The Aquatennial Ambassador Organization is excited to introduce the 2023 Commodore and Captains! Learn more about their professional, community and social lives in their bios below.
From left to right: Captain Tammy McCanna, Commodore Scott Swenson. Not pictured: Lisa Franxman
Commodore Scott Swenson
Scott prides himself on being a family first man, he has been married for thirty-six years to his wonderful wife, Carol. They have three fantastic daughters, Anna (Andrew), Sarah, and Laura. A few fun facts about his family are that all five have passed the CPA exam, are organ donor advocates (Scott’s wife received a donated kidney last year), and are big Disney geeks.
In a professional capacity, Scott serves as Senior Vice President/Chief Banking Officer/Shareholder at Drake Bank. At Drake, he oversees the commercial, consumer, and mortgage lending production teams. In his thirty-seven-year banking career, Scott has become passionate about community banking due to the industry's commitment to the neighbors and communities. Scott has an MBA in Business Administration Management from the University of St. Thomas and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Minnesota, Duluth.
Community involvement has been a big part of Scott’s life. A few of the civic organizations/events he has been involved in include, Eagan Rotary Club, Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce, Eagan Sesquicentennial, Eagan Fourth of July Funfest, Open Door, American Cancer Society Real Men Wear Pink Ambassador program, and Eagan Citizens for Crime Prevention. In addition, his family is active in All Saints Lutheran Church in Eagan.
Community celebrations are special to Scott. Growing up, Scott was one of nine children who grew up in Northfield, and each year they celebrated the Aquatennial and Defeat of Jesse James Days. In those formative years, he dreamed of building a milk carton boat for the Aquatennial Boat Races. Scott has also served as the chair of the Eagan Sesquicentennial and the Eagan July 4th Funfest.
Scott’s theme for 2023 is "Make a Difference", which he is excited to live and instill this entire year.
Captain Lisa Franxman
Lisa Franxman has extensive knowledge earned over 20 plus years in the banking and finance industry. She is currently the Market President for MidCountry Bank in Hastings where she is a natural leader and intentional about building long-term relationships.
In addition to her work, Lisa takes an active role in service to the community by doing her part to keep it vibrant and healthy. She supports the business community as current Treasurer and past President of Rosemount Rotary Club, as well as Treasurer for the Dakota Regional Chamber of Commerce including its charitable foundation. Lisa also sits on the Citizen Advisory Council for the Dakota County Sheriff’s department. Her passion is in mentoring young ladies, as evidenced by serving three years with the Hope For Tomorrow program: a mentorship program for 8th grade girls. These service experiences have allowed her to understand the depth of resources in the community and to value interconnection opportunities.
In her free time, Lisa’s energy and passion translates to a life full of family, friends, and a love for the great outdoors. She enjoys hiking, fishing, and archery. All of her characteristics provide balance and perspective along with rich experiences that make her grounded and grateful. Lisa has three adult children and one granddaughter and currently resides in Rosemount with her daughter, Danielle.
Captain Tammy McCanna
Tammy McCanna is no stranger to the festival world. She was involved with the St Louis Park Parktacular Ambassador program for 20 years and served as Co-Director for 5 years. Her father Jerry Sisk was a Aquatennial Vice Commodore of Hospitality during 1981-1983 and remembers that he brought her to her first parade in Le Sueur while escorting the Queen of the Lakes that day. She wears her father’s Vice Commodore patch in his memory on her right sleeve. She has amassed quite a collection of Aquatennial memorabilia that she loves to share.
Tammy is a Corporate Paralegal for Shutterfly Lifetouch, LLC. in Eden Prairie. She graduated from University of Minnesota and is involved as the Academic Advisor of her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta at the U of MN. Tammy serves as a board member for the St. Louis Park Dollars for Scholars program which raise
s funds for scholarships for St. Louis Park High School graduating seniors. She is also a member of the St Louis Park Parktacular Festival committee helping with special events.
Tammy has two daughters, Taylor (28) and Ryan (26) who mean everything to her and she loves seeing them become incredibly loving and strong women. In her spare time, Tammy plays guitar and sings with a contemporary choir in her church. She is so grateful to be with the Minneapolis Aquatennial as Captain and help spread Aquatennial magic this year.
Please help us in welcoming the new Commodore and Captains!