Join us for S4:EP1 of the Sports Philanthropy Podcast as Brett Taber, Executive Director for Social Impact of the Minnesota Vikings, sits down with our host, Roy Kessel, to discuss the start of philanthropy and the beginnings of community work in the Vikings organization.
Brett Taber is the Executive Director of Social Impact for the Minnesota Vikings. He has been with the organization since 2007 and currently oversees the philanthropic efforts for them. He graduated from the University of Iowa in Anthropology and Ancient Civilizations. He is also a graduate of the University of St. Thomas Master’s in Sports Administration program and inaugural cohort of the George Washington Sports Philanthropy Certificate program.
The Minnesota Vikings are an American football team in Minneapolis, who compete in the National Football Conference (NFC) North division. Since 1961, they have been part of community work through the Minnesota Vikings Foundation, a public charity organization that advances the well-being of the community through health and education campaigns.
HIGHLIGHTS OF BRETT’S PODCAST
- 00:00 Introductions
- 00:50 Brett’s Background
- 07:15 Importance of Building Relationships & Skills to Succeed in Sports
- 09:30 Brett’s Evolving Roles: From Youth Marketing to Entertainment Production
- 11:30 Fan Experience & Engagement
- 13:00 How Brett Came to His Present Role
- 16:15 Growth in the Viking’s Staff & Wilf’s Acquisition
- 21:10 Brett’s Philanthropy Role at the Vikings
- 24:45 COVID’s Impact on Community Engagement
- 30:00 Athletes Being Impactful
- 37:00 How Athletes Choose a Cause
- 40:00 How to Authentically Connect Players to the Community
- 43:30 Athletes Building their Name in One vs. Multiple Markets
- 45:00 Conclusions
SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS AND WEBSITE
- Website: Brett Taber, Minnesota Vikings
- LinkedIn: Brett Taber, Executive Director – Social Impact
- Twitter: @TaberBrett
