WHO WE ARE
Our Mission
We bring the Minnesota Iron Range stories to life — past, present, and future.
Our Vision
We envision a region alive with discovery, where Iron Range stories weave generations and people together.
Our Impact
View our FY2025 Annual Report and discover how we’re making a difference.
Leadership Team
Executive Director
Museum & Research Center Director
Operations Director
Catering & Events Director
Finance Director
Marketing & Development Director
Collections Manager
Education, Program, & Recreation Manager
Research Center Manager
Catering Manager
Sales & Events Manager
HR & Payroll Manager
Executive Chef
Board Of Directors
The Minnesota Discovery Center is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization duly incorporated in Minnesota. We are held in public trust and governed by a nonprofit volunteer board of directors.
Please complete the application linked below if you are interested in serving on MDC’s Board of Directors.
Chair
Robin Harkonen (East Range Development Achievement Center [ERDAC], Executive Director)
Vice-Chair
Betsy Olivanti (City of Hibbing, Community Development Director)
Treasurer
Open; Interim: Betsy Olivanti
Secretary
Paul Pinkoski (Minnesota Power, Lead Material Handler/Equipment Operator)
Directors
Miriam Kero (Hello, Range! / Miriam Kero Consulting; Coordinator / Owner)
Corie Ekholm (NewRange Copper Nickel, Senior Process Engineer)
Stacy Oltmanns (Essentia Health, Community Relations Specialist)
Tara Odegaard-Leslie (Retired, MDC Volunteer)
Executive Director
Char Conger
Office: (218) 254-1220
Mobile: (218) 421-7588
Email: char@mndiscoverycenter.org
Address: 1005 Discovery Drive, Chisholm, MN 55719
Employment
If you love the Iron Range, join our dynamic team! We always seek enthusiastic, dedicated, and fun individuals to fill roles at MDC.
Volunteering
Volunteers help MDC carry out its mission, and they are essential. There are many opportunities to get involved as a volunteer, from program assistance, to event logistics, to research processing, and more. Our Board of Directors is made up of volunteers, and we have also had awesome, helpful volunteer interns!
To everyone who gives their time, effort, and expertise: Thank you.
Note: All volunteers must complete and pass any required background check before being assigned a duty.
For more information, please contact our HR & Payroll Manager at jaime@mndiscoverycenter.org or apply here today!