Duluth, Minn. — Minnesota Sea Grant is pleased to welcome Fred Sproat as our new executive administrative office specialist.
“We are excited to have Fred join our team,” said MNSG Director John A. Downing. “Fred’s passion for water sports and watersheds and his experience managing groups who rely on our environment make him an ideal fit for our program.”
An outdoor enthusiast, Sproat brings 10 years experience managing youth outdoor summer programs including for the University of Minnesota Duluth and as a program director and regional manager for the Denver-based Big City Mountaineers.
“Sea Grant’s mission, the work, and working for the University of Minnesota Duluth appealed to me,” said Sproat. “I grew up canoeing, going to the Boundary Waters with my family, and paddling the upper St. Louis River Estuary.”
Sproat will provide administrative support for the director and MNSG staff. He will be MNSG’s primary planner and coordinator for virtual, in-person, and hybrid events. He will also coordinate the program’s space and supplies, assist staff with purchasing, and provide support for a variety of special projects.
“My professional background is rooted in nonprofit youth outdoor programming and this new position is a change,” said Sproat. “I’m excited to work with Sea Grant’s extension team and figure out how to best support them so they can invest more of their time in their work.”
CONTACTS:
Fred Sproat, executive administrative office specialist, Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Duluth. spro0036@d.umn.edu
John A. Downing, director, Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Duluth. downing@d.umn.edu
Marie Thoms, communications manager, Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Duluth. methoms@d.umn.edu