Hennepin Arts Names Kimberly Motes as New CEO
The Minneapolis nonprofit appoints a veteran arts leader to manage its downtown venues and 600,000 annual visitors.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in People
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Hennepin Arts has appointed Kimberly Motes as its new president and CEO. Motes transitions to the Minneapolis-based nonprofit following her recent leadership tenure at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
Why it matters
The appointment marks a significant leadership shift for the organization, which manages downtown venues attracting 600,000 annual visitors. Motes inherits the role as Hennepin Arts seeks to maintain its position as a central cultural operator in the city.
Hennepin Arts oversees downtown venues that host 600,000 annual visitors. The organization filled the permanent CEO position following the 2026 departure of Todd Duesing.
The players
Kimberly Motes
An arts executive who previously led the Chicago Shakespeare Theater and the Children's Theatre Company.
Hennepin Arts
A Minneapolis nonprofit that operates multiple downtown venues and hosts 600,000 annual visitors.
Andrea Mokros
The interim leader who managed operations at Hennepin Arts before Motes' appointment.
Todd Duesing
The former executive who concluded his leadership tenure at Hennepin Arts in 2026.
The details
The board of Hennepin Arts selected Motes following her time as executive director of Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Her background includes extensive local experience, having served as the administrative leader of the Children's Theatre Company from 2016 to 2023 and leading the Shubert Theater restoration effort starting in 2002. She replaces interim president and CEO Andrea Mokros.
Timeline
November 30, 2026: Kimberly Motes begins her role as president and CEO.
2026: Todd Duesing departed from Hennepin Arts.
2016-2023: Kimberly Motes led the Children's Theatre Company.
2002: Kimberly Motes began leading the Shubert Theater restoration effort.
Market Landscape
This appointment follows the pattern set by the 2002 Shubert Theater restoration effort by prioritizing leadership with deep local historical ties. Motes enters the role as the organization navigates a transition following the departure of its previous long-term leadership.
Operators in the Minneapolis cultural sector should monitor how Motes' prior experience at the Children's Theatre Company influences future programming and venue management partnerships. Changes in leadership often signal shifts in operational procurement and community engagement strategies for local arts nonprofits.
The takeaway
The appointment of Motes highlights the importance of leveraging institutional history when selecting executive leadership in the nonprofit arts sector. Operators should note her official transition date of November 30, 2026, for upcoming partnership or vendor outreach scheduling.
Further reading
For more on local leadership changes, visit People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Star Tribune.
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