Rochester, MN – The Rochester Sports Foundation has announced the appointment of Marshall Behrens as its new Director, succeeding longtime leader Ed Hruska, who will retire at the end of 2025.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 11, 2025

Rochester Sports Foundation Names

Marshall Behrens as New Director

 

Rochester, MN – The Rochester Sports Foundation has announced the appointment of Marshall Behrens as its new Director, succeeding longtime leader Ed Hruska, who will retire at the end of 2025.

Behrens brings a rare combination of leadership, community involvement, and deep sports-experience to the role. A fixture in Rochester athletics, he has served as a sports official for more than 25 years, refereeing football, basketball, baseball and softball at the high-school and collegiate levels. He also has served on the Board of Rochester Sports (a sibling organization to Rochester Sports Foundation) since 2015—including as treasurer and 2024 Board president—helping guide the city’s sports tourism strategy and event development efforts.

“Ed has left an incredible legacy, and I know I have big shoes to fill,” Behrens said. “My goal is to build on the strong foundation Ed has created through the transformative work he has done and expand the Foundation’s ability to generate support for Rochester’s sports facilities and events in new and innovative ways. Rochester’s unique hospitality landscape—where hotels are full Monday through Thursday and open on weekends—creates exciting opportunities to grow sports tourism and bring new energy into our community.”

In addition to his longstanding volunteer service, Behrens has built a professional career at Mayo Clinic currently serving as the research administrator for surgical specialties in Rochester in research administration and operations management. He credits both his career and officiating experience with strengthening his ability to lead teams, build consensus, and manage complex challenges under pressure.

Rochester Sports Foundation’s Board President Chris Terry says, “Marshall brings an authentic love for sports and a deep understanding of how strategic facility development fuels community growth. He’s a proven leader who knows how to bring people together around projects that enhance Rochester’s sports infrastructure and economic vitality.”

Adds retiring Director Ed Hruska: “Marshall recognizes that developing top-tier sports facilities is about more than hosting games—it’s about strengthening community connections and driving long-term impact. He’s already been part of that vision and knows what it takes to keep building on our momentum.”

Behrens said one of his top priorities will be strengthening partnerships and identifying new ways to fund facility growth and enhancement. “The Rochester Sports Foundation can play a pivotal role in maximizing this community’s potential,” he said. “It’s an exciting time to build on what’s already been accomplished.”

About the Rochester Sports Foundation
The Rochester Sports Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that was created to address the current and future need for sports and recreation facilities in the Rochester, MN area. The Foundation builds the bridges necessary between our community, government, and private sector to make sports facility projects solid and sustainable. rochsportsfoundation.org

Media Contacts:
Marshall Behrens

Director, Rochester Sports Foundation

19referee@gmail.com | 507-259-9439

 

Chris Terry
Board President, Rochester Sports Foundation
chris@coreregrp.com | 507-398-5250