Vogel Steps Into Initiators Fellowship Co-Director Role

The Initiative Foundation is pleased to welcome Tyler Vogel as co-director of the Initiators Fellowship, a program supporting social entrepreneurs working to strengthen communities across Greater Minnesota.

Vogel joined the Initiative Foundation in late March 2026 and will co-lead the Initiators Fellowship alongside co-director Christine Metzo. Together, they will guide the Fellowship’s continued growth and impact.

Vogel will support Fellows through training and coaching. He will also help to recruit and select future cohorts and invest in partnership and resource development to support rural changemakers.

Vogel steps into this role at a time of significant momentum for the program. In early 2026, the Initiative Foundation announced a major expansion of the Initiators Fellowship, supported by a multi-year grant from the Bush Foundation. The investment is helping grow the Fellowship beyond its original cohort model into a broader statewide system that supports rural social entrepreneurs.

“Tyler brings a strong passion for social entrepreneurship and a deep commitment to community-centered work,” said Zach Tabatt, vice president for economic opportunity. “His experience and energy will help further the Initiators Fellowship’s mission to equip entrepreneurs with the tools they need to create lasting change across Greater Minnesota.”

A social enterprise is a business or nonprofit built to meet a social or environmental need. Social entrepreneurs use earned revenue to sustain a mission that comes before profit. The Initiators Fellowship supports individuals launching and growing social enterprises that address critical challenges in their communities. Through training, mentorship and access to resources, the program helps Fellows turn innovative ideas into sustainable solutions. Learn more at fellows.greaterminnesota.net.

Vogel brings a background in social entrepreneurship and community development finance, shaped by several years at Community Reinvestment Fund, USA, where he worked within the national Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund ecosystem to advance community-driven solutions. He holds degrees from Wartburg College and the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs.

“I’m excited to join the Initiative Foundation and support the incredible work of the Fellows across Greater Minnesota,” Vogel said. “This role is an opportunity to help rural entrepreneurs access the tools and partnerships they need to make a meaningful impact in their communities.”

Originally from Oelwein, Iowa, Vogel now lives in Crystal, Minn. He is inspired by the work of local changemakers and is passionate about supporting strong, connected communities throughout Greater Minnesota.

Learn more about the Initiators Fellowship at fellows.greaterminnesota.net.