Quinn McKinney

Living in northern Minnesota has given me a deep appreciation for the sense of community, natural beauty, and opportunities that come with rural life. There’s something special about living in a place where people know one another, where the outdoors is never far away, and where communities come together to support each other. Grand Rapids is a place I’m proud to call home, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to build my career in the same community where I’ve put down roots.

I’ve always had a passion for technology and understanding how things work. That curiosity led me to pursue an associate degree in Information Technology Networking and Security from Minnesota North College, followed by a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from the College of St. Scholastica, with a focus on cybersecurity and data analytics.

Before my role at Blandin Foundation, I worked in technology-driven transportation operations, where I had the opportunity to combine my technical background with leadership, data analysis, and problem-solving. That experience reinforced something I’ve come to believe strongly: technology is most valuable when it makes people’s lives easier and helps organizations accomplish meaningful work.

As Technology Infrastructure Manager at Blandin Foundation, I help maintain and improve the systems, networks, and technology that support our staff. My focus is on keeping our technology secure, reliable, and accessible while exploring new opportunities to make our work more efficient and connected. I enjoy finding practical solutions to complex challenges and helping people feel confident using the technology available to them.

What I value most about working at the Foundation is the opportunity to use my skills to support an organization that invests so deeply in rural Minnesota. I believe rural communities should have access to the same technological opportunities and resources as anywhere else, and I’m proud to contribute to that mission.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my fiancée, our pets, and friends and family. I’m an avid technology enthusiast, but I also appreciate getting away from the screen, whether that’s spending time on the lake, exploring northern Minnesota, or heading out on a road trip. For me, one of the greatest things about rural living is having the opportunity to enjoy both the connections of a close-knit community and the freedom of the outdoors.