MREA Names Darrin Strosahl Next Executive Director

MREA’s Board of Directors is thrilled to announce Darrin Strosahl as its new Executive Director. Strosahl is a leader in rural education, currently serving as Superintendent at Plainview-Elgin-Millville Public Schools.

“On behalf of the Board, we have full confidence in Darrin’s ability to lead MREA into the next chapter, with a continued focus on advocacy, communications, and an exceptional member experience,” said Michelle Rinke Koch, High School Principal at Menahga Public Schools and MREA Board President. “His passion for leading and growing the voice of Greater Minnesota education was abundantly clear during the interview process.”

Strosahl believes that “rural education serves as a root system for community growth. It is a source of pride, a way to share and become close with community members. The quality of rural education draws people back to rural areas and it must produce results to help communities thrive.”

Throughout his career, Strosahl has served in various education leadership positions in addition to his current Superintendent role. At Northwest Technical College in Bemidji, Strosahl served as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Operating Officer, as well as Academic Dean of Skilled Trades and Industry Division at St. Cloud Technical and Community College. Prior to that, Strosahl served as Superintendent at Foley Public Schools and at Kingsland Public Schools, where he also served as Principal.

MREA’s Board of Directors and staff is excited about the unique combination of experience and skills that Strosahl will bring to the role as MREA’s Executive Director.

“It is exciting to be able to get to do the work of advocating, celebrating, and supporting the remarkable work and accomplishments of public education in Greater Minnesota,” Strosahl said. “I’m both humbled by and honored to be selected to serve the MREA members, Board and staff as Executive Director.”

Strosahl will join MREA in July, following current Executive Director Bob Indihar’s retirement from the position.