Shaun Riffe is the Development Director at Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV), where he draws on extensive experience in leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement. Since joining MACV in 2018, Shaun has driven the organization’s growth, significantly increased the annual financial budget, and expanded awareness on both state and national levels. His efforts have led to substantial growth in grants, philanthropic relationships, and community partnerships, all aimed at supporting Minnesota’s Veterans and their families. Shaun’s background is as diverse as it is impactful. Before joining MACV, he worked as an entrepreneur, photojournalist, and asset recovery manager, and he brings with him a distinguished 25-year military career with the Minnesota Army National Guard and Active Duty. His military service included roles in recruiting command, operations, and human resources, with a deployment to Baghdad, Iraq in 2003 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In his current role, Shaun has been a key player in community engagement, helping to create new affordable housing spaces, rezoning for innovative developments, and introducing unique living solutions like accessory dwelling units. His expertise in marketing and communication has ensured that MACV’s public and social media campaigns effectively maximize impact and awareness, and he received an Emmy Award for his 2022 Home for the Holidays Campaign with WCCO. Shaun’s negotiation skills have also strengthened partnerships with private and corporate entities, furthering MACV’s mission to end Veteran homelessness. Raised in Jamestown, North Dakota, Shaun holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of North Dakota and resides with his family in St. Paul, Minnesota.