Cathy McLeer Appointed as New AARP Minnesota State Director

Cathy McLeer has been appointed as the new AARP Minnesota State Director. She will lead the Minnesota staff and volunteers who are working to improve the health, finances, and well-being of 664,000 members in the state. 

“I am deeply committed to continuing AARP Minnesota’s critical work as a wise friend and fierce defender to protect our most vulnerable citizens, tackle the high cost of prescription medications and fight fraud, abuse, and financial exploitation,” said McLeer. "Together, our team will work to make communities across the state even better places to live, work and play by fostering social connections and inclusion for the 50+ and Minnesotans of every age.” 

McLeer brings 15 years of AARP experience to her new role as the AARP Minnesota State Director, first as the Associate State Director for Communications in the AARP South Dakota State Office. She recently served as the Senior Advisor for the Central Region, providing strategic and tactical support for nine states. In addition, she has extensive experience in advocacy communication, community outreach, and volunteer engagement. 

McLeer came to AARP in 2005 after more than a decade in broadcast news in both the Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Minneapolis, Minnesota markets.  She holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and spent several years as a news producer at WCCO-TV, the CBS affiliate in Minneapolis.