Minneapolis Community Technical College Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to accessible education, Minneapolis Community Technical College empowers individuals through diverse programs and community engagement, fostering career advancement and personal growth.

Leadership Roles at Minneapolis Community Technical College

  • Chief Financial Officer - Christopher Rau
  • President - Jill Bremel
  • President-Elect - Shannon O'Brien
  • President - Sharon Pierce
  • 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 all financial operations and fiscal strategy. Rau oversees budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation, ensuring the institution's financial health and sustainability. This leadership role involves managing institutional investments and optimizing revenue streams to support the college's mission of providing affordable, high-quality education. By maintaining stringent financial controls, Christopher Rau ensures compliance with all relevant regulations and reporting standards. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight extends to procurement processes and the management of all financial assets, directly impacting the college's capacity to deliver its diverse range of programs across information technology, health sciences, and trade technologies. Rau's strategic financial management underpins the college's ability to offer accessible pathways to degrees and certificates, thereby enhancing career prospects for its students.

    Jill Bremel - President

    Jill Bremel, the President at Minneapolis Community Technical College, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the institution. Bremel guides the college's overall mission, focusing on delivering affordable pathways to high-quality degrees, diplomas, and certificates. This leadership position involves fostering a culture of academic excellence and community engagement across all departments, from health sciences to trade technologies. By championing the college's commitment to empowering individuals, Jill Bremel ensures that diverse student populations have access to attainable education options that enhance career prospects. The President's responsibilities include overseeing institutional planning, external relations, and resource development, working collaboratively with faculty and staff. Bremel's vision drives the college's impact in downtown Minneapolis, solidifying its role as a key provider of career-focused education and lifelong learning opportunities.

    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 strategic initiatives. O'Brien works closely with current leadership to understand and advance the college's mission of providing accessible, high-quality educational pathways. This preparatory role involves deep engagement with all facets of the college's operations, including academic programs in information technology, design, and business, as well as financial and operational management. By focusing on the college's commitment to empowering individuals, Shannon O'Brien supports the ongoing efforts to enhance career prospects for students through flexible and attainable education. The President-Elect's responsibilities include familiarizing with institutional governance, community partnerships, and long-term planning to ensure a smooth transition and continued institutional success. O'Brien's involvement is crucial for maintaining momentum in delivering vital educational services to the Minneapolis community.
    Shannon O'Brien

    Sharon Pierce - President

    Sharon Pierce, the President at Minneapolis Community Technical College, directs the institution's comprehensive strategic vision and operational execution. Pierce leads the college in its commitment to offering affordable, high-quality degrees, diplomas, and certificates, serving as a cornerstone for career advancement in the Minneapolis region. This leadership role encompasses fostering innovation across diverse program areas, including health sciences, liberal arts, and trade technologies, ensuring students receive relevant and impactful education. By prioritizing community engagement, Sharon Pierce strengthens the college's ties with local industries and organizations, enhancing internship and employment opportunities for graduates. The President's oversight extends to institutional development, faculty support, and student success initiatives, driving the college's mission to empower individuals through accessible education. Pierce's leadership ensures Minneapolis College remains a vital resource for attainable learning and professional growth.

    Stephanie Hammes-Betti - Foundation Board President

    Stephanie Hammes-Betti, the Foundation Board President at Minneapolis Community Technical College, leads the philanthropic arm dedicated to supporting the institution's educational mission. Hammes-Betti oversees fundraising initiatives and strategic investments aimed at enhancing student access to high-quality degrees, diplomas, and certificates. This pivotal role involves cultivating relationships with donors, community partners, and stakeholders to secure vital financial resources. By championing the college's commitment to empowering individuals, Stephanie Hammes-Betti ensures that the foundation's efforts directly contribute to attainable education options and improved career prospects for students across all program areas, including information technology and business. The Foundation Board President's responsibilities include guiding board governance, approving financial allocations, and advocating for the college's needs. Hammes-Betti's leadership is instrumental in generating the supplementary funding that allows Minneapolis College to expand its reach and impact within the community.

    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 implementation and maintenance of all technological systems, network security, and data management protocols. This critical role ensures that students and faculty have access to reliable and advanced digital resources, supporting flexible and attainable education options. By driving innovation in information technology, Tony Zahler enhances the learning environment and operational efficiency across all academic divisions, including design, business, and liberal arts. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include developing long-term IT roadmaps, managing technology budgets, and safeguarding institutional data. Zahler's strategic vision for technology directly supports Minneapolis College's commitment to empowering individuals through education and community engagement, ensuring seamless access to online learning platforms and administrative systems.

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    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 Jill Bremel (President) and Shannon O'Brien (President-Elect).
    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), Jill Bremel (President), Shannon O'Brien (President-Elect) 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-Elect, President, Foundation Board President.