Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee Adds to Executive Team

MINNEAPOLIS, June 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee today announced the hiring of three seasoned executives to help the state prepare for Super Bowl LII, which Minneapolis will host in February 2018. David Haselman joins the Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee as Chief Operating Officer;  Wendy Williams Blackshaw as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales; and Dana Nelson as Executive Director for the 2018 Super Bowl LII Legacy Fund. The new hires will join Host Committee Chief Executive Officer Maureen Bausch in bringing Super Bowl LII to Minnesota in February 2018.

"We have a bold plan for Super Bowl LII and we need a bold team to deliver results for Minnesota and realize the more than $400 million in economic benefits from hosting the game," said Bausch. "This is our opportunity to showcase Minnesota and the Bold North to the world and we will be ready."

As Chief Operating Officer Haselman will lead all operations for the state's festival surrounding Super Bowl LII, including logistics, traffic management plans, securing venues, working with law enforcement, and overseeing finance and business connections. Haselman has more than 35 years of operations experience with leading companies including Triple 5 Worldwide, NBC Universal, Northwest Airlines and Mall of America.  

"Exceptional operations are critical to the success of Super Bowl LII," said Bausch. "Dave and I were colleagues at Mall of America so we are very experienced working with each other and know each other's strengths. Dave understands what it takes to lead a world-class operation and tourist destination and that experience will be invaluable as we quickly ramp up operations for Super Bowl LII."

Williams Blackshaw's role as SVP of Marketing and Sales has her leading all branding and theme work around the Minnesota showcase, including  launching and maintaining the "Bold North" brand and securing corporate sponsorship efforts. Williams Blackshaw has more than 30 years of experience in marketing and strategic counsel services, most notably as Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Sun Country Airlines, building their "Hometown" airline brand success.

"Wendy is known for her highly strategic and focused approach with expertise in brand development, business development and marketing. She is a proven leader with ability to motivate and inspire team members – which makes me thrilled to have her on the team," Bausch said.

As the Executive Director for the 2018 Super Bowl Legacy Fund, Nelson will focus on creating and implementing a charitable fund that supports the health, wellness and safety of Minnesota kids.  Nelson currently serves as the Executive Director of GiveMN and has led the organization since its inception.  She has been instrumental in its five successful Give to the Max Day events, which continues to be one of the largest online giving events in the world.

"Our goal is to generate and distribute funds that will help organizations in our state with both programs and capital expenses.  We want to ensure that Super Bowl LII leaves a lasting positive impact on Minnesota and we are excited to have someone as accomplished as Dana on our team to lead our effort," Bausch said. "I believe she is the perfect person to help us use this amazing platform to create a lasting impact in our community and state."

SOURCE The Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee