About Laurel
Laurel is running for County Commissioner because she believes in the power of public service to improve the everyday lives of people.
A passionate servant leader, Laurel brings strong collaborative skills and optimistic thinking to local government. With 20 years of experience in education, healthcare, community organizing, and small business, Laurel understands the importance of working together to get things done. She looks forward to collaborating with fellow commissioners, county staff, local leaders, and community members to ensure exceptional county services for all Olmsted County residents.
VOLUNTEER WORK
GOALS ONCE ELECTED
-
Olmsted County Human Services Advisory Board member
-
Rochester Area Foundation, First Homes, board member
-
Kutzky Park Neighborhood Association, board member
-
Rochester Civic Theater, executive board member
-
Arts Trust of Minnesota, board member
-
Refugee Family Resettlement
-
Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota
-
Hawthorne Helps
-
A Litter Bit Better
-
Rochester Public Library
-
Church Volunteer and Youth Mentor
-
Reduce financial burden on taxpayers by advocating at the State Legislature for funding of state-mandated services
-
Amplify community voice by bringing unheard stories to the decision-making table
-
Encourage economic development that will create jobs, serve our greater community, and strengthen our local economy
-
Prioritize the continuum of care in Olmsted County, from early childhood to older adults, by working with local, state, and national partners to improve service to residents, through collaboration, education, and elimination of barriers
-
Champion the performing and visual arts in Olmsted County
-
Expand leadership opportunities and civic engagement for young people in Olmsted County
GROWING UP IN
Rochester
Laurel grew up in Rochester’s Kutzky Park Neighborhood. She spent her senior year of high school in Germany as a Rotary exchange student. After graduating from John Marshall High School, she continued her work and education in Minneapolis and Los Angeles, returning to Kutzky Park in 2007, where she now lives with her husband, Darin, their two dogs, and a small flock of backyard chickens. Laurel’s stepdaughter, Ella, lives in the Twin Cities and works as a digital media designer. Laurel joined the
Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center
team at Mayo Clinic in 2009 as an educator and health and wellness professional. Serving students, patients, and staff holistically, her work centers on resiliency and healthy aging. Laurel is a successful small business owner, operating a cottage food enterprise from her home in the Kutzky Park Neighborhood.
Laurel has a Bachelor’s Degree in Theater Arts from the University of Minnesota, and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.