Lee Cutler 32

Northeast Area Labor Council

What do you do professionally?

I am a field organizer for the Northeast Area Labor Council. We represent 40,000 union members, covering the counties of St. Louis, Pine, Carlton, Lake, Cook, Itasca, and Koochiching. My job includes working with the affiliated unions of the Minnesota AFL- CIO, local Central Labor Body unities and key community allies to execute the labor political programming. I have also worked on many political campaigns, recently as a voter regional director with Joe Biden for President and Campaign Manager Renee Van Nett’s City Council reelection.

How are you involved in the community?

Do you volunteer with any organizations?

I serve on many DFL boards. Currently I am an at-large director for the 8th Congressional District, a State Central Committee member, chair for my precinct and a board member for the DFL Stonewall Caucus. I also serve on the United Way Community Service Board. I volunteer with the Duluth Children’s Museum and am a member of the First United Methodist “Copper Top” Church.

What is important to you?

My family and friends (and Patti LuPone).

How do you spend your free time?

I am very active in the Duluth theatre community, having performed on stage with the Duluth Playhouse, Wisefool Theater Company and the newly formed Boat Club Productions. I am currently in “A year with Frog and Toad” at the Playhouse Family theater. When not working or on stage performing, I enjoy spending time at the family cabin or playing Monday night trivia.

Favorite things about living and working in the Northland?

The sense of community Duluth has! I grew

From the nominators up here, this is home for me. My mother and I like to play a game when we are at an event: “‘Who knows the most people?” It’s usually a tossup on who wins.

What advice would you give to up and coming professionals?

Show up and be present! Make yourself be known, make yourself be heard. Networking is so important.

Favorite moment in life?

Between being on winning campaigns, being in theatre productions, having a fulfilling, rewarding job, and time with my family, life is filled with so many wonderful moments.

Who has inspired you or your favorite motivational quote?

“This is not the time for tippy toe politics.”

—Paul Wellstone

“Is your soul alive? Then let it feed! Leave no balconies where you can climb; Nor golden heads with pillows to share; Nor wine cups while the wine is sweet; Nor ecstasies of body or soul, You will die, no doubt, but die while living In depths of azure, rapt and mated, Kissing the queen-bee, Life!”

— Edgar Lee Masters, Spoon River Anthology

Anything else you want to add?

Thank you to all who nominated me for this award. I am humbled and honored.

“He’s a lifelong Duluthian, born and raised, and has an incredible reputation in every sphere of work he’s been involved in. Duluth is lucky to have someone like him.”

Hannah Alstead

“In my experience with Lee, he will stand with the community in hard times and will stand in good times, his heart shines through the darkest hours and he is very trustworthy.”

— Renee Van Nett

“My best go to guy for all things Duluth. Lee loves Duluth, it is his home and he loves to share it with everyone. Lee rocks Duluth with a passion.”

— Cyndy Martin

“He is extremely passionate in the local community and theater and politics, a kind person who is so involved in so many people’s lives! An absolute gem of a person, he is so deserving of this award and loves Duluth so much!”

— Carlee Buchacker

“Lee is a phenomenal human. The way he serves his community in such a multitude of ways is something that inspires those around him to believe that we can all do more and be the change we want to see in the world.”

Elizabeth Schroeder