Cyndi Lesher

Areas of Expertise

Energy, economic development, and leadership

Biography

Cynthia Lesher is the former president and CEO of Northern States Power Company (NSP), an Xcel Energy company. During her career at Xcel Energy, she served as vice president, chief administrative officer and chief human resources officer, president of NSP Gas, vice president of NSP human resources, and various other positions. In 2007, Cyndi was named President of the Host Committee for the 2008 Republican National Convention responsible for raising $58 million to fund the convention and to showcase the Twin Cities to the world.

Full Biography (PDF)

Learn More About Our Top-ranked Public Policy, Public Affairs + Planning Degree Programs:

• Master of Public Policy (MPP)
• Master of Development Practice (MDP)
• Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP)
• Master of Science in Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy (MS–STEP)
• Mid-career Master of Public Affairs (MPA)
Dual degrees with the schools of management (MPP/MBA), law, social work, public health, landscape architecture, and civil engineering Executive education, including a nonprofit management certificate