Como Friends’ board of directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Katie Hill as its next president, effective July 14, 2025.
“Katie brings a rare blend of creativity, strategy, and heart,” says Andy Davis, board chair of Como Friends. “She understands what it means to lead with purpose and partnership. Her deep roots in the Twin Cities, her passion for equity and access, and her track record of innovation make her exactly the right leader to guide Como Friends into its next chapter.”
Como Friends’ board of directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Katie Hill as its next president, effective July 14, 2025. Hill succeeds Jackie Sticha, whose 25 years of visionary leadership transformed Como Friends into a nationally recognized model for public-private partnership and helped secure a vibrant, accessible future for Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.
The current vice president of engagement and chief innovation officer at Milkweed Editions, Hill has consistently reimagined how the public connects with such treasured civic institutions as the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
“Katie brings a rare blend of creativity, strategy, and heart,” says Andy Davis, board chair of Como Friends. “She understands what it means to lead with purpose and partnership. Her deep roots in the Twin Cities, her passion for equity and access, and her track record of innovation make her exactly the right leader to guide Como Friends into its next chapter.”
A lifelong Saint Paul resident and longtime Como champion, Hill brings a personal commitment to Como’s future. “Como is where I bring my kids to explore, reflect, and recharge. It’s not just a place—it’s a living ecosystem of wonder, learning, and belonging,” she says. “I’m honored to join Como Friends at this important moment and excited to reimagine how communities connect with public cultural spaces.”
Prior to joining Milkweed Editions—a nationally respected independent publisher of literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry—Hill spent more than a decade in art museum communications, digital strategy, and public engagement. She launched her career in innovation as creator of the first Internet Cat Video Film Festival at the Walker Art Center in 2012. Hill moved on to help launch the practice of audience engagement at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, where she headed the engagement strategy department and oversaw the marketing operation. Hill holds a BA in English language and literature from Kenyon College, and an MA in art history from the University of St. Thomas.
Selected after an extensive search conducted by Ballinger | Leafblad, Hill will join Como Friends in July. Como Friends supporters will have their first chance to connect with Hill on July 17 at Sunset Affair, the organization’s annual summer gala. The nonprofit fundraising partner to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, Como Friends has delivered more than $54 million in private contributions to Minnesota’s most visited cultural destination, safeguarding the free admission policy Como’s 1.9 million annual visitors value.
