Marcus Schmit has been named executive director of NAMI Minnesota — the National Alliance on Mental Illness — effective Oct. 27, 2025.
Marcus Schmit.
(Courtesy of NAMI Minnesota)
Schmit succeeds Sue Abderholden, who led the organization for more than 20 years.
Schmit is currently executive director of Hearth Connection, a nonprofit that focuses on ending long-term homelessness through supportive housing and systems partnerships.
He also served as assistant commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Corrections, director of Advocacy at Second Harvest Heartland, and held senior posts with MNsure and with Tim Walz, when he was a member of Congress.
“Marcus brings deep policy expertise, proven nonprofit leadership, and a personal commitment to advancing Minnesota’s mental health system,” shared Jessica Gourneau, president of NAMI Minnesota’s board of directors, in a statement. “We are excited for the vision, energy, and relationships he will bring to build on Sue’s extraordinary legacy and lead NAMI Minnesota into its next chapter.”
The organization is holding its annual NAMIWalks Minnesota on Saturday at Minnehaha Regional Park in Minneapolis. The event this year is themed “Mental Health for All,” and is to feature a program at 12:30 p.m. followed by a 5K walk at 1 p.m. There also will be a resource fair, family-friendly activities, free parking and shuttle service, and no registration fee.
Both Abderholden and Schmit are expected to attend the event.
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