Bio for... 

 

Amy Heutmaker

​​​

Amy Heutmaker serves as one of the Trustees for Russell Township, bringing to the role a unique blend of professional experience, community service, and a lifelong commitment to helping others. Her path to public office has been shaped by a diverse career spanning business, mental health counseling, public safety, and community leadership, all anchored by a deep belief in transparency, integrity, and service.

​

Amy was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota and raised in White Bear Lake, where she graduated from White Bear Lake Area High School (WBLAHS) in 1990. Growing up in a close-knit community shaped her appreciation for strong local institutions, civic responsibility, and the value of neighbors looking out for one another, principles that continue to guide her work today.

​

She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Radio/TV/Film from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where she developed strong communication skills and a passion for understanding people’s stories and the systems that shape their lives. Amy later completed her MBA at the University of Phoenix, gaining a robust foundation in leadership, finance, and organizational management. Building on those strengths, she earned a Master of Science in Counseling from SUNY-Brockport, preparing her for meaningful work as a mental health professional and deepening her understanding of how individuals and communities thrive.

​

Amy’s career reflects a steady dedication to public service. While living in Irondequoit, New York, she proudly served as a volunteer firefighter with the Saint Paul Boulevard Fire Department. This experience strengthened her belief in teamwork, preparedness, and the vital importance of strong first responder services. Her time in the fire service also shaped her appreciation for the daily sacrifices made by those who safeguard their communities, a perspective she carries forward as she engages in township planning, safety services, and long-term infrastructure conversations.

​

Today, Amy is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Beachwood, working with individuals across a wide range of needs. Her clinical work has honed her ability to listen deeply, evaluate complex situations, and help people navigate competing priorities, all essential skills for effective public leadership. As a therapist, she values evidence-based decision making, compassionate communication, and meeting people where they are, principles that directly inform her work as a Trustee.

​

Amy’s life has taken her across the country, now she calls Russell home, giving her a broad perspective on community needs, regional governance, and local culture. She and her wife, Erin, make their home in Russell Township, drawn to its rural character, strong civic identity, and commitment to thoughtful stewardship of shared resources.

​

Since arriving, Amy has immersed herself in local issues, learning the details of township operations, budgets, services, and long-term planning needs. She believes deeply in the value of transparent, accessible communication and is dedicated to helping residents understand how decisions are made, how tax dollars are allocated, and how the township can best prepare for the future. Her goals include strengthening support for seniors and families, addressing vacant and blighted properties, improving communication from township offices, ensuring responsible budgeting and financial forecasting, and preserving the community’s rural charm while planning carefully for long-term sustainability.

​

As Trustee, Amy is committed to leading with honesty, steadiness, and collaboration. She values civil discourse, practical solutions, and building strong relationships with residents, local businesses, and neighboring communities. She believes local government works best when it is responsive, transparent, and genuinely connected to the people it serves.

​

Amy is grateful for the trust Russell Township residents have placed in her. She looks forward to serving with integrity, working alongside her fellow trustees, and helping ensure that Russell continues to thrive, not just today but for generations to come.

​

​