Amanda Theisen
Amanda Theisen is an award-winning media and communications professional with more than 20 years of experience spanning journalism, public relations, and strategic communications. She currently leads all communications functions for Sunrise Banks, a values-driven community bank with locations across the Twin Cities and a division in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In this role, she manages internal communications for employees and executives, oversees external media relations, and develops cross-channel content including blogs, social media, video, and photography. Amanda focuses on practical, story-driven communications for banking and financial services, emphasizing thoughtful internal messaging, executive thought leadership, and strategic integration across owned, earned, and social media channels. Amanda began her career in journalism, spending 13 years as a television news producer at KSTP-TV in Minneapolis–St. Paul, where she produced daily newscasts and a Sunday political news and interview program. She earned multiple Emmy awards and nominations for her reporting and special projects, establishing a reputation for precise storytelling, authentic reporting, and leadership in fast-paced newsroom environments. In 2019, she pivoted to public relations and communications, applying her expertise across industries including health insurance, aviation, and banking, helping organizations build authentic connections with diverse audiences. Beyond her professional achievements, Amanda is an engaged community leader and active volunteer in the Greater Twin Cities area. She serves in leadership roles with the Junior League of Minneapolis, ThreeSixty Journalism and The Richfield Foundation supporting initiatives in diversity, equity, inclusion, mentorship, youth storytelling and community support. Open about her journey as a Stage IV metastatic breast cancer thriver, she balances her career with her roles as a mother, mentor, and advocate. In her personal life, Amanda enjoys cooking, traveling, arts and crafts with her children, and contributing her time to local community organizations, reflecting her passion for meaningful engagement both at work and at home.
• Just Money: Banking as if Society Mattered
• University of St. Thomas - BS Broadcast Journalism/Communication Studies
• Minnesota PRSA Classics
• 2015 Regional Emmy
• 2012 Regional Emmy - Best Producer
• 2011 Regional Emmy - Best Producer
• 2009 Regional Emmy - Best Morning newscast
• ThreeSixty Journalism
• Junior League of Minneapolis
• Society of Professional Journalists
• Midwest Emmys
• Public Relations Society of America
• Team Women
• Junior League of Minneapolis
• ThreeSixty Journalism
• RICHFIELD STEM PTO
• Girl Scouts River Valleys
• American Cancer Society Minnesota
• Richfield Foundation
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a genuine passion for what I do, maintaining motivation and a positive outlook, and persevering through challenges to achieve my goals. Outside of work, I am deeply committed to my family and enjoy cooking, which allow me to stay grounded and inspired in both my personal and professional life.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to prioritize networking and remain actively involved in community and volunteer work. I’ve learned that being proud of who you are and embracing all that you can contribute opens doors, builds meaningful relationships, and creates opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Amanda encourages young professionals, especially in communications and PR to be open to changing course, learning new skills, and reshaping career goals as life priorities evolve.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities and challenges in my field right now is connecting with individuals and businesses to support their communication and financial needs. Helping organizations tell their stories effectively while navigating complex financial landscapes allows me to make a meaningful impact and deliver value across multiple channels.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life include staying focused on my goals, maintaining organization, and approaching every interaction with honesty, openness, and respect. These principles are central to how I collaborate with media groups, lead internal communications, and build strong, meaningful relationships across all aspects of my life.