EM WESTERLUND

34, CLOQUET 27, DULUTH

a lot of sweet little spots along the river to spend an afternoon reading, swimming and enjoying the solitude.

What have you learned in your time spent at home during the pandemic?

I’m more of an introvert than I thought. Perks include extra time with my partner and her kids in our “pod” and working from home has been an unexpected but nice change of pace.

I’m more aware than ever that we are blessed to live in such a beautiful place. There are so many trails to get out on when the pandemic stress gets too big to hold. The solace of Lake Superior is also something I’ve appreciated through all of the time we’ve spent hunkered down.

I’m grateful that despite COVID, the seasons continue to change and nature goes on its consistent way without interruption. There is something so comforting about that — a promise that our lives will also someday resume some semblance of normalcy.

What do you do?

(job, community involvement)

Day job: I help lead Minnesota Power’s business retention, expansion and recruitment efforts across northeastern and central Minnesota.

Night job: I serve as an at large member of the Duluth City Council, as well as on the boards of the Northspan Group, Community Action Duluth, Greater Downtown Council, 1200 Fund, Laurentian Chamber of Commerce and various other committees and task forces.

How do you spend your free time?

Our family loves taking family hikes on the Superior Hiking Trail, playing in our yard, and loading up in the van after dinner for ice cream.

I’m also quietly a big fantasy football nerd and have run a league with my high school and college friends for 14 years. I haven’t won the title in nine years, but it’s a fun way to stay in touch with the type of lifelong friends who will go out of their way to keep a guy humble.

Tell us about an influential person in your life.

I’ve been really blessed to have supportive mentors, role models and family in my life. My work ethic and drive come from my mom and dad, who have always pushed me. I’ve also worked for seven bosses in my career, including six amazing women.

One of those women is Nancy Norr. She is an incredibly community-minded leader