Nonoko Sato

Nonoko Sato serves as president & CEO of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN), one of the largest state associations for nonprofits in the United States. In this role, she leads a talented team that works to strengthen the sector through capacity-building efforts and strategic advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels, ensuring nonprofits can effectively serve their communities and advance the public good.

Before becoming President & CEO, Nonoko served as MCN’s Associate Director, where she oversaw operations and programs and launched BenefitsMN, an association health plan expanding access to affordable healthcare for nonprofit employers. Previously, she spent more than a decade as executive director of SMART in San Francisco, advancing educational equity and improving college access and completion outcomes for historically underrepresented students.

Nonoko serves or has served on several boards and advisory bodies, including the National Council of Nonprofits, Governor Walz’s Council on Economic Expansion, Carleton College, Theater Mu, and Rooted to Last, among others. Her leadership is grounded in a deep commitment to equity, cultural humility, and inclusive governance.