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Guest column by Tim Penny

After 18 years of sharing stories with southern Minnesota readers, this is my last op-ed as president and CEO of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF). As I prepare to retire, I do so with immense gratitude and pride. For nearly two decades, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside passionate individuals, dedicated partners and visionary communities all unified by a common goal: to build a stronger, more vibrant southern Minnesota. Together, we’ve championed small towns, nurtured early childhood development and empowered rural entrepreneurs — creating a legacy that will continue to grow and evolve far beyond my tenure.

This journey has been deeply personal and much more than a career — it’s been a calling. Growing up near Kiester, and later serving southern Minnesota in Congress, I’ve long believed in the power and promise of rural places and the people who call them home. At SMIF, I’ve seen that spirit in action every day. It has been an incredible honor to help lift up those stories, support those dreams and be part of a shared journey that continues to inspire me.

As SMIF approaches its 40th anniversary, I couldn’t be more confident in the road ahead. The foundation is in exceptional hands, guided by a remarkable team and bolstered by strong community partnerships.

I am so proud to pass the torch on to Benya Kraus, who will be starting as SMIF’s next president and CEO in mid-June. Benya has deep family roots in Waseca County, going back six generations. More importantly, she brings with her a fresh perspective and an inspiring track record as a rising leader in rural development, earning national recognition for elevating the value of rural living. Benya represents the next generation of leadership in our region, and I have every confidence that she will bring energy, vision and purpose to the role.

Benya’s work is grounded in both lived experience and a deep commitment to community. As a co-founder of Lead for America, she has led efforts to reconnect young people with their hometowns and invest in homegrown leadership. Her values and approach align beautifully with SMIF’s mission, and I know she will honor the foundation’s legacy while charting bold new paths. Southern Minnesota is fortunate to have her, and I look forward to cheering on her success as she helps shape the future of this region we all love.

While I am turning the page on this chapter, I will always be a champion for southern Minnesota, and going forward I will gladly volunteer some time to assist SMIF where appropriate. In fact, I am excited to share that a new endowed fund has been established in my name to support small towns across our region — ensuring this work will flourish.

I am deeply grateful to all of you for your friendship, your trust and the chance to serve a place I will always proudly call home.

If you are inclined to donate to the Tim Penny Small Towns Fund, visit smifoundation.org/smalltownfund.

As always, I welcome your comments and questions. You can reach me at timp@smifoundation.org or 507-455-3215.

Tim Penny is the president and CEO of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation. He represented Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1982 to 1994.