Minneapolis Community Technical College Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Minneapolis Community Technical College has 6 executives leading key functions including finance, information technology, leadership, and board governance.

Driven by a commitment to accessible education, Minneapolis Community Technical College empowers individuals through diverse programs and community engagement, offering affordable pathways to high-quality degrees and certificates in downtown Minneapolis.

Leadership Roles at Minneapolis Community Technical College

  • Chief Financial Officer - Christopher Rau
  • President - Sharon Pierce
  • President - Jill Bremel
  • President-Elect - Shannon O'Brien
  • Foundation Board President - Stephanie Hammes-Betti
  • Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer - Tony Zahler
  • Christopher Rau - Chief Financial Officer

    Christopher Rau, the Chief Financial Officer at Minneapolis Community Technical College, directs the institution's financial strategy and operations. Rau oversees all fiscal activities, including budgeting, financial planning, accounting, and resource allocation, ensuring the college maintains financial stability and sustainability. This leadership role involves managing the college's assets and liabilities, optimizing revenue streams, and controlling expenditures to support educational programs and institutional growth. Rau's financial oversight is critical for maintaining the affordability and accessibility of the college's degrees, diplomas, and certificates. By implementing sound financial policies, Christopher Rau ensures that resources are effectively deployed to meet the college's mission of empowering individuals through education and community engagement. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to compliance with financial regulations and reporting requirements, safeguarding the college's financial integrity.

    Sharon Pierce - President

    Sharon Pierce, the President at Minneapolis Community Technical College, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the entire institution. Pierce guides the college's mission to offer affordable pathways to high-quality degrees, diplomas, and certificates, fostering an environment of academic excellence and community engagement. This leadership position involves setting institutional priorities, overseeing all academic and administrative departments, and representing the college to external stakeholders, including government officials, community partners, and the public. Pierce's vision is instrumental in ensuring the college effectively serves its diverse student population seeking to enhance their career prospects. By championing educational innovation and accessibility, Sharon Pierce drives the college's commitment to empowering individuals through education. The President's role encompasses fostering a culture of continuous improvement and ensuring the college's responsiveness to the evolving needs of the workforce and the community.

    Jill Bremel - President

    Jill Bremel, the President at Minneapolis Community Technical College, directs the strategic vision and operational execution of the institution. Bremel is responsible for advancing the college's commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education across a wide array of programs, including health sciences, information technology, and trade technologies. This executive role involves fostering strong relationships with faculty, staff, students, and community leaders to ensure the college meets its educational and career development objectives. Bremel's leadership focuses on enhancing student success and employability, aligning educational offerings with market demands. By championing initiatives that promote affordability and student empowerment, Jill Bremel reinforces the college's role as a vital resource for career advancement in downtown Minneapolis. The President's oversight ensures the college's continued impact on individual lives and the regional economy.

    Shannon O'Brien - President-Elect

    Shannon O'Brien, the President-Elect at Minneapolis Community Technical College, prepares to assume executive leadership and guide the institution's future trajectory. O'Brien is actively involved in understanding and shaping the college's strategic priorities, focusing on its mission to deliver affordable, high-quality educational pathways. This transitional role involves collaborating with current leadership to ensure a seamless transition and continuity of operations, particularly concerning the diverse range of programs offered. O'Brien's focus is on reinforcing the college's commitment to empowering individuals and enhancing career prospects through accessible education. By engaging with institutional operations and strategic planning, Shannon O'Brien is positioning the college for continued success in serving students seeking diplomas and certificates. The President-Elect's responsibilities include familiarizing with all facets of college administration and academic delivery.
    Shannon O'Brien

    Stephanie Hammes-Betti - Foundation Board President

    Stephanie Hammes-Betti, the Foundation Board President at Minneapolis Community Technical College, leads the philanthropic arm of the institution. Hammes-Betti spearheads efforts to secure funding and resources that support student success, program development, and institutional initiatives beyond operational budgets. This leadership role involves engaging with donors, community leaders, and alumni to cultivate financial support for scholarships, technology upgrades, and special projects. The Foundation Board President plays a crucial part in enhancing the college's capacity to offer affordable pathways to high-quality degrees and certificates. By driving fundraising campaigns and strategic partnerships, Stephanie Hammes-Betti ensures the foundation effectively contributes to the college's mission of empowering individuals through education. Hammes-Betti's governance guides the foundation's financial stewardship and its impact on the college's long-term viability and growth.

    Tony Zahler - Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer

    Tony Zahler, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer at Minneapolis Community Technical College, architects the institution's technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Zahler leads the IT department, overseeing the development, implementation, and maintenance of all technology systems, networks, and digital resources that support academic and administrative functions. This includes managing cybersecurity initiatives, ensuring data integrity, and enhancing the technological capabilities available to students and faculty. Zahler's role is pivotal in providing the technological foundation necessary for delivering flexible and attainable education options, supporting diverse programs across various fields. By driving innovation in information technology, Tony Zahler ensures that Minneapolis Community Technical College remains at the forefront of educational technology, facilitating seamless learning experiences and operational efficiency. The Chief Information Officer's strategic vision guides the college's digital transformation efforts.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Minneapolis Community Technical College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Minneapolis Community Technical College?
    Minneapolis Community Technical College is led by Christopher Rau (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Sharon Pierce (President) and Jill Bremel (President).
    Who is part of Minneapolis Community Technical College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Minneapolis Community Technical College includes leaders such as Christopher Rau (Chief Financial Officer), Sharon Pierce (President), Jill Bremel (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Minneapolis Community Technical College have?
    Minneapolis Community Technical College has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Minneapolis Community Technical College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Minneapolis Community Technical College includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, President, President, President-Elect, Foundation Board President.