Meet Owen
Owen Michaelson is a candidate with diverse skills and wide experiences, giving him a fresh perspective on politics. Owen holds a BA in Political Science and an MA in Human Resources from the University of Minnesota. His dual strengths of organizational management coupled with extensive technical expertise permit Owen to view policymaking and politics with an analytical eye.
Owen is committed to the Edina community. He has been a Cubmaster for eight years, an Assistant Scoutmaster for twelve, and a Sunday School teacher for sixteen. All these activities demonstrate his commitment to mentoring future leaders.
Owen is an Eagle Scout. He represents the values of leadership, resilience, and environmental stewardship. His energetic nature and attentive listening make him a relatable and approachable representative for Bloomington and Edina's diverse constituents.
These qualities position him to represent Bloomington and Edina residents effectively in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Early Years and Community Involvement
The apex of Owen's community involvement was his four-year service on the Edina School Board. In his Board tenure, Owen was a results-oriented team player. He assisted formulating the educational and administrative direction of the District as Chair of the Policy Committee; he bore School District fiduciary responsibility as a member of the Finance Committee. His leadership and collaboration found solutions that enhanced student learning while effectively deploying District resources.
Owen was a founder of the Legislative Action Committee, a group of citizens and Board Members dedicated to advocate to the State Legislature for funding and educational reforms. Additionally, Owen spearheaded a literacy initiative that has since become a cornerstone of the Edina Public Schools' curriculum, leaving a legacy of his commitment to fostering academic excellence.
Family and Community Ties
His broad community involvement and family connections demonstrate Owen's roots in Edina. As a loving husband to Bethany for twenty-seven years and a devoted father to four children—all of whom attended and graduated from Edina Public Schools—Owen knows firsthand the joys and challenges of raising a family in Edina!
Professional and Entrepreneurial Experience
Owen has been a successful entrepreneur, owning GopherData, Inc. for eighteen years. As a small-business owner, he brings valuable insights to the race. He also has over thirty years of information management experience and is both interested in and acutely aware of the implications of technology on government and society alike.
Owen Michaelson possesses a strong sense of community, extensive management experience, and a deep commitment to promoting the interests of Edina and Bloomington residents.