Linda Ireland

Linda Ireland splits her time between governance and engaged philanthropy. In a career crossing eight industries and a dozen different functional leadership chairs, Linda plays one role consistently: help people envision an ideal future, then think backwards to create the cultural and operational transformation necessary to achieve it.

Linda is an active director on private and not-for-profit boards. She has chaired the boards of Braun Intertec Corporation, Social Venture Partners Minnesota (both currently) Hennepin Theatre Trust, and Community Health Charities America. She has also led governance, audit, and several ad-hoc committees.

In corporate roles, Linda was co-founder and partner of Aveus, a boutique global consulting firm. Clients and colleagues appreciated Linda’s ability to cut through the clutter, defining her as dynamic and collaborative. Prior to Aveus, Linda served in seven progressive positions over nine years at Deluxe Corporation, driving emerging growth for three brands, and leading groups in corporate development, operations, manufacturing, product development and intrapreneurial startup. At Genesis Direct, Linda helped this acquisition roll-up model achieve 27 acquisitions / integrations, a successful IPO, and growth from $15 million to $350 million dollars.

Linda holds two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Minnesota. She earned a master’s in business from the University of St Thomas and taught in the school’s MBA and Executive MBA programs for 15 years.

She is committed to the systemic change needed to close health, economic and racial equity gaps, and invests her time, talent, and dollars to see a world free of these injustices. She is insatiable as a global traveler, photographer and learner.

Education

• Master of Business Administration - MBA University of St. Thomas - Opus College of Business
• Bachelors (2) University of Minnesota

Companies

• Board Member EquaSpace (2019)
• Independent Board Director World Savvy (2018)
• Investing Partner and Immediate Past Chair of the Board Social Venture Partners Minnesota (2017)
• Independent Board Director Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare (2016)
• Independent Director and Immediate past Chair of the Board Braun Intertec Corporation (2013)
• Co-Founder and Partner Aveus (2002 — 2017)
• Director and Former Chair of the Board Hennepin Theatre Trust (2006 — 2016)
• Adjunct Professor University of St. Thomas - Opus College of Business (1996 — 2009)
• VP, General Manager Wilsons Direct Wilsons Leather (1999 — 2000)

Skills

• Operations Management
• Leading Change
• Cross-functional Team Leadership

Other

Change Management, Marketing Strategy, Customer Experience, Strategic Planning, Leadership, Strategy