MYAS Welcomes Sean Jensen as Director of Business Development

Experienced communications professional, author, and youth sports leader joins MYAS to strengthen partnerships, expand opportunities, and support organizational growth.

Spring Lake Park, MN (October 19, 2026) – Minnesota Youth Athletic Services (MYAS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sean Jensen as its new Director of Business Development, Strategic Partnerships, and Communications.

Jensen will succeed longtime MYAS Director of Business Development, Dan Craighead, who announced earlier this year that he will retire at the end of 2026 after 20 years of dedicated service to the organization. Craighead has played an integral role in developing relationships and partnerships that have helped advance the mission and broaden the reach of MYAS. He will work alongside Jensen in the transition over the next year.

In this leadership role, Jensen will focus on expanding corporate and community partnerships, identifying new business opportunities, strengthening organizational communications, and helping position MYAS for continued growth throughout Minnesota and the Midwest.

The addition reflects MYAS’s ongoing commitment to building meaningful relationships, creating new opportunities for young athletes, and strengthening the organization’s long-term impact.

“Sean brings an exceptional combination of communications expertise, relationship-building skills, and firsthand youth sports experience,” said Dawson Blanck, Executive Director of MYAS. “As we look toward the future, we see tremendous opportunities to strengthen existing partnerships, develop new relationships, and strengthen and expand our impact. Sean will play an important role in helping us pursue those opportunities while remaining true to the mission and values that have guided us over the past 35 years.”

Jensen brings decades of experience in journalism, communications, storytelling, and youth sports leadership. A graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Jensen spent 14 years covering the National Football League for prominent publications and websites, including the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, St. Paul Pioneer Press, Chicago Sun-Times, and Bleacher Report.

He subsequently built a career in strategic communications, working with nonprofit organizations and business leaders to strengthen messaging, increase engagement, and communicate organizational impact.

Jensen is also the author of The Middle School Rules, a seven-book series exploring the childhood experiences and life lessons of accomplished professional athletes, including Hall of Fame Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, WNBA All-Star Skylar Diggins, and Super Bowl champion Mike Evans, among others.

Jensen has also previously collaborated with MYAS leadership on organizational communications and strategic messaging, providing him with an understanding of the organization’s mission, programs, and commitment to youth sports.

“I have tremendous respect for Dawson, his leadership, and the entire MYAS team, and I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the organization’s mission and values,” Jensen said. “As a longtime coach and parent, I’ve seen firsthand the life-changing difference sports can make in the lives of young people. I’m grateful for the opportunity to join an organization that shares my passion for youth development, and I’m especially excited to help build partnerships and create opportunities that make sports more accessible to more young people, regardless of their background or circumstances.”

In addition to his professional experience, Jensen has extensive involvement in youth athletics. He currently serves as head boys soccer coach at Minnehaha Academy and coaches youth soccer with Minneapolis United.

As MYAS continues to expand its programming and reach, Jensen will work collaboratively with organizational leadership and staff to identify strategic opportunities, cultivate relationships, and strengthen the MYAS brand.

About Minnesota Youth Athletic Services

Minnesota Youth Athletic Services, Inc. (MYAS; www.myas.org) has been a cornerstone of youth sports development in Minnesota since its establishment in 1991. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, MYAS is dedicated to improving and enhancing youth sports programs and services across the state and the Upper Midwest. With a comprehensive range of offerings, including leagues, tournaments, events, training and development programs, and educational resources, MYAS caters to the needs of youth athletes, coaches, parents, officials, and parent-volunteer athletic associations.

Interested in partnering with MYAS?
Contact Sean Jensen, Director of Business Development, Strategic Partnerships and Communications, at seanjensen@myas.org