Collider Foundation Announces Leadership Transition as Executive Director Amanda Leightner Accepts Role with City of Rochester
Collider celebrates exceptional growth and strong organizational foundation as it prepares for next chapter of impact
ROCHESTER, MN – Collider Foundation announced today that Executive Director Amanda Leightner will be departing to assume the role of Economic Mobility Specialist for the City of Rochester. During her tenure, Leightner led the organization through a period of extraordinary growth by expanding services to Rochester entrepreneurs and building a strong operational and financial foundation for continued impact.
Under Leightner's leadership alongside co-founder Traci Downs, Collider Foundation grew over tenfold in organizational capacity and impact. The Foundation greatly expanded its reach to over 250 entrepreneurs a year, added four new team members, and developed comprehensive programs focused on removing barriers and increasing access to capital for local entrepreneurial communities. The organization currently operates with a substantial financial runway and well-structured programs designed to scale.
"We are excited for Amanda and the professional opportunities this new role provides for her," said Pamela York, Board Chair of Collider Foundation. "For Collider, she has been an exceptional leader. Under her vision, we've grown our training and educational programs and entrepreneurial services significantly. The organization is ready to expand to the next level — by offering capital for business growth, creating a strategic hub for connections, and building even more partnerships across the community to systemically support entrepreneurship."
"It has been an honor to serve Collider and Rochester's entrepreneurial community," said Amanda Leightner. "I'm extremely proud of what we've accomplished together and excited to see the organization continue to grow and deepen its impact. This transition allows me to continue supporting economic opportunities in our community from a different vantage point, and I'm excited for Collider's future."
The Foundation will be conducting a comprehensive search for a new Executive Director. The Board of Directors is seeking a forward-looking leader excited to amplify Collider's scale and impact during this next era of organizational growth.
"The current team, with Amanda at the helm, has been a gamechanger for Rochester—everything is in place as she built a strong foundation and created an impressive trajectory of growth," former Board Chair, Traci Downs added. “I can’t wait to see how the next chapter of Collider unfolds; the sky’s the limit.”
The Foundation has deepened its impact as it joined the Rochester Economic Development Center, expanded programming with everything from CO.STARTERS to an intensive incubator program, enhanced connectivity opportunities, and increased social interaction and co-working space for entrepreneurs. These initiatives have created measurable pathways for Rochester entrepreneurs to access resources, start their businesses, and contribute to Rochester’s economic vitality.
About Collider Foundation
Collider Foundation supports entrepreneurs in Rochester, MN by removing barriers to success and increasing access to capital, training, and strategic connections. Through comprehensive programming and community partnerships, Collider empowers entrepreneurs to launch, grow, and scale their businesses while building a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. For more information, visit www.collider.mn
Media Contact:
Pamela York, Board Chair
Collider Foundation
(507)-722-0306
hello@collider.mn
