ABSF Board Candidate: Benjamin Fuller
Hometown:
Maple Grove, MN
Years of ABSF Membership:
3
Occupation:
Anesthesiologist
Why are you interested in being a member of the ABSF Board of Directors?
I’ve had a lifelong passion for outdoor sports, and the American Birkebeiner Trail has played a central role in that since I have started skiing. As both a participant in events and a property owner near the trail, I feel a deep connection to the ABSF mission and a responsibility to give back. After participating in the Norwegian Birkenbeiner, I’m particularly interested in helping improve the logistics of racing in Cable/Hayward—especially transportation and lodging—which I believe can significantly enhance the experience for participants. Serving on the ABSF Board would allow me to combine my personal passion with my professional and leadership experience to help further the organization’s impact.
What knowledge and skills do you possess that can benefit the organization?
As an anesthesiologist and former medical director of an ambulatory surgery center in the Twin Cities, I bring a strong background in leadership, operational problem-solving, and team coordination. I’ve also been a part of the leadership of triathlon and swim teams, gaining firsthand experience in managing events, supporting athletes of all abilities, and fostering inclusive, active communities. I’m organized, collaborative, and solutions-oriented—skills that I believe align well with ABSF’s values of teamwork, integrity, continuous improvement, and getting things done. With both professional expertise and a personal investment in the trail, I’m confident I can help advance ABSF’s mission and enhance the participant and community experience.
How do you see yourself helping to fulfill the ABSF vision, mission and values?
With a lifelong passion for outdoor sports—particularly skiing, biking, and triathlon—I feel a strong connection to the ABSF vision of inspiring people to challenge themselves outside and create lasting memories. As both a participant in multiple events on the Birkebeiner Trail and property owner adjacent to the Birkie Trail, I understand the unique value this trail system brings to individuals and communities. I see my role as a board member as an opportunity to help preserve and enhance that experience for others.
Professionally, I work as an anesthesiologist and have served as the medical director of an ambulatory surgery center in Minnesota. That role required leadership, collaboration, and a solutions-oriented mindset—qualities I bring to every endeavor. I’ve also held leadership roles with triathlon and swim teams, where I worked to foster community, support athletes of all abilities, and improve organizational logistics.
On the ABSF board, I hope to focus on making the logistics of racing in Hayward—especially transportation and lodging—more streamlined and accessible. Other Worldloppet races allow participants to organize all aspects of race planning, (transportation, ski waxing, lodging, etc) in one place. These practical improvements can significantly impact participants’ experience, helping them focus on what matters most: enjoying the trail, the challenge, and the camaraderie.
I’m committed to upholding ABSF’s values—bringing joy, acting with integrity, leading by example, and continuously improving. I see this as a chance to give back to a community and trail system that has given me so much, and to help ensure the Birkie experience remains world-class for generations to come.
