Diane Herman (former board member)

Diane Herman is a consultant with Cincinnatus, a Minneapolis-based strategy consulting firm. Diane pioneered the concept of strategic leadership, which she defines as strong management and a committed, effective board continually focused on the powerful ideas that will advance the mission. With a focus on strategic planning and board development, she has helped dozens of nonprofit organizations become more effective.  

Before joining Cincinnatus in 1990, Diane was a marketing professional at the Pillsbury Company, where she developed competitive business strategies for both mature and emerging businesses. Prior to her marketing career, she worked in public policy positions with the Governor of Minnesota and the Minnesota Senate majority leader.

Diane has a long history of community involvement and currently serves on the board of Friends of the Mississippi River and as a board member emeritus of Graywolf Press. She lives on the Saint Croix River, a National Wild and Scenic River, where she and her family can indulge in their love of the out-of-doors. She and her husband have traveled extensively throughout the world.

Education:  MBA in marketing from the Carlson School of Management; BA degree from the University of Minnesota.

Lives:  Downtown Minneapolis (overlooking the Mississippi) and Scandia (overlooking the Saint Croix.) "I grew up in Red Wing, a beautiful Mississippi river town, and have always been fortunate to live on or near the river."

Family:  Husband John (an environmental attorney) and three grown children

Hobbies:  Gardening, kayaking, hiking, biking, skiing

Interesting books:  The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan and Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. "I love food, preparing food and gardening, and I have a strong interest in sustainable food systems."

Favorite Mississippi River location: Trails on the west side of the Minneapolis riverfront north of the Hennepin Avenue bridge, "You're in the heart of downtown, but it feels very natural."

Memorable vacations: Kayaking in, among other places, India, Chile, Baja California, New Zealand and Botswana.