Summit Academy OIC has hired executive leader Ted Mondale to deepen partnerships within the Twin Cities business community. In this new role as VP of Workforce Partnerships, Mondale will connect with employers and corporations across the region who are looking to grow and diversify their talent solutions. This work will advance economic equity in the Twin Cities and across the entire region.
Mondale has had a successful career holding leadership positions for numerous public and private entities. Most recently, Mondale served in the New Business Development & Government Relations role at Atomic Data in Minneapolis. In that role, Mondale partnered with Summit to create and implement new IT trainings that resulted in hiring 65 Summit graduates for entry-level jobs.
“Summit exists to train low-income adults and launch them on their pathway from poverty to prosperity—that means getting a job and ultimately building a career,” said Leroy West, President and CEO of Summit Academy OIC. “To do this critical work, we need strong partnerships with local employers, and that’s exactly why Ted was the right person for the job. Ted’s knowledge of the local business and economic landscape will prove valuable in sustaining our current employer partnerships and expanding and growing our reach to meet the workforce demands of today and tomorrow.”
“There is a great need right now to fortify the workforce and create a sustainable pipeline of skilled and diverse talent,” said Ted Mondale, VP of Workforce Partnerships at Summit Academy OIC. “I am excited to join the team at Summit to build partnerships with employers across our region. Together, we will meet their hiring needs and move low-income adults from poverty to prosperity.”
Prior to his time at Atomic Data, Mondale was appointed by Governor Mark Dayton to be the CEO and Executive Director of the Minnesota Sports Facility Authority. Between 2011-2017, he was responsible for the design, construction, and ultimately the operation of U.S. Bank Stadium. This included negotiating and securing contracts with local and state governments and private sector entities including the Minnesota Vikings, Ryan Companies, and Mortenson Construction.
Under Mondale’s direction, the construction of U.S. Bank Stadium exceeded workforce goals (32% minority and 6% women) with 37% minority and 9% women represented in the stadium workforce—in large part due to hiring Summit students and graduates. The project was completed ahead of schedule and within budget.
Mondale has also held leadership roles as the Vice President of Strategy and Research for GREATER MSP, Chair of the Metropolitan Council from 1999-2002 where he secured funding for the Hiawatha Light-Rail line which was delivered on-time and within budget. Mondale also served as a Minnesota State Senator from 1990-1996.
In January 2003, Mondale founded Nazca Solutions, a Software as a Service (SaaS) company. As CEO, he raised $11M of start-up capital from investors and secured contracts with nine national settlement service companies. In 2009, Nazca achieved profitability and in 2010, Mondale successfully negotiated the sale of the company to First American Corp.
Mondale has not only led a successful career in the Twin Cities, but he has also been involved in the community in various ways. He currently sits on the Advisory Board of the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs and has been a former Board Member for Friends of the Mississippi River, HousingLink, and William Mitchell College of Law.
Mondale holds a J.D. from the William Mitchell College of Law and a B.A. from the University of Minnesota.