From the Chair: New year, new hopes!

Below is a message from GMPT Chair Gina Hugo. You can reach her at gina.hugo@co.sherburne.mn.us.

Hello GMPT Members! We hope this finds you filled with hope and enthusiasm for what 2025 will bring to you professionally and personally. 

Kicking off the second half of my term as the Chair, I hope to see your continued engagement in our wonderful network of professionals. Your support was shown so vividly in 2024 through your membership and meeting participation, and I hope it was as beneficial for you as it was for me! The opportunity to exchange ideas and encouragement as we learn from guest speakers and partners, advocate at the Legislature, and see the Legacy dollars at work is so important.

Our next opportunity to connect with fellow members is coming up in February, and you won’t want to miss it! Register now for Legislative Action Day on February 25^th. The word “lobbying” always sounded intimidating to me—and it CAN be, no doubt. Legislative Action Day is a great time to receive encouragement and mentoring to be more effective and confident as you advocate for important policies and funding for parks and trails. Join us!

Last but not least, we would like to welcome our newest GMPT Board Member, Crystal Johnson! Crystal has served in her role as City Manager for the City of Granite Falls for eight years and represents District 3. Prior to her current position, Crystal was the City Manager for the City of Dawson for almost four years. She has a master’s degree in Public Administration from Hamline University and a B.A. in Political Science from Southwest Minnesota State University. Crystal enjoys hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, and exploring new areas. She is looking forward to being on the GMPT board and continuing to advocate for outdoor recreation in Greater Minnesota!