Dr. Matt Hillmann Selected as Next Executive Director of MASA
February 11, 2026
(Medford, MN) — The Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) is pleased to announce that Dr. Matt Hillmann has been selected as the association’s next Executive Director, effective July 1, 2026.
Dr. Hillmann will succeed Dr. Deb Henton, who will retire from the role on June 30, 2026, after serving six years as MASA’s Executive Director.
“Dr. Hillmann is a highly respected leader with a deep commitment to Minnesota’s public schools and the administrators who serve them,” said Dr. Stacie Stanley, MASA President and Superintendent of Saint Paul Public Schools. “His experience as a superintendent, his extensive service to MASA, and his ability to build trust and collaboration across communities position him exceptionally well to lead MASA into the future.”
Dr. Hillmann currently serves as Superintendent of Northfield Public Schools, a role he has held since 2016. With more than 30 years of experience in public education, he has served in nearly every role across a school district, including teacher, principal, and central office leader overseeing human resources, finance, operations, technology, and communications. His leadership experience spans districts of varying sizes and geographic contexts, providing him with a strong understanding of the diverse challenges facing school leaders across Minnesota.
An active and longstanding MASA member, Dr. Hillmann has served as MASA President, as well as on the MASA Board of Directors and numerous committees, including legislative and equity-focused efforts. He has also engaged deeply in MASA’s professional learning system, having participated in the Great Start Cohort for New Superintendents and Administrators, Aspiring Superintendents Academy, and the Advanced Leadership Academy.
“I am deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as MASA’s next Executive Director,” said Dr. Hillmann. “MASA plays a critical role in supporting school leaders, advocating for public education, and ensuring that students across Minnesota have access to high-quality learning opportunities. I look forward to building on the strong foundation established under Dr. Henton’s leadership and working in partnership with our members, board, and staff to advance this important work.”
Dr. Hillmann was named Minnesota Superintendent of the Year in 2023 and was subsequently selected as a finalist for the AASA National Superintendent of the Year. He has been recognized for his leadership, communication, and commitment to equity. Throughout his career, he has remained actively involved in mentoring and developing future school leaders and has taught educational leadership courses at the university level.
Dr. Hillmann earned a doctorate in educational leadership, a specialist degree in educational administration, and a master’s degree in education technology from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He received a bachelor’s degree in history from St. John’s University (NY).
MASA is a professional organization serving Minnesota’s education administrators. As advocates of a world-class education for Minnesota’s learners, MASA members serve as the leading voice for public education, shape and influence state and national education policy, and empower leaders through high-quality professional learning, services, and support. MASA represents school superintendents, assistant superintendents, special education directors, curriculum leaders, and other central office administrators across Minnesota.
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