The President’s Legacy Award is given to a community member who has contributed to a career of work and leadership to youth and community sports and physical activity. The Award recognizes their tireless effort serving young people and their willingness to go beyond what was expected for their community.
2025
Kathie Eiland-Madison
Kathy Eiland-Madison currently serves at Delta Dental of Minnesota, where she champions a culture that values authenticity, belonging, and continuous learning. With more than 30 years of experience in Human Resources, Kathie is a transformational leader known for her ability to guide teams through change and foster inclusive, high performing workplaces.
A passionate community advocate, Kathie is deeply committed to mentoring young people and helping them envision and reach for greater possibilities. She draws from her rich background in sports and business to speak on overcoming challenges and the importance of role models. At Delta Dental, she leads the “See Her Be Her” campaign, inspiring young girls to dream big, seek mentors, and believe in their potential.
Her career spans leadership roles across several Fortune 500 companies in both the public and private sectors.
Kathie is a trailblazer whose journey began at Marshall University High School, where she excelled as a four-sport athlete and made history playing in the first girls’ basketball state tournament in 1976. Her athletic talent took her to the University of Minnesota, where she competed as a member of the Women’s Gopher Basketball team.
A proud North Minneapolis native, Kathie earned a degree from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. She carries on the legacy of her father, who broke barriers as Pillsbury’s first Black Vice President of Human Resources.
Among her numerous connections to sport organizations include serving on the University of Minnesota athletic department’s Cultural Diversity Task Force. She currently serves on the boards of the Minnesota State High School League, the University of Minnesota Foundation and Allina Health System’s HR and Compensation Committee.
