Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
MPR News with Angela Davis
Angela Davis and Maja Beckstrom

How Bill and Penny George became a power couple in Minnesota philanthropy

A man and woman by a window.
Bill and Penny George recently gave $8 million to YMCA of the North to hire health coaches and offer a range of holistic wellness services to the community.
Courtesy of George Family Foundation

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Bill George is a former Medtronic CEO known for a leadership style that puts compassion above the bottom line.  

His wife Penny George is a breast cancer survivor who became an advocate for holistic healthcare for everyone.  

Together, they’ve been a powerful force for local philanthropy. Since 1994, the George Family Foundation has given away $75 million, mostly in the areas of health and wellbeing and leadership development.   

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with this Twin Cities power couple about the struggles and losses that shaped their values and how their values are shaping their philanthropy.   

Guests:  

  • Bill George is the former CEO of Medtronic and the author of several bestselling business books, including “True North: Discover Your Authentic Leadership.” He’s a senior fellow at the Harvard Business School, where he teaches classes on leadership. He is also the co-chair of the George Family Foundation.  

  • Penny George is a retired psychologist, an advocate for holistic healthcare and co-chair of the George Family Foundation.