Each year at our Civic Celebration, Citizens League gathers Minnesotans from diverse backgrounds, political parties, and ideologies for an evening to appreciate what makes us unique: an enduring civic culture, innovative leadership, and a commitment to public service.

At the upcoming 2025 Civic Celebration, we continue this tradition, and you are invited! Join hundreds of civic leaders, policy thinkers, and community builders for an evening to celebrate the people and ideas that make our state unique, and to recognize our 2025 honorees: Peter Bell and Sharon McMahon.

2025 Honorees

The Citizens League is thrilled to recognize our two honorees: Peter Bell, former Metropolitan Council Chair and long-time advocate and community leader, and Sharon McMahon, best-selling author, podcaster, and "America's Government Teacher." Both will be recognized for their significant contributions to the civic fabric of Minnesota.

Click their photos to learn more about our honorees.

Peter Bell

Sharon McMahon

Peter Bell

Peter Bell served as Chair of the Metropolitan Council from 2002-2011, appointed by then-Governor Tim Pawlenty. Peter previously served as Executive Vice President at the Hazelden Foundation and as the Executive Director of the Institute on Black Chemical Abuse. He was also appointed to serve on a commission to the White House Conference on a Drug-Free America. In addition to his work and leadership on chemical dependence, Peter was also an Executive Vice President for the TCF Financial Corporation, has served on transition teams for Governors Jesse Ventura and Tim Pawlenty and Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges, and has served on many boards – including Citizens League, Center of the American Experiment, CommonBond, TCRISE!, and more. He was also a former member of the Board of Regents for the University of Minnesota and is the current chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.

Sharon McMahon

A former high school government and law teacher, Sharon McMahon became known as “America’s Government Teacher” during the 2020 election for her viral efforts to combat political misinformation. Her knack for breaking down complex topics with clarity, humor, and a steadfast commitment to facts has attracted a community of over 1.5 million followers – affectionately called the “Governerds.” Sharon is also a #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Small and the Mighty; a chart-topping podcast host of Here’s Where It Gets Interesting; and a founding partner of the national organization Starts With Us, focused on fostering critical thinking and constructive dialogue among all people, even those with different opinions. Beyond education, Sharon has also led philanthropic initiatives to raise more than $11 million for critical community needs, from medical debt to disaster recovery. She inspires audiences with a message of hope: history shows us that even small actions can create powerful change.

Click here for photos and video of our 2024 Civic Celebration

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