MINNEAPOLIS, MN – October 20, 2026. Winthrop & Weinstine is proud to announce that shareholder Eric Swanson has been selected for Finance & Commerce’s “Minnesota Icon Awards” for 2026, and government relations specialist Haley Cobb will be honored among Finance & Commerce’s list of “Rising Young Professionals” for 2026.

The Minnesota ICON Awards recognize the most influential and respected leaders in Minnesota’s business and legal communities who have demonstrated decades of professional achievement, exceptional leadership, and lasting impact on their industries.

Rising Young Professionals recognizes the next generation of leaders who are making a significant impact across Minnesota’s business community by driving innovation, creating meaningful change, and helping shape the future of Minnesota’s economy.

For more than three decades, Eric Swanson has helped shape Minnesota’s energy and regulatory landscape, building a career distinguished by legal excellence, trusted relationships, and a steady approach to some of the state’s most consequential and complex matters. Representing regional and national energy suppliers, renewable energy developers, public and private utilities, and other industry participants before state and federal regulatory bodies, the courts, and the Minnesota Legislature, his work spans major facility permitting and siting, rate proceedings, regulatory compliance, contested cases and appellate litigation.

Over his long-standing career at Winthrop, he has helped build the firm’s Energy and Environmental practice through the strength of his reputation, his investment in relationships, and his commitment to the success of those around him. Clients rely on him as a calm, practical counselor who can bring together legal, financial and policy considerations and provide clear direction when the stakes are high. That same approach makes him a valued colleague and mentor. While his record of achievement is substantial, his legacy is broader—a reflection of his practice strength, respect from colleagues and mentees, enduring relationships across Minnesota’s legal and business communities, and a standard of leadership built on credibility, steadiness, and service.

Haley Cobb is a rising force in Minnesota public affairs whose impact far exceeds her years. Early roles on the 2017 Minneapolis mayoral race and the 2018 Minnesota House DFL caucus quickly showcased her talents; as Deputy Finance Director, she helped raise nearly $5.5M, contributing to flipping 18 seats. She later served as assistant to then-Speaker Melissa Hortman in 2019–2020 and as Finance Director for Governor Walz’s 2022 re-election, where she planned and executed a record-setting $9.3M fundraising program. Following this campaign, Haley joined Winthrop’s Government Relations practice, where she has become a trusted advisor and relationship builder in just 3 short years.

In addition to her campaign and lobbying experience, Haley is an active volunteer and frequent speaker. She has presented at the Minnesota Telecom Alliance annual conference, with Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, and at Minnesota Brownfields, among others, and is a regular contributor to Winthrop’s “Legislative Top 5,” a weekly roundup of legislative updates published during each session. Haley routinely gives her time and experience through pro bono service, contributing more than 200 hours over the past 2 years to a local housing nonprofit organization. Colleagues consistently note Haley’s ability to earn trust, simplify complexity and deliver measurable results.

Both Eric Swanson and Haley Cobb will be honored at an awards ceremony hosted by Finance & Commerce on December 10 at Quincy Hall in Minneapolis.