Scott C. Gage Appointed Chair of Carlson, Inc.
MINNEAPOLIS - July 25, 2025
Carlson, Inc., a family-led private investment firm, announces the appointment of Scott C. Gage as its Non-Executive Chair of the Board, effective August 8, 2025.
This appointment reflects Carlson’s continued evolution as a private investment firm, grounded in strong governance and focused on advancing entrepreneurial and long-term investment initiatives. As a family-led company with decades of experience across industries and generations, Carlson draws on a legacy of leadership in hospitality, travel, real estate, and philanthropy. Today, it continues to make an outsized impact by investing in purpose-driven ventures and bringing strategic insight to every partnership.
Scott brings a wealth of experience, insight, and vision to this role. Beyond Carlson, he led an outdoor adventure travel company for nearly 20 years. Within Carlson, he has demonstrated steady, thoughtful leadership across many areas of the business—serving as Co-Chair of Carlson Holdings, Chair of the Carlson Real Estate Committee, past Co-Chair of the Carlson Family Trust Company, and an influential member of the Carlson Board. He brings deep institutional knowledge and a forward-looking perspective to the role, grounded in a long-standing commitment to strategic growth and family-led leadership.
“Carlson has long stood for values-driven leadership and thoughtful stewardship,” said Scott. “I’m honored to continue that legacy and support the important work already underway.”
Scott succeeds Richard (Rick) C. Gage, who completes his term as Chair of the Board, after two successive terms, as outlined by the Board Charter. Rick was instrumental in leading Carlson through the global pandemic and the ownership transition of CWT, while championing the company’s civic involvement in a broad network of community and entrepreneurial organizations. Rick will remain a member of the Carlson Board.
“Scott is uniquely equipped to lead Carlson into its next chapter,” said Rick. “This moment isn’t just about transition—it’s about reaffirming who we are, while evolving to meet the demands and opportunities of tomorrow.”
Michael Sweeney, Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee of The Board of Directors, Carlson Inc. added, “On behalf of the Board, I’m pleased to share the appointment of Scott as the next Chair of Carlson, Inc. We are deeply grateful to Rick for his thoughtful leadership over the past six years and for positioning Carlson for long-term success. We’re confident in a smooth transition as Scott steps into the role.”
Carlson remains focused on building long-term value through strategic investments, principled leadership, and supporting entrepreneurship.
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About Carlson
Carlson is a family-led company with a long-standing commitment to building and stewarding businesses that create lasting value, advancing community initiatives, and investing in entrepreneurial organizations locally and globally. With deep roots in hospitality, travel, real estate, and philanthropy, Carlson has made a multi-generational impact through corporate citizenship and an entrepreneurial spirit. Now in its third generation, Carlson operates as a private investment firm focused on supporting companies and organizations aligned with its values and long-term vision.