(BBB of MN & ND)
Better Business Bureau Serving Minnesota and North Dakota appoints Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas as new President & CEO
The Better Business Bureau Serving Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) is pleased to announce Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas has been named its next President & CEO, effective June 30, 2025. Niedfeldt-Thomas succeeds Susan Adams Loyd, who will be stepping down after eight years of transformational leadership and will be relocating to the greater Boston area to launch a strategic consulting practice focused on leadership, governance, and organizational effectiveness.
Niedfeldt-Thomas brings a distinguished record of executive leadership, multi-sector service, and deep expertise in corporate responsibility and stakeholder trust. She recently has been serving as Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer of Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP), a CEO-led coalition with over 200 of the world’s largest companies. At CECP, Niedfeldt-Thomas has advised Fortune-ranked corporations’ executives on strategies to integrate purpose-driven performance, societal investment, and stakeholder engagement into long-term business success.
Prior to her role at CECP, Niedfeldt-Thomas served as Executive Director, The Mosaic Company Foundation, and directed the company’s award-winning Public Affairs global corporate responsibility and agricultural supply chain sustainability strategies. She holds a bachelor’s degree in statistics and international studies from The American University in Washington, DC, and a Master of Business Administration from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, for which she was awarded a prestigious Bush Fellowship from the Bush Foundation.
In addition to her corporate leadership, Niedfeldt-Thomas is Mayor of New Brighton, Minnesota, serving concurrently with her professional roles. In her career, Niedfeldt-Thomas has championed inclusive governance, sustainability excellence, visionary partnerships and collaboration. Her extensive experience spans global strategies, board leadership, and mission-driven organizational expertise, making her uniquely suited to lead BBB into its next chapter of service and impact.
"It is an honor to join an organization with such a strong legacy of trust, service, and ethical leadership,” said Niedfeldt-Thomas. “The Better Business Bureau plays a vital role in building confidence between businesses and consumers, and I am thrilled to lead this mission forward in partnership with our dedicated board, staff, and Accredited Businesses across Minnesota and North Dakota.”
John Owens, Board Chair of BBB Serving Minnesota and North Dakota, shared, “Kari brings the rare combination of strategic foresight, operational discipline, and a deep commitment to community trust. We are confident her leadership will further BBB’s mission of advancing integrity and accountability in our marketplace.”
Loyd has served as President & CEO since 2017, ushering in a period of organizational growth, modernization, and international recognition. Under her leadership, BBB expanded its digital tools, strengthened community partnerships, and enhanced support for small businesses navigating trust-building during the pandemic and now, in a changing economy.
“I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished together - our staff, board, Accredited Businesses, and community partners,” said Loyd. “I leave knowing BBB is in exceptionally capable hands with Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas. Her commitment to purpose, transparency, and ethical leadership will ensure that BBB remains a trusted guide for both businesses and consumers.”
Niedfeldt-Thomas will officially assume the CEO role on June 30, 2025.
For media inquiries or to request an interview, please contact:
Bao Vang, Vice President of Communications
BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota
651-695-2463 | [email protected]
BBB.org/Minnesota
