A longtime leader in Minnesota’s nonprofit community, Martin Wera has spent more than 20 years connecting private funding to public causes; from higher education to healthy aging. He has served as Development Director at Trellis and as a Major Gift Officer at St. Catherine University, where he contributed to its largest comprehensive campaign, which raised nearly $150 million. Earlier in his career, Martin was Senior Director of Community Relations for Ameriprise Financial and held roles at nonprofits and foundations in the Twin Cities, Washington, D.C., and Portland, Oregon.
Now, Martin is stepping into the role of Executive Director of the Minneapolis Parks Foundation. In his first week on the job, we sat down with him to hear how it’s going and what excites him about the future of Minneapolis parks.
You’re in your first week with the Minneapolis Parks Foundation — how are you feeling?
The word that keeps coming to mind is excited. I feel energized and extremely grateful. It already feels like a wonderful fit, and I’m inspired by the team, the mission, the strong partnership with MPRB, and the incredible impact our parks have on this community.
What inspired you to lead in the parks and nonprofit space?
I’ve always believed that parks are the heart of a community. They are places where people connect, find joy, and experience nature. Being in a nonprofit role allows me to work at the intersection of community, equity, and sustainability, helping ensure that these public spaces thrive for everyone.
What does philanthropy in the parks space mean to you beyond fundraising?
That’s an interesting question. I often think about the fact that the word philanthropy means “love of humankind” – not love of raising money. It’s about building relationships, fostering stewardship, and creating opportunities for community members to invest in the parks they love.
I think it’s also important to truly build genuine partnerships with donors and level the power dynamic, so to speak, to help everyone understand that by supporting the parks, we all benefit for generations to come. As the saying goes, “we all do better when we all do better”.
What are you most excited about as you begin your work at MPF?
I’m especially excited to build on the momentum around North Commons Park and complete the campaign. Construction is already underway, and the Parks Foundation is so close to meeting its $20 million campaign goal. This community-driven transformation is taking shape in a very real way, and I look forward to helping make it happen.
I’m also energized by initiatives like the People for Parks Fund, which supports programs and projects from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board as well as community-founded, grassroots organizations that uplift both parks and the people who make them special.
And the Parks Endowment is already gaining momentum. The Endowment will allow us to engage residents, donors, and partners in ways that ensure these parks are cared for now and for generations to come. Bringing together community energy, philanthropy, and long-term sustainability is what makes this work so meaningful.
When you’re not working, what is your favorite way to spend a day off?
I’d say I have two answers to that question, because I treasure both family time and, as an introvert, some alone time. The perfect day for me would start with a trail run along one of the many beautiful paths in our parks. I particularly love the Winchell Trail. I spend a lot of time down there. It’s a great place to reset and recharge, just me and my thoughts. After that, I’d spend the rest of the day with my family, enjoying time together in one of our city’s wonderful parks. We live across the street from Longfellow Park, and it has become my family’s backyard. We spend a lot of time there together, playing baseball in the summers, or skating in the winters. I feel so fortunate that my family has access to a place like that.
Rapid Fire Parks Edition
- Favorite Park Activity: Running. When I’m running through Minneapolis Parks in the fall and the leaves start to change, I always think, “Wow, I get to live here!”
- Favorite Park Eatery: Sea Salt Eatery
- Favorite Park: Easy—Longfellow Park. It’s my neighborhood park!
- Unique Park Experience: My wife and I got engaged on one of the bridges down near Minnehaha Falls. It will always hold a special place in my heart.
Martin is thrilled to be stepping into his new role, and he’s eager to connect with the people who make Minneapolis parks so special. From supporting projects like North Commons Park to fostering community partnerships through the People for Parks Fund, he’s focused on ensuring parks thrive for everyone. If you want to meet Martin in person and celebrate the creativity of our local artists, join us at Posters for Parks on October 11—it’s a perfect chance to see inspiring park-inspired art and chat with him about the future of Minneapolis parks.