LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT WITH GARY HANSEN (SOUTH DAKOTA STATE 72)

Gary Hansen started serving when he was in elementary school — and never stopped. “I am not one to sit idly by when I can be productive. It is important for me to stay active and find ways to give back to others and my community. I am fortunate to have the time and resources to be able to share, and I am happy to do that,” Gary said.

Gary is serving his fifth term on the Eagan, Minnesota, City Council. He is acting mayor in the mayor’s absence, serves as vice president of the Eagan Economic Development Authority and represents Eagan on numerous regional boards, including the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, Suburban Transit Association and the Twins Cities Metropolitan Council's Transportation Advisory Board.

Gary is a past president of the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities (Metro Cities) and serves on Metro Cities and League of Minnesota Cities legislative policy committees. While at South Dakota State, Gary was active in student government and served as chapter president and associate editor of Pearls & Rubies. He was a Doane Award recipient in 1974. He is a past director and officer on the Minnesota FarmHouse Association board.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING OR SERVICE?

I would advise others to devote their efforts to causes they are passionate about supporting. It is important to focus on favorite causes and do your best to help them succeed. Don’t be discouraged if desired results cannot be achieved; sometimes they require longer-term or different efforts.

From a public service perspective, it is important not to become discouraged or offended when others criticize your efforts. Those in positions of representing others cannot always please everyone. Use your best judgment and do what you think is best in each situation, and be prepared to explain your rationale. I find that when people understand the facts behind why something was done, they are more likely to accept it, or at least know the basis for the decision.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED VOLUNTEERING?

I have always been interested in influencing others. It started in elementary school when I was elected as president of the Young Citizens League. My interest continued through student government in high school and college.

I was active in the National FFA Organization as chapter president and state president in South Dakota.

I served on and chaired citizen advisory commissions for both the city and county before being elected to the city council. I volunteer in my community through Rotary and at food pantries. I am also part of a group that plans and organizes SDSU alumni events in the Twin Cities region and I serve on my law school alumni board.

WHY IS SUPPORTING YOUR COMMUNITY IMPORTANT TO YOU?

As a council member of one of Minnesota’s largest cities for more than 14 years, I have had the opportunity to help guide the city’s growth and development and implement programs and services that contribute to making our community a great place to live, work and play. I believe in communicating with residents to learn what’s important and helping them meet their needs.

WHY SHOULD OTHERS CONSIDER BEING A PUBLIC SERVANT?

Public service is not for everyone, but for those who have an interest, it can be a rewarding experience. If you want to make a difference, influence change, and interact with people, public service affords those opportunities.

Public service provides an opportunity to become a steward of public policy and contribute to improvements that are vital to quality of life. It can provide a sense of fulfillment, allow one to act on altruistic desires, and give one a sense of accomplishment that comes from knowing you made a measurable difference in the lives of others.

WHAT DOES SERVICE AS A VALUE OF FARMHOUSE MEAN TO YOU?

FarmHouse members acknowledge in The Object, “the promise of service to their fellow men and to the world.” This promise made a memorable impression on me as a new member and it continues to guide me. By offering service to others, I try to remain true to our vision of a membership empowered and inspired to leave a lasting, positive impact on our communities, which may require “a sacrifice of time, pleasures, and comforts.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FARMHOUSE MEMORY?

I treasure the memory of being presented the Doane Award because it reflected my chapter brothers’ appreciation for successfully working together to achieve our goals and objectives.

I fondly remember encouraging our chapter advisor, Bob Off, to apply for the FarmHouse executive director position and the pride and elation we experienced when he succeeded.

WHAT LEADS YOU TO CONTINUE TO VOLUNTEER WITH FARMHOUSE?

I am grateful for the opportunities FarmHouse has provided to me, both organizationally and socially. The Fraternity expects and rewards academic achievement and offered valuable leadership experience for me as chapter president. The chapter house was a “home away from home” where I lived with my family of brothers. It remains a home to me whenever I visit the campus, and it’s a gathering place to remember and celebrate longtime relationships.

As I have been able, it has been my desire to give back to FarmHouse. Volunteering my time and efforts, currently as a Foundation Trustee, as well as donating financially, helps achieve our mission to strengthen values and provide leadership and personal growth opportunities while building exceptional men.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A FARMHOUSE FOUNDATION TRUSTEE?

I am honored to be part of a dedicated group of successful individuals who bring varied backgrounds and expertise to support the mission of the Fraternity and Foundation. I have learned from other Trustees as we have shared our professional experiences to support the work of the Foundation. I especially appreciate the spirit of camaraderie and sharing of life experiences when we gather together.

WHEN HAS YOUR SERVICE MEANT TO YOU?

I have been elected and reelected to the Eagan City Council five times. Every election I am honored people have remained confident I will make the right decisions on their behalf and desire me to continue. I am honored when interested residents express appreciation for the job the city and council are doing.