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MASA Announces the 2026 Regional Administrators of Excellence

Date postedFebruary 18, 2026
Posted By: Dave Christians Association Updates, Recognition,

For Immediate Release: February 18, 2026

Contact: Deb Henton, Ed.D., deb.henton@mnasa.org
Executive Director, MASA
Direct: 651-439-7719

(Medford, MN) - The Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) has announced the recipients of the 2026 Regional Administrators of Excellence Awards. Each of the administrators who received this award is recognized for their leadership, concern for students, and active involvement in professional and community affairs. The recipients will be honored at a statewide recognition ceremony during the MASA Spring Conference, March 19-20, 2026.

Established in 1985, the purpose of the Region Administrator of Excellence Award is to honor an administrator each year from each of the nine MASA regions. The person selected is representative of the leadership excellence found in MASA members, exhibits a willingness to risk, possesses strong communication skills, is a progressive change agent, and has high expectations for themself and others. Each recipient is an active member of MASA who demonstrates professional and organizational leadership within their respective region. MASA members of each region determine the recipient of their local award.

2026 MASA Regional Administrators of Excellence Award Recipients

  • Region 1: Dr. Evan Gough, Superintendent, Goodhue School District
  • Region 2: Dr. Eric Hudspith, Superintendent, Waseca Public Schools
  • Region 3: Mr. Ryan Nielsen, Superintendent, Canby Public Schools
  • Region 4: Dr. Brandon Lunak, Superintendent, Moorhead Area Public Schools
  • Region 5: Ms. Jeannie Mayer, Superintendent, Verndale Public School District
  • Region 6: Mr. Eric Olson, Superintendent, Monticello School District
  • Region 7: Mr. Nathan Libbon, Superintendent, Cromwell-Wright Schools
  • Region 8: Dr. Jeremy Olson, Superintendent, Bemidji Area Schools
  • Region 9: Ms. Zena Stenvik, Superintendent, Columbia Heights Public Schools

Each year, MASA recognizes members for their contribution to public education. MASA is a professional organization of Minnesota’s school leaders, including superintendents, assistant superintendents, directors of special education, and other central office administrators, as well as state department administrators, college and university professors, and other educators throughout Minnesota dedicated to educational leadership for students.

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