Phyllis Wheatley Community Center (PWCC), a cornerstone of North Minneapolis for more than 100 years, has appointed Bryan Tyner, recently retired Minneapolis fire chief, as its next executive director, beginning in January 2026.
Tyner calls the opportunity a “full circle moment.” His connection to the center began in childhood, from playing basketball to sending his own children to the Mary T. Welcome Daycare.
“For me, it’s a great honor. I grew up on the North Side, and I’m a Northside kid. Service to the community is in my life’s work, so being able to come back to Phyllis Wheatley and serve in this way is just a great honor,” he said.
Tyner said his leadership experience in public safety taught him how to “move ideas into programs,” a skill he plans to bring to PWCC.
“I think the biggest thing I bring is leadership,” he said. “Being able to get things done on a political level but also carry a project from an idea to an actual program.”
Founded in 1924 and named after Phyllis Wheatley, the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry, the center has long served as a hub for children, youth, families and elders.
“Chief Bryan Tyner is a home run hire for PWCC,” said Scott Allen Morris, PWCC board chair. “His multi-generational connection to the organization, combined with decades of public service, makes him the ideal person to guide PWCC into its next chapter.”
Morris noted Tyner’s previous involvement as a board member and community advocate demonstrates his understanding of both PWCC’s history and future needs.
Tyner plans to focus on expanding partnerships across the Twin Cities to strengthen the center’s impact on community health and well-being. “Phyllis Wheatley is already on the right track with programs around mental health and Covid-19 recovery. I want to talk to the community and see what other needs we can address,” he said.
“I don’t want to mess up an organization that’s been around for 101 years. The goal is to build upon the foundation that has been laid and move the needle.”
He emphasized collaboration as a key strategy. “We don’t have to do everything ourselves. I want to make this an opportunity to partner with other organizations instead of competing against each other,” he said.
Tyner’s vision centers on community engagement, accountability, and holistic well-being for all who turn to the center for support. “I don’t want to mess up an organization that’s been around for 101 years,” he said. “The goal is to build upon the foundation that has been laid and move the needle.”
He plans to engage residents directly to ensure programs remain relevant and inclusive. “We are here for you. If there’s a community need that isn’t being met, we want to know. PWCC has been here for 101 years, and we will be here for 100 more,” he said.
For Tyner, leading PWCC isn’t just another role. It’s a continuation of his service to the community that shaped him.
“I look forward to leading this jewel of the North Side, celebrating and preserving its legacy while engaging and serving the community,” he said.
Lizzy Nyoike is a Hubbard School of Journalism & Mass Communication student with interest in community stories, investigative and multimedia journalism.