Ryan Arnholt

Membership Director

Ryan was a computer programmer in a past life and created the first online course at the University of Michigan in 1996.  But computer programming is hard, man.  So he started a record label and played guitar and bass in indie bands through college.  He worked at a tech startup for five years and survived the bubble.  So it goes.  He recorded a solo album and lived on the beach in Puerto Rico for 6 months, where he was grossly overpaid in his volunteer gig playing soccer with kids. He went to business school and has a piece of paper that says he Mastered Business Administration.  In the next phase of his career, he combined the Voltron forces of technology, marketing and strategery at Silicon Graphics, 3M, and Specific Media.  He is currently Director of Interactive Marketing at OptumHealth.

“Why did I become involved with MIMA?  The Twin Cities has an impressive business climate – from startups to Fortune 500’s – and Interactive Marketing is the tie that binds us all together.  MIMA has an incredible opportunity to connect the community and keep top talent and technologies alive and kicking, and I’m excited to be a part of that.”

Ryan holds a BA in Communication Studies from the University of Michigan and an MBA in Marketing/Strategic Management from the Carlson School at the University of Minnesota

He runs a lot of races and gets through the miles by pretending C++ is chasing him

His name was spelled wrong on his 4th grade spelling bee trophy

He lives in Shoreview with his wife, two daughters, a female dog...hell, even the pet fish are all girl fish

He still plays in a band