St. Patrick’s Day Parade Dignitaries
Mr. Pat 2025:
Todd P. Hurley
President & CEO, Saint Paul Port Authority
Mr. Pat is the king figure of the St. Patrick’s Day parade and counterpart to Miss Shamrock. He embodies the spirit of Saint Patrick's Day and St. Paul’s Irish community. Each year, Mr. Pat alumni choose a gentleman prominent in the St. Paul community to adorn the signature green jacket and represent the Association.
About Mr. Pat
Todd P. Hurley is a dedicated leader with a deep-rooted connection to the City of Saint Paul. A lifelong resident, he has built a distinguished career in public service, working for the city since 1984. Currently serving as the President & CEO of the Saint Paul Port Authority, a position he’s held since 2020, Todd brings a wealth of experience and a passion for the city’s development. Prior to leading the Port Authority, he served as Saint Paul’s Chief Financial Officer from 2011 to 2018.
A proud graduate of Hill Murray and the College of St. Thomas, Todd is committed to both community engagement and public service.
Outside of his professional accomplishments, he is especially passionate about his Irish heritage. Todd has been an active participant in the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade nearly every year since its inception in 1967.
Being “Mr. Pat” for the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a great way to honor my Irish heritage and showcase the pride I have in my roots. It's a role that will embody the spirit of my Irish culture, traditions, and celebrating the history and values that come with being a proud "Irishman". The Hurley Clan, including his parents Patrick and Joyce, his wife Kim, and his twin daughters, Megan and Hailey are excited too.
2025 Grand Marshal:
Dan Krier
State Fire Marshal & Director of the Office of Pipeline Safety
The Grand Marshal is a notable member of the St. Paul community who is honored by leading the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
About Dan Krier
Dan Krier is the state fire marshal and director of the Office of Pipeline Safety. He has been in the fire service since 2014 having served as a local firefighter for North St. Paul and as Fire Marshal in Brooklyn Park. Prior to becoming a firefighter, Dan was a chemist for the Minnesota Department of Health Public Health Laboratory. He is proud to call St. Paul his work home for the majority of his career!
2025 Celebrity Grand Marshal:
TBA
Along with the Grand Marshal, the Celebrity Grand Marshall leads the St. Patrick’s Day parade while bringing notoriety and attention to the event.
2025 Distinguished Irish Woman:
Mikeya Griffin
Executive Director for Rondo Community Land Trust
Each year, the honor of Distinguished Irish Woman is given to a hardworking Irish woman who has done outstanding work in her field and the community.
About Mikeya Griffin
Mikeya Griffin became Executive Director of the Rondo Community Land Trust in Fall 2021. In this role she oversees all facets of the organization, setting strategic direction to effectively meet mission, grow impact and realize a bold vision for the future.
Prior to joining Rondo Community Land Trust, Mikeya served as Executive Director of Minnesota’s largest homeowner association and only private city in the state of MN. During her five-year tenure, she successfully increased member participation, established strong governance, and streamlined operations.
Mikeya’s career spans the public, private and non-profit sectors, including in roles at HUD and Land Bank Twin Cities. Mikeya has more than 20 years of experience in organizational leadership, business development, affordable housing, and community development. In that time, she has created and championed many affordable housing and economic development initiatives centering BIPOC and low-wealth communities.
Mikeya is an active community member serving on the board of the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers, Chairs the Minnesota Community Land Trust Coalition, and volunteers at her local church mentoring youth. Mikeya was most recently appointed by Governor Waltz to the Minnesota Higher Education Facilities Authority.
Growing up in the historic Rondo community, her family instilled values that reflected community, incredible strength, courage, and resiliency. These values have guided Mikeya’s robust career and will serve as north stars for her work at Rondo CLT.
Mikeya and her spouse Axel both live in St. Paul with their dog Max. When she is not working or engaged in her volunteer activities, Mikeya loves to cook and build community by hosting large dinners for friends, family and community members. You can also catch her singing karaoke with her friends, bringing back her days singing in several bands around the Twin Cities.
2025 Honorary Irish Person:
Dr. Cyrus “McMoodi” Mahmoodi
St. Patrick’s Day may be an Irish holiday, but it's a day for everyone to enjoy. Each year the Association names a non-Irish member of the community as its Honorary Irish Person. While this person is not necessarily Irish, he or she embodies the spirit and character of the Irish and the holiday.
About Dr. Cyrus Mahmoodi
Born and raised in the White Bear Lake/Mahtomedi area, Dr. Cyrus "McMoodi" Mahmoodi is a true Minnesotan with a heart as expansive as the Emerald Isle itself. After graduating from Mahtomedi, he embarked on an academic adventure—earning a BA in California, followed by a Master’s in Marine Biology in Hawaii—before returning home to complete his doctorate at the University of Minnesota.
A dedicated family man, Cyrus and his wife, Ellie, have anchored their lives in Woodbury, raising their two children, Leila and Arman. Cyrus’s story contains daring tales: Fresh out of college in California, he and five friends channeled their inner Mark Twain, constructing a raft just north of I-694 on the Mississippi River and triumphantly floating *1,700 miles* to New Orleans.
His thirst for adventure remains unquenched. Inspired by fellow Minnesotan Eric Sevareid’s legendary 1930s canoe voyage, Cyrus plans to paddle from the Land of 10,000 Lakes to Hudson Bay in the coming years, flanked by his loyal Irish “brothers.”
Known for his wit, warmth, and unwavering community spirit, Cyrus embodies the Irish ethos of *"Céad míle fáilte"*—a hundred thousand welcomes. This St. Patrick’s Day, we proudly celebrate Dr. McMoodi, an honorary Irishman who blends joy, connection, and a pinch of wild-hearted daring in everything he does. Sláinte!