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Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of Benya Kraus as its next president and CEO, effective June 16. Kraus succeeds Tim Penny, who has served the foundation with distinction for nearly two decades.

A nationally recognized rural leader and social entrepreneur, Kraus brings a deep personal commitment to southern Minnesota and a career defined by advancing rural vitality across the country. As part of a sixth-generation family native to Waseca County, she embodies what it means to choose to live and work in rural Minnesota as a powerful, intentional commitment to community and opportunity.

“Benya represents not just the future of SMIF, but the future of rural philanthropy across Minnesota and beyond,” said Shawn Vogt Sween, SMIF board chair. “She brings an extraordinary combination of vision, humility, operational excellence and a deep personal tie to our region. We could not be more excited for this next chapter.”

Benya most recently served as network advancement director at Resource Rural, supporting a national portfolio of rural development organizations in securing nearly $300 million in federal and state grants over the last year. She previously co-founded and scaled Lead For America, a nationwide nonprofit investing in emerging rural leaders, and led strategic partnerships that secured over $60 million for broadband expansion, early childhood initiatives and small-town revitalization projects. She holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business with concentrations in finance and entrepreneurship.

Reflecting on her new role, Kraus shared, “SMIF has built deep roots by investing in entrepreneurs, supporting young children and families, and strengthening the communities that define this region. I am excited to listen, to learn and to help plant the seeds for an even stronger future — one rooted in belonging, innovation and possibility for all who choose this beautiful region as their home.”

Later this summer, Kraus and Penny will embark on a listening and relationship-building tour across SMIF’s 20-county region. This series of community conversations and storytelling sessions will spotlight the energy, innovation and leadership thriving across southern Minnesota. The tour will celebrate how rural philanthropy, through SMIF and the broader Minnesota Initiative Foundation network, is helping to shape the future of Greater Minnesota.

“Southern Minnesota’s future is bright because of leaders like Benya,” said Penny. “The next generation of leadership is going to define the success of this region. Now, as I step into retirement, I am excited to turn this important role over to Benya who carries the same deep commitment to strengthening our rural places.”

SMIF’s president and CEO search was conducted by Ballinger | Leafblad, an executive search firm dedicated to serving the civic sector, partnering with foundations and nonprofits to identify and recruit exceptional leaders.