Minnesota State Mankato Names Amy Cooney Vice President for University Advancement, Joe Kmiech Vice President for Technology and CIO
Mankato, Minn. – Minnesota State University, Mankato President Edward Inch announced today that after comprehensive national searches, Amy Cooney has been named vice president for university advancement, effective April 1, and Joe Kmiech has been named vice president for technology and CIO, effective July 1.
Cooney (pictured at top) is currently the interim associate vice president for university advancement at Minnesota State Mankato, a position she has held since June 2023.
“Amy has brought, energy, passion and drive to her work at Minnesota State Mankato,” said Inch. “I look forward to working with her to bring her inspiring vision for philanthropy at the University to fruition.”
Prior to her time at Minnesota State Mankato, Cooney served as the vice president for brand marketing and communications at AgStar Financial Services. She will succeed Richard Ortega, Minnesota State Mankato’s current interim vice president for university advancement, who has served in the interim position since June 2024.
Kmiech (pictured at right) is currently the chief information officer at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, a position he has held since 2017.
“Joe brings substantial experience in developing and executing technology strategies that align with strategic goals,” said Inch. “His experience leading and collaborating in higher education systems is strong, and I believe he will be a great addition to our University.”
Prior to his time at UW-River Falls, Kmiech was the director of technology support services at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, as well as the acting co-CIO from 2012-2016. He will succeed Mark Johnson, Minnesota State Mankato’s current vice president for technology and CIO, who announced in August he will retire from the University in June. Johnson has served Minnesota State Mankato for 15 years, holding his current position since 2016.
Minnesota State Mankato, a comprehensive university with 15,251 students, is part of the Minnesota State system, which includes 26 colleges and seven universities.
