Bill Brown

Bill was elected to the ABSF Board in 2020. Since first skiing the Birkie in 1989, the race has become an annual focal point for he and his family. In addition to his 27 Birkies, his wife Karen and three adult sons have all skied multiple Birkies and Korties. “Nordic skiing is a big part of our lives.”

A rower in college, Bill later moved to Minnesota in 1987 and learned how to cross-country ski. That winter he skied his first marathon and was hooked. He also has a unique perspective having completed all 20 of the Worldloppet races around the world.

Most of his professional career focused on marketing, strategic planning and general management at The Toro Company and General Mills.

Over the last ten plus years he has been involved in leadership positions on several non-profit boards helping on overall policy topics and more importantly on strategic planning issues. On the board of the National Golf Foundation (NGF) he was the Treasurer and helped think through new opportunities for the organization to pursue. He is currently a board member and past vice president of Northern Star Scouting and recently worked to help create their four-year strategic plan. He also continues to serve on the board of the Toro Foundation where he helped develop their Land Water Thrive initiative to coordinate volunteerism and charitable partnerships for Toro domestically and internationally.

“I’ve been extremely fortunate to ski all the Worldloppet races and feel that the American Birkebeiner is as good as they get. Together, we can keep the Birkie a special trail, race, and lifestyle that we enjoy and share with friends, family, and members of the community.”