National Loon Center Announces First Executive Director

The National Loon Center in Crosslake has announced their first executive director. Effective January 4, 2021, the Center will welcome Jon Mobeck to the position.

Mobeck is a graduate of Bethel University in St. Paul. He was born and raised in Minnesota but spent the past two decades advancing both conservation and commerce in Rocky Mountain resort communities. Most recently, Mobeck served as Executive Director of the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation in Jackson, WY from 2016-2020. Prior to that role, he acted as Executive Director of The Murie Center in Grand Teton National Park and earlier served Jackson Hole, WY and Park City, UT in communications roles for the Chambers of Commerce in those two renowned resort communities.

In a release, Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber President and NLC Board member Matt Kilian said, “Jon has all the characteristics we were looking for in this position: experienced leader, inspirational fundraiser and the entrepreneurial spirit! His key leadership objectives will be to build a diverse team of donors and funders to raise $6 million by the summer of 2022.”

Until the Center is built, the Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce will employ the new Executive Director through a contract with the National Loon Center Foundation. The Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation was hired by the Foundation to manage the critical hiring process.

Mobeck said in a release, “I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to join a community of visionary leaders in this exciting initiative.”