About MCEA
The Minnesota Community Education Association (MCEA) is the statewide professional association dedicated to supporting Community Education professionals and the programs they lead. Since 1972, MCEA has empowered educators across Minnesota to strengthen the impact of lifelong learning in their communities.
Through professional development, networking, leadership support, and legislative advocacy, MCEA provides the tools, relationships, and statewide voice that help over 2,200 members grow in their role and strengthen the field as a whole.
MCEA is committed to promoting the impact of Community Education for individuals, families, and communities. We are a trusted partner—working alongside professionals to navigate challenges, advocate for funding and policy support, and build strong, inclusive Community Education programs. We equip and support community educators by fostering collaboration, delivering high-quality learning, tools, and resources, responding to emerging needs, and advancing the programs that create meaningful impact in local school districts and communities.
At its core, MCEA believes strong programs start with supported people. That’s why we are committed to investing in the professionals behind the work, ensuring they have the tools, relationships, and statewide support they need to lead with confidence and create lasting impact.
MCEA is Here for You.
Support. Connect. Grow.
Our Mission
MCEA provides the leadership, resources and support services needed to develop and sustain leading-edge Community Education programs and services.
Equity Statement
MCEA believes purposeful engagement is the role of Community Education to ensure awareness and accessibility to quality opportunities and resources inclusive of the needs of ALL community members, in order to eliminate opportunity gaps, grow as individuals, and positively impact communities.
What is Community Education?
For more than 50 years, Community Education is a philosophy and a partnership that brings people together to strengthen communities through lifelong learning. Rooted in the belief that schools are community hubs, Community Education connects individuals of all ages with opportunities to learn, grow, engage, and thrive. Minnesota Community Education programs are funded through a combination of state aid, local levies and participant fees.
Community Education programs offer a wide range of services including early childhood and family education, youth enrichment, adult learning, recreation, aquatics, senior programming, school-age care, facility use, volunteer opportunities, and community partnerships. Each program is designed to meet the unique needs of its local community while fostering belonging, connection, and lifelong success.
Our Strategic Plan
Every year, the MCEA Board of Directors renews its guiding principles and establishes an annual vision plan.
- Inclusion – diversity in membership
- Innovation – pursuit of new directions, partnerships
- Member engagement – engage current members, recruit new members, develop new leaders
- Communication – communicating with both internal and external audiences
- Research development – identifying emerging trends, best practices
In December of each year, the MCEA Board, along with Committee Chairs, meet as a group to determine the upcoming year’s goals for the Association. The following are the 2024 goals:
GOAL: Develop and execute a 3 year strategic planning framework, emphasizing three key pillars: engagement, sustainability, and professional growth.
Our History
Founded in 1972, the Minnesota Community Education Association (MCEA) was established to unite and support the professionals leading Minnesota’s growing community education movement. Since then, MCEA has served as the statewide professional association dedicated to advancing lifelong learning for all ages.
As community education has evolved to meet the changing needs of Minnesota’s communities, MCEA has evolved alongside it—providing the resources, connections, and support professionals need to strengthen their programs and expand their impact. Today, MCEA continues to champion innovation, foster meaningful partnerships, and empower community education professionals to build stronger, more connected communities.
Past Presidents
2025 – Rachel Amdahl
2024 – Bob Sumner
2023 – Carrie Cabe
2022 – Joel Dahl
2021 – Cory Franson
2020 – Kristine O’Brien
2019 – Jeremiah Mack
2018 – Lynn Jenc
2017 – Dave Maurer
2016 – Jackie Johnston
2015 – Brian Siverson-Hall
2014 – Wendy Webster
2013 – Scott Wallner
2012 – Laurie Denn
2011 – Katie Williams
2010 – Heidi Cunningham
2009 – Mary Hughes
2008 – Karen Schaub
2007 – Steve Kerr
2006 – Charlie Blesener
2005 – Tom Holton
2004 – Shawn Kasianov
2003 – Melanie DeLuca
2002 – Dan Kuzlik
2001 – Doug Spray
2000 – Bev Fritz
1999 – Hannah Puczko
1998 – Tom Lisec
1997 – Doug Johnson
1996 – Michelle Peacock (Reberg)
1995 – Jim Brandl
1994 – Ted Sauer
1993 – Diana Kasper
1992 – Bob Wittman
1991 – John Fredericksen
1990 – Mike Looby
1989 – Tom Larson
1988 – Bridget Gothberg
1987 – Chuck Klaassen
1986 – Nick Temali
1985 – Marilyn Kerns
1984 – Duane Gates
1983 – Martha Stanley
1982 – Jim Stewart
1981 – Art Ingersoll
1980 – Denny Carlson
1979 – Don Kramlinger
1978 – Dick Lennes
1977 – Jim Klassen
1976 – Tom McMullen
1975 – Tom Fish
1974 – Paul Boranian
1973 – Larry Decker