβt return a message about his status.
βOur focus remains on advancing our mission and ensuring continuity for our partners, stakeholders and the communities we serve,β said Sarah Barten, the partnershipβs communications director.
The partnership represents senior executives at Minnesota's largest companies. It has a team of lobbyists at the Capitol. They have traditionally advocated for lower taxes, less regulation and improvements to state education policy, among other topics.
A search process has begun to find a new chief executive.
The job is a prime spot often occupied by ex-lawmakers or those with government experience. The organization holds annual dinners that attract Capitol movers and shakers.
Nelson has been chief of staff at the partnership and is a former top staff member to U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Democratic candidate for governor. Loesch was in charge of the groupβs education and workforce policy efforts and has deep experience in Republican politics.
Itβs just one of the big shifts ahead for the Minnesota business community.
Doug Loon announced in May he would retire as president and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce at the end of this year. He had led the 6,300-member group since 2015. No successor has been named and a search process is in progress.
Meanwhile, the Minneapolis and St. Paul chambers of commerce have been exploring a possible merger since 2025.