Michelle is the Executive Director of the Moose Lake Area Chamber of Commerce since January 2023. Michelle previously was the Director of Development at Essentia Health Moose Lake Foundation and Mercy Hospital Moose Lake Foundation for the past seven years.

Originally from the rural area of Osceola, Wisconsin, Michelle’s family moved to Willow River, Minnesota where she graduated high school. She then attended St. Cloud Beauty College to be a licensed Cosmetologist. She left Minnesota to attend college at the University of Nevada Las Vegas where she received a BA in journalism and marketing. She began her professional career at KLAS TV/CBS as an intern reporter and assistant producer. She then worked in the entertainment and event industry including the production of major events. Her other career experiences encompass community development, marketing, public relations, and nonprofit management. After residing in Las Vegas for several years and raising her family, she returned home to Minnesota.

Michelle is a graduate of the Institute for Executive Director Leadership at the University of St. Thomas.

She has a love for community involvement and volunteers her time in many capacities and embraces the warmth of neighbors helping neighbors. Together with her husband, Vern, both are realtors for Timber Ghost Realty. Between them have seven children and one granddaughter. In her spare time Michelle enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.