Paul Hanson

Paul Hanson was born in northern Iowa and raised in southern Minnesota. He received Bachelor of Science degree from Minnesota State University Mankato in 1984, with a major in Computer Science and a minor in Business Administration. Retired in 2024, Paul has over 40 years of experience as a business and technology leader, with 15+ years as a Chief Operating Officer and Chief Information Officer.

Paul’s strong work ethic, attention to detail, and team building values are driven from his small town roots. He has founded or co-founded small businesses as well as developed successful teams at mid to large organizations. Career highlights include receiving a Best Partner Award for Leadership from Target Corporation and raising over $30M in venture funding for two software startups. Paul was awarded his first patent in 2012. He appreciates variety in his professional life and has a proven track record in wide range of business and technology roles in e-commerce, retail, agriculture and transportation industries.

Before retirement, Paul was a member of the executive management team of Opportunity Partners, one of the largest social services agencies in Minnesota which supports nearly 2,000 people with disabilities each year. He led the technology team serving 650+ users and managing over 30 locations.

Since 2019, Paul has volunteered as a mentor for Minnesota Emerging Software Advisory (MESA) a non-profit, philanthropic mentoring organization comprised of accomplished C-level technology executives with strong roots in the local community.

Paul also served as Chair of the Minnesota State University Mankato Foundation, proudly serving that organization for 9 years. In addition, he has mentored high tech startups in the Minnesota Cup and serves as an advisor to several other tech startups. His past volunteer roles include Vice-President of the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps, Microsoft Retail Technology Board Member and Hennepin Technical College Advisory Board Member.