Pat Mellenthin of Marshall, Minnesota has been selected as the new executive director of The Arc of Minnesota. Mellenthin, who officially began her work with the agency last week, comes to the statewide group from The Arc of Minnesota Southwest, where she has served since 2002 as both development director and later executive director. There she helped bring about the successful merger of several local chapters into The Arc of MN Southwest, expanded the chapter’s programming, and increased the chapter’s fundraising base. She also worked with The Arc of Minnesota as manager of its statewide Civic Engagement Program, helping local affiliated chapters of The Arc develop their skills and knowledge in advocating for public policies that benefit persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

“I am excited to start this position at The Arc of Minnesota,” Mellenthin said. “I strongly believe in its mission, and I have been pleased to have been part of the work of The Arc at the local and state level over the past five years. I look forward to working with local chapters and Arc members as we work for a brighter, more inclusive future for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.”

Mellenthin assumes the executive director position from Steve Larson, who has served in that capacity since October 2002. Larson informed The Arc of Minnesota Board last October that he would like to focus his energies with the agency on public policies affecting persons with developmental disabilities and their families. He will now become the agency’s director of public policy.

The Arc of Minnesota is a statewide, nonprofit organization that supports and advocates for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families as they choose how they live, learn, work, and play in their communities. The Arc of Minnesota has 5,000 members and supporters and 13 affiliated chapters across Minnesota.