Dr. Heather Huseby Announces Retirement Effective at the End of December 2021

Dr. Heather Huseby, Executive Director of YouthLink for the past 17 years, today announced her retirement effective at the end of December 2021. YouthLink, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit providing supportive resources to teens and young adults experiencing homelessness for more than 45 years, serves nearly 2,000 young people annually. The YouthLink Board of Directors will soon begin the process of engaging a search firm to find and hire a new executive director.

“Time with young people has been the most rewarding part of my 17 years as Executive Director of YouthLink,” said Dr. Huseby. “I’ve been fortunate to build relationships with hundreds of young people, wonderful colleagues, unbelievable supporters, tireless board members and tremendous community leaders. YouthLink, as a youth-centered agency, is well-positioned to more than meet the needs of young people with its inclusive nature and quality of comprehensive services now and into the future. I look forward to the next phase of my journey as I continue to make a difference in the lives of young people by using my experience, skills and talents in new ways. And, of course, as I simply take time to celebrate joy and love with my family, including my four beautiful grandchildren.”

“This is a bittersweet moment for all of us,” said Steve Cramer, Chair of the YouthLink Board of Directors and President/CEO of the Downtown Council and Downtown Improvement District. “Dr. Huseby’s vision, passion and leadership has inspired all of us for more than 17 years. Her mark on the agency will leave a legacy of youth centeredness and the significance of inclusive youth voice in all we do. In recognition of this, the YouthLink Board of Directors unanimously and enthusiastically is committed to recognize Dr. Huseby with the position of Executive Director Emeritus upon her retirement. In that capacity, she will assist with the transition to a new agency leader next year. We will greatly miss the enthusiasm and ideas she brought to reality for the young people served.”

As the YouthLink board discusses and finalizes the transition, it will continue to uphold the foundational principles and strategic direction of the organization. Additional information about YouthLink can be found on our website at http://www.youthlinkmn.org.