Former State Auditor Rebecca Otto Joins MnFIRE Team

We’re thrilled to announce that former Minnesota State Auditor Rebecca Otto has joined MnFIRE as our first-ever Director of Business Affairs. Rebecca brings nearly four decades of public, private and nonprofit experience, deep financial expertise and strong relationships across the state to the MnFIRE team.

A well-known and well-respected leader, Rebecca served as Minnesota State Auditor from 2007 to 2019, where she led fiscal/legal compliance oversight of $50 billion in local government spending. Most recently, Rebecca served as executive director of the Ernest C. Oberholtzer Foundation, a conservation-minded nonprofit in Northern Minnesota. She also has experience as a state representative, teacher and small business owner.

“From Ada to Zumbrota, firefighters play an incredibly important role in every Minnesota community, and I am honored to be able to help MnFIRE strengthen its mission, build an even stronger and sustainable foundation and support these hometown heroes into the future,” Rebecca said.

“Rebecca has been a supporter of Minnesota’s fire service her entire career, and has built strong relationships with firefighters, legislators and community leaders all across the state,” said MnFIRE Board President George Esbensen. “As the health and wellness resources MnFIRE provides to firefighters and their families become more and more critical, Rebecca’s expertise and passion for the fire service will help our organization become even more effective and further elevate our important mission.”

You can reach her at rotto@mnfireinitiative.com. Please join us in welcoming Rebecca to the team!

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Cancer doesn't wait, and neither should prevention. Now is the perfect time to schedule a cancer training for your department. It's a no-cost, conveniently scheduled class that could save lives. See more info here: mnfireinitiative.com/training/

#WorldCancerDay
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Cancer doesnt wait,

Firefighters continually put their lives on the line to keep us safe. When difficulties arise, we're committed to helping relieve the burden through the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program. Find resources for you or your loved one here: mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/ ... See MoreSee Less

Firefighters continu

Your health. Our priority. What a fantastic weekend at the 2026 Firefighter Health Forum! To our attendees, presenters and supporters from near and far – thank you. From training and discussion to celebration and camaraderie, it was a privilege to gather our community in the name of firefighter health and wellness!

Special thanks to our excellent speakers:

Jen Elleraas
Dr. Margaret Gavian
Pamela S. Graydon, NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health National Firefighter Registry for Cancer
Rochelle Hawthorne
Megan Lautz, Rescue RD - Megan Lautz
Dr. Zeke J. McKinney
Sara Nelson
Dr. Michelle D. Sherman
Danielle Thornton, NAMI Minnesota
Aaron Zamzow, Fire Rescue Fitness
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