Sanders succeeds Bob Kaitz who is retiring after 50 years of service
BROOKLYN PARK, Minn., April 23, 2025 — Today, BestPrep announced Jason Sanders as the new President & Chief Executive Officer of the Minnesota-based education nonprofit organization, effective April 21.
Sanders comes to BestPrep from the Dodge Nature Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he served as Executive Director since February 2010, and held other roles since June 2003. During his time with the Dodge Nature Center, Sanders took on responsibilities including stakeholder engagement, development, strategic planning, program development, and operational management.
“I could not be more excited to join the BestPrep team and lead the organization into its next chapter,” said Sanders. “I am driven to fulfill the mission of preparing students to be career focused and financially capable, as well as grow the reach of our fantastic programming. Bob Kaitz has left an incredible legacy and I look forward to carrying that torch.”
Prior to the Dodge Nature Center, Sanders worked at DARTS, a Dakota County-based nonprofit with the vision to provide equitable solutions that reflect diverse community needs and create a fulfilling aging journey. Sanders has a bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He also completed the Mini MBA in nonprofit management and Institute for Executive Director Leadership program at the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul).
The transition marks a historic moment for the organization as it approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026. Since its founding in 1976, BestPrep has impacted more than 1.8 million Minnesota students through partnerships with educators, volunteers, and the business community.
“Jason has deep experience in nonprofit leadership and a palpable passion for education which will serve him well as the new leader of BestPrep,” said Bob Kaitz, outgoing BestPrep President & CEO. “As we approach the 50th anniversary of our organization, I know Jason is the perfect person to build on the strong foundation to propel us into the future.”
Kaitz announced his retirement in February 2025, after nearly 50 years of guiding and growing the organization. Sanders’ hiring comes after an extensive national search. Kaitz will work closely with Sanders over the next three months to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition.
BestPrep remains steadfast in its focus on providing Minnesota students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to succeed in school, work, and life. The leadership transition opens the door to further innovation, expanded programming, and deeper engagement with volunteers and partners across the state.
[Jason Sanders (left) and Bob Kaitz (right).]
BestPrep is a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization that provides educational programs to students in grades 4-12, with the mission of preparing students with business, career, and financial literacy skills through hands-on experiences that inspire success in work and life. BestPrep works with companies to bridge the gap between classroom learning and skills utilized in the workplace. Since its inception in 1976, BestPrep has served more than 1.8 million Minnesota students, empowering them with tools and resources to become college-prepared, work-ready, and career-bound. BestPrep offers six programs that are approved by the Minnesota Academic League Council as high-quality programs that help students discover and develop their interests, passions, and talents to reach new heights in learning.