As Executive Director, Gwen is responsible for building upon the strong foundation and tradition built by Winston Wallin and his daughter Rebecca Wallin, who preceded Gwen in the Executive Director role. Gwen is working to nurture and grow the ranks of committed donors so the program can expand its impact on students and future generations.

Prior to joining Wallin Education Partners, Gwen was Vice President for Marketing and Communication at Gustavus Adolphus College. Gwen has worked in the nonprofit field, as Executive Director of the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies and Major Gifts Officer for the Minnesota Orchestra. She also has been a staff reporter for the Minneapolis Star Tribune and freelance contributor to the Wall Street Journal. A graduate of the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs, Gwen is currently in the home stretch of her Ph.D. dissertation in Higher Education Policy and Administration at the University of Minnesota. She is married to the violist and conductor Kenneth Freed, and is a musician herself. The couple has three children.