STAR Exhibits & Environments Chief Financial Officer Allan Flinn has been named a 2026 CFO of the Year honoree by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, recognizing his financial leadership and impact on STAR during a period of significant growth and change.
Since joining STAR just over a year ago, Flinn has strengthened the company’s financial foundation while becoming a trusted strategic partner across the business. He joined the organization shortly after multiple acquisitions and integrations involving systems, processes, teams and people, quickly identifying opportunities to improve how the company operates.
Flinn has strengthened financial planning and analysis, revamped STAR’s annual budgeting process and improved financial operations across the organization. By partnering closely with Client Services, Operations and executive leadership, he has helped STAR make more informed business decisions and strengthen the operational discipline behind the complex experiential programs STAR delivers for clients.
Flinn also played an important leadership role in the successful sale of Exhibitor Group, including EXHIBITOR magazine and EXHIBITORLIVE, to the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). The strategic transaction allowed STAR to sharpen its focus and resources on its core experiential business while positioning Exhibitor Group for continued success.
“What Allan has accomplished in a short period of time is impressive, but how he has done it is equally important,” said Mark Johnson, CEO of STAR Exhibits & Environments. “He brings tremendous financial expertise along with the ability to see the big picture, understand the details and provide a calm, steady presence.”
Flinn is also a co-founder and board member of Pryes Brewing Company, previously served on the Board of Trustees for Mounds Park Academy, holds an inactive Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, and an MBA from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.
The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s CFO of the Year awards recognize outstanding financial executives for their contributions to their companies and communities. Flinn and the other 2026 honorees will be celebrated at the November 12 awards luncheon and featured in the Business Journal’s November 13 CFO of the Year special publication.
