I grew up in Southwest Minnesota as one of eight children. My parents were incredible role models who instilled in me a strong work ethic and a commitment to helping others and supporting our community. After graduating from Tracy High School, I moved to Minneapolis to attend the University of Minnesota. Working multiple jobs—including security and cleaning houses—put that work ethic to the test, but it ultimately enabled me to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Housing Studies with a concentration in Design and Building Technology.

 

I am married and have two children with my husband of 28 years, Marty. Both of our children attended school in the Osseo School District and graduated from Park Center High School. I also have a wonderful stepdaughter. My husband and my son are both United States Marine Corps veterans. We have lived in Brooklyn Park for 28 years; we purchased our first home here in 1998. When we looked for our next home in 2010, even though we had the ability to move elsewhere, we chose to stay in Brooklyn Park the city we love, with amazing people.

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I am currently the Director of Community and Government Relations for Anoka County, a role I have held since 2023. Prior to that, I spent 23 years administering complex federal community development and housing programs for Hennepin County. I have dedicated my 30+ year career to community development, strengthening neighborhoods, and ensuring housing affordability for families and veterans. I have a strong commitment to public service, and my volunteer work has allowed me to further develop my skills, expand my knowledge, and build meaningful relationships and networks.

 

I was elected to the Brooklyn Park City Council in 2018 to 2022, representing the Central District. Through my four years on the council, I gained experience in leadership, collaboration, negotiation, and bringing diverse groups of people together to improve our city. I served as Mayor Pro Tem for eight months (January through August 2021) during the special election for Mayor. In 2021 my home was redistricted to the West district.

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Prior to being elected for council, I served on; the Brooklyn Park Planning Commission (April 2011 to March 2017) Vice Chair 2014, Chair April 2015-March 2017. The Planning Commission holds public hearings on a wide variety of development issues, including zoning, platting, conditional use permits and variances. In addition, it develops long-range plans to guide the physical development of the community through a comprehensive planning process.  While on the Planning commission, I also served as the representative for the commission to the following:

 

• the Park and Recreation Committee during the creation of the Recreation and Parks Master Plan (2012)

• the Signature Development Task Force (2013)

• The Neighborhoods Initiative Task Force (2014)

 

I have also served on the Brooklyn Park Citizen Long Range Improvement Committee (CLIC) (2009–2011) Chair (2009-2011)  CLIC members study long-term trends and makes recommendations to the City Council on improvements to Brooklyn Park's future and reviews the City's infrastructure planning (streets, sewers, and public buildings) where public funds will be involved. 

 

Brooklyn Park Council appointed me as one of the citizen representatives to a number of tasks forces to study the following specific topics requested by the Council:

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• Brooklyn Park Stable Neighborhoods Task Force (2006)

• Brooklyn Park Multifamily Housing Study Group (2008)

• Brooklyn Park Community Advisory Committee (CAC) member for the Bottineau Light Rail (2009 to 2014 and  again in 2018).

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The Brooklyn Park Youth Opportunities Coalition (2008–2011). This was the foundation of the youth program that are now a permanent under the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance, now called BrookLynk.  I participated in multiple summits where we had focused conversations, listening sessions, consensus workshops and used surveys done by the youth to listen to their voice and to and create collaboration with the youth, the community and local government in order to positively raise awareness of problems facing youth.  My son and I were featured in a Minneapolis Star Tribune article about our participation in 2009.

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In addition, I  serve on the Liberty Oaks Single Family Association Board (2010 to present) – President (2012 to 2021, 2026).

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