MSFA Appoints Miles Mercer as Executive Director

October 23, 2026

 

At today’s meeting of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) board, Miles Mercer was appointed as the organization’s executive director. Serving at the direction of the MSFA Chair and Board, the executive director acts as the organization’s principal administrator, responsible for leading the team of MSFA employees. The MSFA provides oversight, accountability, and strategic leadership to ensure that contractual obligations are fulfilled, public interests are protected, and that U.S. Bank Stadium remains a world-class facility for decades to come. Mary Fox-Stroman has served the MSFA as interim executive director since April 2026.

In May 2026, Ballinger Leafblad partnered with the MSFA to search for the new executive director in a highly collaborative search process. Ballinger Leafblad engaged with MSFA leadership for over five months on a thorough candidate search process, including a seven-week public recruitment resulting in 50 applications, which was then followed by a robust set of interviews. In October 2026, Miles Mercer became the finalist and was recommended by Chair Vekich to the MSFA board for this important leadership role.

“Miles Mercer is an incredibly strong candidate to lead the MSFA,” says Michael Vekich, Chair of the MSFA board. “The executive director is a vital leadership position for U.S. Bank Stadium. Miles brings a wealth of knowledge related to project management and possesses a deep respect for public service and the responsibilities of the MSFA.”

Miles Mercer has spent 18 years working for the City of Minneapolis, rising to Manager of Business Development in the Community Planning & Economic Development Department. He once served as the City's project coordinator for the Downtown East redevelopment next to U.S. Bank Stadium, where he worked alongside the MSFA, the Minnesota Vikings, and Ryan Companies. Prior to his role with the City of Minneapolis, Mercer worked on a major bond financing project for two new Major League Baseball stadiums as part of the New York City Economic Development Corporation. He holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management and a BA in Geology from Carleton College.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the next executive director of the MSFA,” said Miles Mercer. “It is an honor to join the team that so carefully stewards this asset for the State of Minnesota.”

Miles Mercer has been appointed executive director for the MSFA effective November 30, 2026.