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John McClellan announces retirement as Executive Director of the Herb Brooks Foundation

12/14/2017, 2:15pm CST
By Let's Play Hockey

Under McLellan's leadership, enrollment in the Foundation’s programs has quadrupled to over 1,200 young players.

The Herb Brooks Foundation announced today that John McClellan will be retiring from his position as Executive Director of the Herb Brooks Foundation, where he has served since 2011.

“I have totally enjoyed this experience,” McClellan said. “The kids in our programs, our coaches, parents, volunteers, our board members, and all the hockey people who care about giving back to the sport we all love.”

The mission of the Foundation is to grow the game of hockey, and McClellan and the board have targeted their outreach to inner city populations who would be unlikely to experience the sport of hockey without the Foundation’s free programs like Rink Rats.

“We redefined and focused the mission of the Foundation,” said McClellan. “That’s what enabled the subsequent growth in our programs. We focused our energy on doing what others weren’t. 

“I remember one session in Saint Paul,” McClellan recalls. “I had parents explain that their kids had never been on skates and said were fearful they didn’t belong. I told them if they would pledge to bring their kids to a second session, I would guarantee we would get them skating. We didn’t even put sticks in their hands until session five, but by session six the kids were not only skating, they were scrimmaging.

“That’s what it’s all about.”

Under his leadership enrollment in the Foundation’s programs has quadrupled to over 1,200 young players, and Rink Rats after-school and evening programs are now held at 16 locations in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. This summer, the Foundation organized six summer clinics, and registrations filled. 

McClellan came to the Herb Brooks Foundation after 34 years of experience in public education, including 24 years as the Superintendent of the Centennial School District. His administrative acumen provided the business vision to stabilize the financial position of the Foundation and he established internal business processes that will set the Foundation up for future success.

McClellan also credits the many partnerships that the Foundation established under his leadership, including the St. Paul and Minneapolis Police Athletic Leagues, Morrie’s Automotive Group, RBC Financial, Butzow Family Foundation, the Minnesota Wild, the National Sports Center, the National Hockey League Players’ Association, Ramsey County, Let’s Play Hockey magazine, Dave’s Sport Shop Friends of St. Paul Hockey, FHIT Hockey, Sticks in Stillwater, the Dinomights hockey program, and the Minnesota State High School League for the Herb Brooks Award, which is presented each year at the State Tournament.

He  coached youth hockey from mites to summer college players for 25 years starting in St. Peter then in Worthington, and then in the Centennial Youth Hockey Association.  

While superintendent at the Centennial School District he was instrumental in raising public support and funding to build the Centennial Sports Arena, and later, the Lino Lakes YMCA. McClellan currently serves on the Anoka-Ramsey Community College Advisory Board and the National Sports Center Advisory Board.

“The legacy John McClellan has created has introduced thousands of new kids to the sport, and has created new hockey players and fans for generations to come,” said Herb Brooks Foundation Chair Ross Bernstein. “His creative energy and passion pushed us to undertake programs that were not easy. The fact that we have been successful is something we’re all proud of, and it would not have been possible without John’s leadership.”

“The Miracle on Ice and my father’s legacy continues live on through the hard work and passion John McClellan has exhibited,” said Dan Brooks, Herb Brooks Foundation board member and Herb’s son.  “Our family will be forever indebted to John for his outstanding work at the Herb Brooks Foundation as Executive Director.  We hope he enjoys retirement!” 
 


Executive Director search details:

The HBF Board announced an immediate search for a new executive director. For a full position description and application procedures, go here: http://bit.ly/2ktiEAw

Here is the executive director position description and application procedure:

About the Herb Brooks Foundation 
The Herb Brooks Foundation (HBF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that utilizes the values and passion of Coach Herb Brooks to fulfill its mission of growing the game of hockey; to give kids a positive experience in the game; and to learn life lessons. 

The HBF is based at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota, with office space and administrative support provided through a partnership with the National Sports Center. The HBF operates the Herb Brooks Training Center on the NSC campus, a dryland hockey training facility. 

More information: www.herbbrooksfoundation.com.

The Executive Director position
The HBF is seeking applicants for the position of Executive Director. This position is roughly 60 percent time. Compensation will be commensurate with experience. Applicants should have some experience in each of the categories listed below. 

Here are the components of the position, in order of priority and importance:

1.    Chief Fundraiser
The Executive Director will be responsible for leading efforts, and doing much of the on-the-ground work, to raise funds for the organization. The major fund raising properties and opportunities include the annual HBF Golf Classic, the conceptual Herb Brooks Inspiration Center, potential fund-raising events such as a Hall of Fame Banquet, fundraising gala, sponsorships, individual giving, and other fundraising opportunities to be identified. 

2.    Program Management
The Executive Director will be responsible for managing existing and new HBF programs, including the Rink Rats program, special clinics, Let’s Play Hockey Expo and other community events. Program management involves scheduling staff, coaches, and volunteers, maintaining the HBF equipment inventory, and developing partnerships to further program development. 

3.    Fiscal and Operational Management
The Executive Director is responsible for maintaining the financial health of the HBF, filing required tax forms, and reporting financial information to the board of directors. The ED will also prepare materials for board meetings and committee meetings, and is expected to keep the board informed and involved with all aspects of the Foundation’s business operations. 

4.    Future Strategic Planning
Together with the board of directors, the Executive Director is expected to take the lead in planning the future strategic vision for the HBF. 

How to apply:
Please send a resume and cover letter to the Barclay Kruse, the Herb Brooks Foundation’s Chief Communications Officer, bkruse@mnsports.org.  No phone calls please. 
 

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