Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. Announces 2025 Volunteer of the Year Recipients

Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. is proud to announce the 2025 Volunteer of the Year recipients, recognizing outstanding individuals whose leadership, service, and commitment have made a lasting impact on our organization, our business community, and the Greater Mankato region.

The Annual Meeting, presented by Taylor, will be held on Tuesday, March 10, from 11 am to 1 pm at Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Centennial Student Union. To register, please visit the Greater Mankato Growth website at greatermankato.com/annual-meeting.

The Volunteer of the Year awards will be presented at the Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. Annual Meeting, where members, stakeholders, and community leaders will gather to celebrate accomplishments, recognize volunteer leadership, and highlight the collective work that strengthens our region.

2025 Volunteer of the Year Award Recipients

Greater Mankato Growth Volunteer of the Year: Jake Ward, Forward Minded Media

Greater Mankato Growth is proud to recognize Jake Ward of Forward Minded Media as the 2025 Volunteer of the Year for his exceptional commitment to advancing the organization and the Greater Mankato region.

Jake serves in multiple impactful roles across the community, including as a Greater Mankato Growth Ambassador, Young Professionals speaker, Greater Mankato CEO Program board member, and 1 Million Cups contributor. His consistent leadership, enthusiasm, and dedication to lifting others have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the organization and the business community.

“I believe thriving communities are built when local leaders share their time, talents, and experience. By staying involved, I’m helping nurture our area’s economic vitality and creating opportunities that make our region an even better place for families and businesses to thrive,” said Jake Ward

Visit Mankato Volunteer of the Year: Jeff Lang, Radio Mankato
Visit Mankato recognizes Jeff Lang of Radio Mankato as the 2025 Volunteer of the Year for his outstanding dedication, community leadership, and unwavering support of Greater Mankato.

Jeff is a constant advocate for the region, promoting local events, supporting Visit Mankato initiatives, serving on committees, recruiting volunteers, and lending his voice, energy, and time wherever needed. Known for his welcoming presence both on-air and in the community, Jeff’s passion for Mankato, “always say yes” attitude, and genuine community spirit have made a lasting impact on residents, visitors, and partners alike.

“My passion for Mankato and this community comes from the people who make it special. Volunteering is about showing up, supporting what’s happening in our region, and helping create connections that make this place stronger for everyone. You’re never truly part of your community until you give back,” Jeff shares. 

Downtown Partnership of Mankato-North Mankato Volunteer of the Year: Jessica Potter, Blue Earth County Historical Society
Serving on the board for seven years, Jessica played a key leadership role in the organization’s transition from the City Center Partnership to the Downtown Partnership, contributing significantly to its rebranding and growth. Through her committee work and collaborative leadership, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to strengthening and enriching downtown Mankato and North Mankato.

“Volunteering is an opportunity to connect with people, share skills and talents, and build something stronger together. We can do more together than alone, and I’m proud to help connect history, nonprofits, and community in ways that strengthen our region,” said Jessica Potter.

GreenSeam Volunteer of the Year: Jerry Kopel, Hertz Farm Management, Inc.

As chair of the GreenSeam Business Retention & Expansion Committee, Jerry has gone far beyond traditional volunteer leadership, helping shape a regionally impactful, industry-driven program that strengthens agribusiness across rural communities. From working with dairy leaders to alpaca farmers, Jerry brings the same commitment to every relationship, ensuring businesses know they can rely on GreenSeam for expertise, support, and regional connectivity.

His leadership has helped transform the Business Retention & Expansion program into a community-led mechanism for strengthening agriculture and economic vitality across the GreenSeam region.

“This community inspired me to give back and serve with GreenSeam’s Business Retention & Expansion Committee in support of the mission of ‘Growing in the GreenSeam.’ Agriculture is the backbone of our region’s economy, and I’m proud to play a small role in strengthening opportunities for growth in our agricultural industry,” shared Jerry.