Bio
Born and raised in Minot, ND, I migrated to Moorhead for college earning my BA in Legal Assistance and my Masters in Public Administration from MSUM. I have been active in public services throughout my entire life – previously as the Director of Victim Services in the Clay County Attorney’s Office and currently, as the Criminal Justice Systems Manager at Minnesota Elder Justice Center.
I have served on many agency boards over the years, such as the FM Area Foundation Women’s Fund Advisory Committee and was the Chairperson for the 2017 Women’s Fund Breakfast; Rainbow Bridge, where I was the first Board Chair; Minnesota Elder Justice Center, where I was a founding board member; Moorhead Police Activities & Athletics League Board of Directors; and the YMCA.
Additionally, I have volunteered at the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center as an advocate and presenter as well as volunteered at Trinity Lutheran Church as both a confirmation leader and summer bible school leader. During my 28-year career, I have provided training in 22 states, 2 U.S. territories and 4 countries on the topics of domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse.
I was first elected to City Council in 2018 and served on the Moorhead Library board, Lake Agassiz Regional Library Board, Joint Powers Board and the Metro Area Flood Diversion board. I was appointed to Mayor on February 8, 2021, and simultaneously assumed the role of Flood Diversion Chair for 2021. I continue to serve on the Flood Diversion Board as Mayor.
I attend Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead and, in my free time, enjoy reading, traveling, hanging out at the lake, playing piano, watching hockey, playing pinochle, and, most importantly, spending time with my family and friends. I am married to Ron and we have two children – McKinnon (23) who attends college at NDSU and is in the ND Air National Guard, and Jordan (20) who attends college at UND. Yes – we are divided household! Ron and I also have two fur babies, Lola and Oakley. Ron, McKinnon and Jordan all graduated from Moorhead High School (1987, 2017, and 2020 respectively). As such, I consider myself an honorary Spud since I married one, and birthed two!