For nearly two decades, Dave Dorn’s leadership has been defined by his unwavering commitment to inclusion and his ability to empower others. As he prepares to retire at the end of 2024, we’re celebrating the President & CEO that has taken our organization to a new level and positively impacted the lives of athletes, families and staff across Minnesota for the past 20 years.

From engineer to advocate

Dave’s roots are in the Twin Cities, where he grew up and stayed through high school before heading to Washington state for college. After his studies, he spent a year in Park City, Utah, before returning home to Minnesota. For the past 35 years, Dave and his wife, Katie, have called Minnetonka home, raising a close-knit family of 17 that includes their seven children and a growing crew of grandchildren. The Dorn family is deeply connected to each other and to the community, each contributing to the inclusion and compassion that has defined Dave’s life and career.

Dave began working as an electrical engineer at a telecommunications company. Over time, he transitioned into business development, earning his MBA at night school and later spending a decade at a consumer electronics startup. He went on to serve as Vice President of Marketing and New Business Development at Deluxe Corporation. But it was in November 2005—when he joined Special Olympics Minnesota as President & CEO—that Dave found his true calling.

For the past 20 years, Dave has treasured the connections he’s made with members of the SOMN community. “I know it might sound cliché, but it’s impossible to pick just a few highlights,” says Dave. “Every event, every season and every year at Special Olympics Minnesota has been filled with so many remarkable moments.”

“What stands out the most is the incredible people I’ve met during my time at Special Olympics. I’ve had the privilege of getting to know so many athletes and their families, and I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the most intelligent, dedicated and passionate individuals on our staff. I love our team. Meeting the thousands of volunteers who support our athletes and our mission has been truly humbling.”

Through his work, Dave has had the opportunity to engage with legislators, business leaders, professional and collegiate athletes, coaches, and community leaders. But his favorite part of his job is when an athlete approaches him at a competition or event with a big smile and calls him by name. “We truly have the best community!” he says.

A leader through highs and lows

Of course, challenges were part of Dave’s journey. The COVID-19 pandemic was among the toughest hurdles, forcing difficult decisions to ensure the SOMN’s survival. Dave was heartbroken over the isolation athletes experienced during the pandemic and the need for SOMN to make reductions to its workforce. Emerging stronger on the other side of the pandemic, SOMN has continued to thrive under Dave’s leadership.

“We did our best to engage as many people as we could through creative virtual opportunities, but we all know that being virtual isn’t the same and it fell short of what we hoped to achieve,” says Dave. “The heart of our organization is our people and our events, and I’m overjoyed that we made it through the pandemic and came out on the other side stronger than ever.”

Overall, Dave is proud of SOMN’s financial and operational health, our innovative reputation, and the successful bid to host the 2026 USA Games. These milestones, achieved through the collective efforts of many, are a testament to Dave’s vision.

A family affair

Dave’s passion for inclusion is deeply personal, shaped by his family. When his sister-in-law, Ginny, passed away, Dave and Katie took in her children: Roe, Lily and Josie, adding to the Dorns’ four biological children who were all around the same age. Roe was born with an intellectual disability and introduced Dave to a whole new world of adapted sports, Special Olympics and inclusion.

“Before he was my dad, he was my uncle,” says Roe. “He’s always been a great role model and such a great person to be around. When I see him speak at an event it makes me so proud and I feel like I can do that kind of stuff, too.”

Each of the nine family members found their own way to get involved with Special Olympics Minnesota, from participating in Unified sports to volunteering and fundraising. “It all felt right,” says Katie. “It felt like something bigger was happening. For Roe and everyone in our family.”

“My dad has always been the champion of everyone around him, especially the underdog,” shares Dave’s daughter Janie. “Special Olympics was the perfect fit for him because it’s just who he is—not just for his family, but for the community, too.”

Dave reflects on the one of his proudest accomplishments: “I’m incredibly grateful for the family that my wife and I have built, which was greatly influenced by our parents. They served as our role models, teaching us invaluable life lessons. They never judged us, always encouraged us and were always there to support, no matter how unconventional our choices might have been.”

“Some may believe that separating family life from work life is healthy, but for us the two are seamlessly intertwined. Inclusion is a value we live by at home, and each family member carries that into their own lives beyond our (now empty) nest.”

Building a legacy of inclusion

Under Dave’s leadership, SOMN has become a pioneer within the Special Olympics movement. “I am proud of how our team has consistently exceeded expectations and delivered our mission in a manner that is admired and recognized nationwide,” he says. “I’m proud that Special Olympics Minnesota stands as an innovator within the movement, and the health of our organization has never been stronger.”

Dave was an early advocate for Unified Champion Schools, a program that brings students with and without disabilities together through sports and activities. Under his guidance, Unified programming flourished, transforming school cultures and fostering a new generation of inclusive leaders.

“When I saw Unified Champion Schools in action, I knew it was the future,” Dave says. “It got me fired up to stay, knowing there was so much more we could do.”

One of his crowning achievements came in 2022 when Minnesota was selected as the host state for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. “The Games will be phenomenal, but the real success will be if more people see our mission and want to be part of it,” says Dave. “I am immensely proud of how our staff, board, community leaders, corporate partners, members of Congress, our governor, first lady, and especially every athlete and coach rallied behind that bid.”

Onward and upward

Looking ahead, Dave is optimistic about SOMN’s future. With a new strategic plan in place and the upcoming 2026 USA Games, he envisions a brighter spotlight on the organization and the mission. Dave has always said that he dreams of a future where inclusivity is so deeply ingrained in society that the work of Special Olympics is no longer necessary.

“I’ve always been told to leave a place better than I found it, and I believe I achieved that with a great team by my side,” says Dave.

Though he’s stepping down from his role as President & CEO, he plans to stay connected to the mission. “I will never fully retire from this work,” he says with a smile. He plans to stay involved as a volunteer and supporter, contributing to special projects for the 2026 USA Games. Retirement also offers more time for family—aging family members, out-of-town children, and his grandkids.

Dave’s legacy is one of impact, dedication and a heartfelt belief in the power of inclusion. “This is the best job I’ve ever had,” he says, reflecting on his nearly two decades with SOMN.

We look to the future with immense gratitude for Dave’s leadership and excitement for what’s to come. Thank you, Dave, for 20 incredible years. The culture you built will inspire generations to come!