Each year the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal honors top Twin Cities leaders under 40 years old.  Ecumen's Dena Meyer was recognized this year.

Each year, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal editors choose 40 leaders under the age of 40 who are taking a leading role in the Twin Cities community.

This year, Dena Meyer, Ecumen Senior Director of Business Development, received the “40 Under 40” honor and was recognized at a March 10 event at A’BULAE in St. Paul.

Below is the Business Journal’s story about Dena, which is also at this link:

40 Under 40: Dena Meyer

Dena Meyer, senior director of business development at Ecumen, has become one of the state’s leading developers and marketers of senior housing, responsible for over 500 older-adult housing units in the Twin Cities.

In the past year, Meyer helped Ecumen develop its brand for a new market — younger seniors. Called Zvago, the brand markets Ecumen’s senior housing to younger seniors (62 and older) who continue to lead active lifestyles. Ecumen has started work on its first three Zvago projects, in Minnetonka, Apple Valley and St. Paul.

She’s also worked to build relationships with the Cleveland Clinic, and advised on third-party senior housing developments totally more than $75 million in the past two years.

Describe your 30s in one sentence. My faith, values and morals are the inspiration propelling me to commit to everything I do with integrity. That has resulted in enduring leadership roles in my community, workplace and family settings.

I know it’s a good day when… I have done something outside the box and inspired others to do so, as well.

What’s something about you that would surprise people? I develop housing for a living, [but] thank goodness for good architects, because I can’t even draw a good stick person!

What’s your favorite travel spot? I have traveled many places in the world and the place that gives me the most peace and relaxation is North Scottsdale, Ariz.

What’s your morning routine? My typical morning routine is to first grab a cup of coffee, turn on the news and get a few snuggles in from my daughter.

Favorite dinner spot? Porter Creek

What’s your five-year plan My five-year plan is to continue inspiring others to be great leaders and to be at the forefront of innovation for senior housing locally and nationwide.

DENA MEYER

Senior director of business development, Ecumen

Hometown: Faribault

Education: Bachelor of Arts, College of St. Benedict/St. Johns University

Family: Husband, Tim; daughter, Hayden (7); and stepchildren, Austin (19), and Ashley (17)