New CEO for Entrepreneur Fund in Duluth named

Shawn Wellnitz has been chosen to succeed Mary Mathews as CEO of the Entrepreneur Fund in Duluth.

Since joining the Entrepreneur Fund in 2007, Wellnitz has served in several roles, including director of business development and executive director. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in entrepreneurship from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and a master’s in business administration from the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Wellnitz was chosen because of his experience and his vision for entrepreneurs in the region, said board Chairwoman Sue Collins.

He replaces Mathews, who served as CEO since the organization’s founding in 1989.

In a prepared statement, Wellnitz said he will build on Mathews’ passion for entrepreneurs by focusing on entrepreneurship as a regional economic development strategy. He also will bring progressive practices to his clients, he said.

The Entrepreneur Fund — formerly the Northeast Entrepreneur Fund — provides services and financial help to new and growing businesses in the Northland.

Tags: business, money