The Business of Nonprofits in Minnesota: Trends and Insights

Nonoko Sato serves as president & CEO of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN), one of the largest state associations for nonprofits in the United States. In this role, she leads a talented team that works to strengthen the sector through capacity-building efforts and strategic advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels, ensuring nonprofits can effectively serve their communities and advance the public good. A trusted voice with policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and philanthropic partners, Nonoko has elevated MCN’s profile as a deeply respected thought leader and advocate in building civic trust, advancing justice, and strengthening nonprofit capacity particularly during periods of political polarization and economic uncertainty. She often briefs decision-makers, cited and published in news outlets, and speaks publicly on issues affecting the sector, including the essential role of nonprofits in advancing justice and community well-being, and strengthening civic trust and democratic institutions. Before becoming President & CEO, Nonoko served as MCN’s Associate Director, where she oversaw operations and programs and launched BenefitsMN, an association health plan expanding access to affordable healthcare for nonprofit employers. Nonoko serves or has served on several boards and advisory bodies, including the National Council of Nonprofits, Governor Walz’s Council on Economic Expansion, Carleton College, Theater Mu, and Rooted to Last, among others. Her leadership is grounded in a deep commitment to equity, cultural humility, and inclusive governance.

James Behnke is the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer at Alight, a global humanitarian organization dedicated to providing health, shelter, and opportunity to displaced people. Joining the executive leadership team in late 2025, James oversees the organization’s financial strategy and administrative operations, ensuring resources are effectively aligned to support Alight’s mission-driven work worldwide. With over 25 years of experience in finance and operations, James has built a career grounded in “radical accountability” and empathy. Before joining Alight, he served as Chief Financial Officer at The Center for Victims of Torture, where he spent six years navigating the complex operational and funding environment of an international nonprofit. Prior to transitioning into the nonprofit sector, James spent 20 years in the private sector, with experience across banking, investments, and entrepreneurial organizations. This foundation informs his pragmatic, disciplined approach to financial leadership and organizational performance. Deeply committed to community service, James serves on the Board of Directors for the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation in St. Paul, Minnesota. He holds degrees from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management and the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, where he developed the foundation for his human-centered approach to executive leadership.

Thabani Sinkula is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of CaringBridge, a leading nonprofit social network that connects patients and caregivers with their support communities. An accomplished finance executive with a career spanning over two decades, she is recognized for her ability to balance rigorous fiscal management with a deep commitment to social impact. In 2025, she was honored as one of the Top Women in Finance by Finance & Commerce, reflecting her leadership in navigating complex organizational transformations. Before stepping into the nonprofit sector, Sinkula built an impressive corporate foundation at Fortune 500 companies, including General Mills, Cargill, and Mars Inc. A dedicated advocate for education and neurodiversity, Sinkula serves on the Board of Trustees for Bryn Mawr College and the board of the Groves Learning Organization. She is also a passionate mentor, focusing on empowering the next generation of female CFOs and strengthening the financial sustainability of the nonprofit community.

Jen Polzin is passionate about building strong teams, leading positive change, and creating environments where people can live their best lives and do their best work. Since joining Tubman in 1992, she has worked with survivors, community members, volunteers and staff, serving as Chief Executive Officer since 2015. Jen has extensive experience working directly with people of all ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds who have experienced relationship violence, trafficking, homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges. Her deep expertise in strategic planning, program design, collaborative community engagement initiatives, fundraising, and public policy work helps make Tubman a leading organization that continues to evolve to meet community needs. She is a proud member of the BizWomen Leadership Council, the Women Presidents Organization (WPO), the Minnesota Women’s Economic Roundtable, and has served on several community boards. Jen was adjunct faculty in the Department of Human Relations and Multicultural Education at St. Cloud State University for eight years, where her classes focused on understanding how power, privilege, resources, institutions and ethnocentric culture affect racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, ageism and disability issues. Jen has a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications, and earned her Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from St. Catherine University.