Matt Kramer is the new president and CEO of Vision Loss Resources. The veteran Twin Cities executive and government official will take the helm of the Little Canada-based organization in March. He succeeds longtime nonprofit leader Kate Grathwol. 

Kramer is leaving a high-profile job at the University of Minnesota, where he has served off and on for several years. He was former Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s chief of staff and commissioner of employment and economic development, leaving state government in 2009 to go to the U of M to work in business relations. 

He was then president and CEO of the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce for six years, before returning to the university in 2017. He was most its vice president for university and government relations, and most recently served as interim vice president of university services. 

In a statement, U of M President Joan Gabel said, “Kramer has elevated the university’s voice here in Minnesota and throughout the world. And I am especially grateful for his efforts over recent months to lead university services during these unique times. He has been an invaluable partner to me, and I, like many across the university system, will miss his expertise and roll up your sleeves mentality, as well as his quick wit and commitment to teamwork.” 

Kramer takes the helm of one of the state’s older disability services organizations. Vision Loss Resources has its roots in separate Minneapolis and St. Paul service organizations that date back many years. The current organization was formed in 1955. For years it had separate Minneapolis and St. Paul facilities, recently moving to suburban Ramsey County. Vision Loss Resources provides education, support and social activities for people who have visual disabilities.