Goff Public names Jennifer Hellman new president and CEO

Sep. 24—Goff Public announced the appointment of its first female president and chief executive this week.

Jennifer Hellman will head the St. Paul-based public relations firm in January 2022. She is currently the chief operating officer.

"It's pretty great (being the first female president). This company has been around for 55 years, and it's pretty remarkable that I am the first woman leader," Hellman said. "The majority of the team at Goff is women, so it's pretty fitting."

Hellman, who serves on the Board of Regents at St. Olaf College, arrived at Goff right out of college nearly 24 years ago. Her mentor, Bob Goff, founder and former CEO, advised her to try to learn as much as possible during her time at the firm.

Since then, Hellman has worked with clients on a variety of issues ranging from crisis communications to lobbying efforts at the Capitol.

She is currently working with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux community in the "Understanding Minnesota" campaign aimed at aiding schools with resources to more accurately teach Native American history.

Heidi Larson, Goff's public chief financial officer will become the company's chief operating officer. Larson and Hellman have worked together their "entire careers " and "get along so well," Hellman said. "We make each other better."

Chris Georgacas, current president and CEO, will continue to serve on the company's board as chairman.